January 21, 1945 - February 25, 2019
Garry Michael Emery (74) of Parksville, BC passed on Feb 25, 2019 at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital with his family at his side. Garry was born Jan 21, 1945 in Vancouver, growing up in Haney, BC. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Betty Ann; his children, Randy Emery (Kim McCalder) from Victoria, BC and Brent (Stacie) Emery from Edmonton, AB; his siblings, Glenn (Hilda) Emery from Nanoose, BC, Diane (Gordie) Frederick of Lower Mainland, BC and Wayne (Brenda) Emery of Barriere, BC. Extended family members that will remember Garry are Leona Roach, Sharon (Mike) Byrne, John (Brenda) Roach and Raymond (Sue) Roach.
Garry started the career that would shape the rest of his life as an apprentice soldier at the age of 16 in Montreal - this career spanned 25 years and included roles from Regular Forces Army as a Pararigger/Safety Systems and as a Search and Rescue Technician. Serving his country with dedication as a SARTECH was a source of great pride for Garry and his family. One of the highlights of Garry's early military career was the honor of being part of an Olympic Biathlon Team. Garry remained an active member of the Para Rescue Association attending reunions and staying in contact with friends from across the country and years. Garry's next career involved attaining his third class Power Engineer and working for Dow Chemical for close to 14 years in Ft. Saskatchewan, AB in Fire & Security and as a Plant Operator.
Garry retired home to BC in 2010 to the Parksville area where he was able to embrace his love of the ocean and fishing, by owning a boat with Betty Ann and being an active participant in the Nanoose Power Squadron as a member and instructor. He enjoyed many rounds of golf at the Winchelsea View Golf Course as well as honing his woodworking skills to make beautiful and unique wooden bowls and home goods. He and Betty Ann continued to be active in their retirement and enjoyed the opportunity to travel and see the world.
A Celebration of Garry's life will be held Friday, March 8, 2019 at 1 pm at Yates Memorial Services, 1000 Allsbrook Rd., Parksville. If you would like to honour Garry's memory the family requests that you consider donations to Honour House, British Columbia (www.honourhouse.ca) or the charity of your choice.
To send a condolence to the family please visit www.yatesmemorial.ca. Yates Memorial Services 250-248-5859
"Lives Cherished and Celebrated"
