Garry William Mennie

With his daughters by his side, Garry passed peacefully on February 23, 2025 at the Ottawa General Hospital after a short illness. He is predeceased by his wife, Mary Jo (nee Carton), and his parents, John Mennie and Olena Wylie.

Garry was raised in Wendover, Ontario, on his family’s Century Farm which was started in 1865. As an only child, he was very close to his parents and other family members. After farming for his early years, Garry moved to Ottawa and went on to have a long career working for the Federal Government where he developed some lifelong friendships.

As a teenager, Garry picked up a fiddle and taught himself to play by ear. He was a gifted musician, playing the fiddle, mandolin, and guitar. He performed at local community events in the Ottawa area, and then professionally with bands The Celts, Jug O’ Punch, and Paddy G & The Mennie Man. Known for his furiously fast fingers, Garry often brought a crowd to cheers with his Celtic jigs and reels. Up until weeks before his death, Garry continued to learn new tunes and play music with friends.

Garry was a kind and loyal husband to his beloved wife of 31 years, Mary Jo. After her passing, he remained close to her family and always enjoyed attending lively family parties.

Being a father was one of Garry’s most cherished roles. He was a gentle, patient, and devoted dad to his two daughters, Katie (Michael Burton) and Joanna (Nicholas Gray). His stable and loving presence was a constant support in their lives. More recently, “Gramps,” as he was affectionately known, delighted in being a grandfather to his four grandchildren, Lucas, Ethan, Jack, and Emma. On his trips to Toronto, he could be found playing soccer and ball hockey with Lucas and Ethan, building train tracks with Jack, and being ordered around by little Emma. He was silly, playful, and endlessly agreeable; far younger in spirit than his 82 years.

Easygoing by nature, Garry enjoyed and appreciated the simple things in life – riding his bike by the river, watching hockey, tending to his garden, and marvelling in the beautiful sunsets from his balcony. He took great interest in politics and all things Canadian, and he had an incredible memory for dates and historical events. Those who knew him well appreciated Garry’s easy laugh, his listening ear, and his incredible good humour. Garry lived a life to be grateful for, full of family, friends, and music. He will be most dearly missed.

A visitation for Garry will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home, 1411 Hunt Club Road, Ottawa, ON, followed by a funeral service in the chapel at 11:00 AM. Reception to follow. Garry's funeral may also be viewed live. Please reach out to his family to request the link.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ottawa Hospital would be appreciated, or donations to the charity of your choice (we have learned that Garry’s generous nature led him to donate to nearly all of them!).