Garry Kitchener Johnstone

With deep love and sadness, we announce the passing of Garry Kitchener Johnstone, a devoted father, proud grandfather, loyal partner, and friend. Garry passed away peacefully on July 8th, 2025, with family by his side at the age of 83, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, quiet strength, and deep love.

Garry was born August 12th, 1941, in Barrie, Ontario. He began his family life with his wife, Barb Bell, with whom he had three sons. Some of his fondest memories were summers at his mom’s (Nan) trailer at Clearlake in Riding Mountain National Park, where he and the boys spent carefree days golfing, playing mini golf, hitting the arcades, playing lawn darts, and soaking up the sun on the beach.

Garry is survived by his beloved partner, Nedra Andersen, with whom he shared the last 33 years of his life. Together, they supported and nurtured a blended family of five sons and remained deeply involved in the lives of their 12 grandchildren. Garry is also survived by his sons Duane (Amber), Darrell (Sian), and James (Jen), as well as Nedra’s sons Eric (Rachel) and Michael (Michelle). He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Cameron, Trevor, Grayson, Jayden, Lexi, Tavish, Jaxen, Easton, Gavin, Carlynn, and Kaiden. He will also be missed by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Myrtle Johnstone, sister Jo-Ann Johnstone, and his granddaughter Kayla Andersen.

A baker by trade and by heart, Garry built his career on early mornings and a legacy of freshly baked goods every day. He had worked at City Bread before beginning a career of over 33 years with Dominion, which later became Safeway, where he continued in his role as bakery manager. Known for his strong work ethic, Garry was deeply respected by both coworkers and customers alike. Even after retiring from Safeway, he wasn’t quite ready to hang up his apron, so he continued doing what he loved at the IGA bakery on Main Street, staying active and connected to the craft he took so much pride in.

Garry had a sweet spot for the kitchen. A baker at heart who especially loved to supervise the Christmas baking. He’d hover just close enough to keep an eye on the process, offering a tip or just keeping an eye on quality control. Any bakers were always a little worried about their baking “passing inspection,” but then he’d shoot you a smile, sneak two cookies off the tray, and you knew it was a success. These baking days became some of the family’s most cherished holiday traditions.

Garry was a man of few words, but his presence spoke volumes. A quiet spectator, he stood tall with pride especially when it came to his family. Nothing brought him more joy than Christmas mornings surrounded by loved ones, Sunday roast dinners with his boys and grandkids, and cheering from the sidelines or stands as his sons and later his grandchildren played sports and participated in a variety of activities. He led by example, teaching his boys the value of family and hard work. These lessons have shaped their lives and continue to guide them today.

In his earlier years, he was his sons’ biggest fan and never missed a game. When their playing days ended, he seamlessly shifted into retirement as a full-time supporter of his grandkids. Their sports schedules and activities were highlighted and neatly posted on the side of the fridge so that he wouldn’t miss a thing. That even included logging in to Live Barn with Nedra to watch his grandkids in Texas play hockey. He was always there, quietly but proudly watching, full of love and admiration.

In retirement, Garry filled his days with the things he loved most. He cherished his weekly golf games with his golf buddies, rounds with his sons for the coveted jacket in the annual “Johnstone Classic,” and cruising the open highway in his beloved old Camaro. He also enjoyed time spent in the garden, and making sure that the lawn was always trimmed just right. He and Nedra were regulars at Saturday evening Goldeyes games and ventured once a year to Minneapolis to watch the Vikings. These were the moments that brought him peace and happiness.

Garry will be remembered for his quiet strength and his unwavering loyalty to those he loved.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg for their compassionate care and support during Garry’s final days. Your kindness, professionalism, and dedication brought great comfort to him and our entire family.

A celebration of Garry’s life will take place on Sunday, August 10th at 2:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Fort Garry Branch #90, located at 762 Pembina Highway. The service begins at 2:00pm, with time afterward for visiting, sharing memories, and enjoying some refreshments and snacks in good company.

In honour of Garry, the family asks that any donations in his memory be made to Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or KidSport Manitoba.