Kevin Anthony Fenton McGarry

It is with full hearts and deep sorrow that the family of Kevin McGarry announces his peaceful passing on August 18, 2025, at the age of 72.

Kevin was born on February 4,1953, in London, England. His early childhood took him to Ardmore, Ireland where he lived until 1955 when the McGarry family immigrated to Winnipeg, Canada.

From an early age, Kevin was a disciplined student. At St. Paul’s High School, he excelled in every area — awarded the grade 12 gold medal for academics and recognized for his achievements in public speaking, and drama. It was on the high school stage, while playing identical twins Sebastian and Viola in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, that Kevin met the love of his life, Betty. That serendipitous casting sparked a lifelong partnership filled with devotion, laughter, and shared purpose.

By 22, Kevin had earned his MBA graduates from the University of Manitoba and went on to become the youngest lecturer at the U of M’s Faculty of Commerce. On his office door was the name “Kevin A.F. McGarry,” which inspired the affectionate nickname among his students: Kevin “Accounting and Finance” McGarry.

After a short detour to Toronto, Kevin began his commercial real estate career at JJ Gibbons, eventually co-founding Colliers Pratt McGarry, with partner Wayne Pratt, a firm that became a key player in shaping Winnipeg’s urban landscape. In 2002, Kevin transitioned into the biotech industry, bringing his business acumen to a new frontier before returning to real estate in 2015 and partnering with his youngest brother Martin at Cushman & Wakefield.

Amongst all his many accomplishments though, he would tell you his greatest was his family. He was always available for his kids cheering them on at sporting events, offering wise advice, tutoring difficult school subjects, building the backyard skating rink and spending every school vacation with his family on ski trips, and summers at the family’s cherished cottage on Coney Island, Lake of the Woods.

Kevin was deeply committed to his community. He served on the finance committee of St. John Brebeuf Parish, was a palliative companion, and was a longtime board member with Resource Assistance for Youth (RAY) and Centre Venture.

Kevin’s life was full of meaning, movement, and love — from world travels across Europe, a safari in Africa, quiet mornings on the lake, skiing, snowmobiling, gardening, and rousing games of bid whist with his family and friends. He represented Canada in sailing at the 1972 Youth Olympics and continued to sail the Caribbean and French Polynesia for more than 50 years with friends.

Above all, Kevin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife Betty; his daughter Kate (John Toole), and their children JJ, Anya, and Logan Anne (Calgary); his son Declan (Heather), and their children Mary Hollon and Fenton (Nashville); and his son Connor (Mandy), and their children Cleary and Miller Grace (Ottawa). In his later years, Kevin prioritized time with his grandchildren, traveling across North America to be present in their lives, just as he was for his children — always there, always cheering.

Kevin was the oldest of six siblings. He is survived by Pat (Melanie), Deirdre (Don), Anne (Charles), Geraldine (Brian), and Martin (Candice); as well as his sister-in-law Ida Marie Threadkell (Brian †2018), and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Dr. Patrick Martin McGarry; his mother, Patricia Joan McGarry; and his in-laws, Dr. William J. Friesen and first wife Marie Friesen and second wife Dr. Donna Patton Friesen.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate caregivers at CancerCare Manitoba (Victoria site) and Riverview Health Centre, whose care and kindness will never be forgotten.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Ignatius Parish, 255 Stafford St, Winnipeg, MB, with a reception to follow in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grace Hospital Foundation or to a local charity of your choice.