John Wilfred Garrett

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for John Wilfred Garrett, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

      John was born on July 7, 1930 at home in Claresholm, Alberta. He was the son of John and Laura Garrett. Raised in Claresholm, Lethbridge Eats Co. Coutts Picture Butte, he was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, John was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, John was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if John was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, John also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. John was raised with three siblings. He had younger brothers, Jim, Ed and Don. John was constantly involved in activities with his family. John and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

      Growing up, John was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. He was content to entertain himself. John was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, he was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything he did as a child, John was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around him. John took part in a number of activities as a child. He took part in basketball and golf. He was an Air Cadet. In his spare time he liked Cars (working on them), and woodwork. John's memorable achievements included winning a medal for shooting against adults.

      John enjoyed learning. He always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. John was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. He often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, John was painstaking and accurate in his efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. John enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was woodworking shop.

      Most folks would say that John was shy until they got to know him. Those who were privileged to know him well learned that he was a solid, good friend. John was reluctant to generalize about people, and he based his friendships on his personal experiences. Because of this, John best trusted those people that he truly knew. He was concerned about how those around him felt, and he always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. He could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that he made, John kept. While growing up, some of his best friends were Art Furlong. Later in life, he became friends with R.C. and Betty Balmer, Pam and Peter Mykitshyn, and Ken and Lorriane Moore.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for John. On April 3, 1950 John married Mary-Louise Dewer at Norwood United Church of Edmonton, Alberta. He was totally committed to Lou and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if John naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although John disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

      John was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, John was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. In addition, John was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around him might be, he seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. John was blessed with Six, John, David, Lynda, Paul, Diane and Ian. They were also blessed with six grandchildren, Erin, Sean, Chris, Kate, Rachelle, Brenna.

      If you gave John a deadline, he would meet it. At work, John was always on task. Without hesitation, John could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was Greyhound Line for 17 years. He was employed by the Federal Government for 21 years. During that time, John excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. John was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, John had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. He was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

      While thorough and measured in his approach to things, John often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. He was like that with sports. In high school, John played Basketball and Golf. Recreational sports included Golf. He also enjoyed the statistical data and the facts behind the sports. In this way, he was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Football and Golf.

      Due to his excellent organizational skills, John was a welcome addition to the professional and community organizations to which he belonged. John could bring established, successful methods to the discussion table, along with a generous helping of common sense. John was good at making and keeping schedules and never got bogged down in unnecessary details. Throughout his later years, John was an active member of the Lions Club.

      John was active in the community. He was practical and grounded and based his decisions on first hand experience. He was responsible and liked working to achieve results rather than just chattering about possibilities. John was a member of several community groups, serving on committees for the

J.C's and Lions Club.

      Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with John had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that he was the trip planner. He would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included Trailering across Canada and USA, also Cruises.

      John had Dogs, several of them, all just the best. John was as loyal to his pets as they were to him.

      When John's retirement finally arrived in 1985, he was well prepared. He had taken the time to learn about his various options and chose his course wisely. Even in retirement, John continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      John passed away on February 17, 2014 at home from Cancer, a short battle. He is survived by his wife, six children, six grandchildren, and four

great-granchildren. There was no service. John was laid to rest in Vancouver, B.C.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. John was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. John was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. John Garrett was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with John. He will be missed.

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July 7, 1930 - February 17, 2014

After 83 years of family, love and beautiful memories

Jack passed away surrounded by his loving wife Lou of 64 years

and together enjoying their six children;

Jack (Elaine), David (Maureen), Lynda (Jeff), Paul (Sandra), Diane and Ian;

extended family Yau and Brian; 6 grandchildren;

4 great grandchildren and his 3 brothers, Jim, Ed and Don. Born in Claresholm

and settling in St Albert in 1962, Jack

dedicated much of his life to community through the JCs, Lions Club and volunteer work.

The family wishes to thank Dr James Bell for his compassionate care. No service by request.