Our beloved Garry passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, September 28, 2012, at Eagle Park Residence in Qualicum Beach, B.C. He was sixty eight years young. Born in Oulu, Finland,
Garry came to Canada with his parents Helmi and Jaakko Liimatta, moving to Kyuquot, B.C., a small fishing village on Vancouver Islands wild west coast. He grew up loving the ocean and being out on it. By the age of eighteen, he had his own boat, The Anaa L. Commercial fishing was his life, and generally messing about on boats. He had also become a shipwright, having attended Burnaby Tech, and worked on many wooden boats over the years.
In 1993, he and Liz Waring became reacquainted, having originally met in the mid 60’s. They lived together blissfully for twenty years, enjoying their home and property and all the creatures large and small that shared the land. When Garry planted his veggie garden, it was for all of us, including deer, rabbits, yes, even slugs. He enjoyed working on the property, building a Finnish Sauna, a large shop, a garage and rental house. Those people fortunate to have Garry in their lives, knew what a kind, gentle, generous man he was, who loved good times with his pals, of which he had many. Curling and golf were his past times and he was very proud of the hole in one he scored at Arrowsmith Golf club. Garry was predeceased by his mother and father and sister Meeri.
He is survived by his children, Jack (Renatta), Marie (Mike), Patty (Mike) and Joe, and five grandchildren, Adriana and Wyatt, Liam and Sean, and Leila. Being part of a blended family, Garry also leaves behind his “Sweetie” Liz and her children Nicky (Hugh) and Tim (Jody) and grandchildren Dionne, Drew, Hannah, Matson and Nathan. Brothers Allan and Norman, and sisters Leila, Linda, Nina and Inga also survive Garry.
Garry’s family thank the staff at Eagle Park who cared for him. You were his “earth angels” and your patience and thoughtful caring was remarkable. Thank you all very much. We were so fortunate to have Garry stay with you.
As his good pal Earl said: “They don’t come any better than him”.
A celebration of Garry’s life will be held in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Pacific Coast Wild Salmon Society, Box 339, Sointula, B.C. V0N 3E0.