Gerald Walter (Gerry) Varty passed away peacefully at the Oilfields Hospital on June 6th, 2005, following a mercifully short battle with cancer. He died as he lived; surrounded by loving Friends and family, and held in the hearts of many.
Gerry was born in High River, Alberta on July 23rd, 1938 to William and Anne Varty. He was raised in Okotoks area, and loved the foothills and rivers of the area. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Thomas) in 1958, raised two boys, Gerald and Christopher, and together for the past 47 years have treasured the many wonderful friendships they made. Gerry got started in the Oil industry in 1965 with Hudson’s Bay Oil and Gas in Cessford, Alberta. He continued this career with Dome Petroleum (Brooks) and Amoco (Grande Prairie) until 1993, when he “retired” and started his own company, Turnkey Inspection, which he operated across Alberta and Saskatchewan with great enthusiasm until he really retired, in 2004 at his home of Turner Valley, after 39 years of service. Gerry was always actively involved in sports; playing hockey and baseball in his youth, to coaching hockey in his middle years, and finally golf (Turner Valley Golf Club) and curling (Oilfields Curling Association), which became the passion of his recent years. Gerry was a real ‘people person’, and loved meeting and befriending new people. He leaves behind many friends, memories, accomplishments and an enduring legacy of service to others, something he took immense pride in. He was a valued member of the Oyen-Crocus Masonic Lodge #82 (Oyen) and the Order of the Eastern Star Helen Chapter #91 (Brooks), and served many years as a School Trustee with Barry Creek/Rangeland, as well as volunteering on numerous committees and worthwhile projects in his communities throughout the years. He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth (Liz); his sons (and daughters-in-law) Gerald (Alicia) and Chris (Cathy). He is also survived by the grandchildren he was so proud of; Gerald’s children Kami (Kevin) and Kenny, and Chris’s children Jeffrey, Alyssa, and Mark. He leaves behind his brother Bill (Eulah) Varty, and sisters Beatrice (Ben) Straub and Dorothy (Norman) Jenkins, Brother-in-law John (Marlene) Thomas, his cousin and friend, Jack Dixon, and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces. He also leaves behind many dear friends, whom he valued greatly. He was predeceased by his father William in (1950), mother Anne in (1995), sister Vi Bird (2002), and Mother-in-law Marion Thomas in 1990. A Celebration of life service will be held in memory of Gerry at Snodgrass Funeral Chapel (Okotoks) 200 Woodgate Road on Saturday, June 11th, 2005 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be considered to the Oilfields/Okotoks Health Foundation Memorial Therapy Garden c/o Debroah Duncan P.O. Bag 1, Black Diamond, Alberta T0l 0H0 or to The Foothills Foundation for Seniors Greenhouse Project, 560 9th Avenue S.W. High River, Alberta T1V 9Z9 In Gerry’s name, helping to continue his tradition of service to others in our community. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Homes (Okotoks) 938-3111. To e-mail condolences please visit: www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com
