Obituary of Garry Wheeler

Garry was born to Janet and William Wheeler in Frenchman’s Cove, Bay-of-Islands, Newfoundland, on a beautiful summer day on August 21^st, 1943. A rambunctious Garry Wheeler was the 12^th of 13 children. As a young adult, Garry moved to Baie Verte in the early 1960s working Lundrigan’s’ Construction. Shortly thereafter, he met Helen Downey; They courted, fell in love, and were married on June 19^th, 1965. They were blessed with their first child, their daughter Cathy, on April 2^nd, 1966, and on May 28^th, 1971, their second child was born; their son David. Garry went to work at Advocate Mines as a Heavy Equipment Operator in 1966 where he remained until the mine closure in 1990.

Music was a very large part of Garry’s life as he spent many years playing various musical instruments with family and friends. There are many wonderful memories of music and laughter during family gatherings and holidays. Garry also played in various bands across the island for many years (Sweet Seasons, Neon and Zap).

In 1991, after the mine closure, Garry, along with his wife Helen, sought work in Fort McMurray, AB, where he went to work with Fording Coal LTD as a shovel operator. He continued to work in Fort McMurray until 2007, when he retired and they moved to a small acreage in Westlock, AB. Garry spent countless hours in his garage woodworking and in the yard, planting trees or gardening with Helen. His love for musical entertainment never wavered as he continued to sing and play for family and friends alike. Garry was certainly a social butterfly and was truly loved by all. Of all the things that Garry was most proud of in his life, were his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; even leading up to the last days of his battle, Garry would still spend countless hours playing on the floor with his great-grandchildren.

On August 21^st, 2021, Garry’s birthday, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and only given a short amount of time to get his affairs in order; but, in typical Garry fashion, he fought a long battle for just over 2 years, never complaining and always staying positive. Finally, on August 26^th, 2023, just five short days after his 80^th birthday, Garry decided that it was his time to go and to be reunited with his loving wife, Helen.

Garry is survived by his children: Cathy and David (Tammy); his grandchildren: Alysia, Sarah, Hannah, Evan, and Alex; his great-grandchildren: Emma, Jackson, and Charlie; his brother, William, and his sisters: Joan and Irene.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Helen; his parents: Janet and William Wheeler and his siblings: Roland, Harold, Calvin, Sylvia, Alice, Ena, Henrietta, and Inez.

“Dad, you may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in Garry’s name.

For those who are unable to attend the services:

the mass will be livestreamed on the Robert Anderson Funeral Services Inc. Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/955528438875604?ref=newsfeed

the fellowship time to follow will also be livestreamed on the Robert Anderson Funeral Services Inc. Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/327197349965060?ref=newsfeed