Garry Lee Maddess
November 21, 1935 - September 28, 2024
Tribute
With great sadness we share the passing of Garry: husband, brother, father, uncle and friend.
Like his two older sisters (Barabara and Kay), Garry was born in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan to Vivienne Pearl Johnson and George Melvin Maddess. The family moved to North Vancouver in about May 1936, where brothers Don, Gayle and CJ were born. Garry was predeceased by his parents and siblings.
Garry and Geraldine Elizabeth MacEwen (GEM) were married on July 1, 1955, and had two children, Teddy and Dixie. GEM, Ted and Dix all miss Garry deeply. Garry and GEM were married for 69 years supporting each other through thick and thin.
Early in his working career Garry became a surveyor and measured everything there is: forests, mines, apartment buildings, roads, dams, transmission lines; even the Rogers Pass snow sheds. This seemed to match his innate sense of direction, the guy only got lost once, and then only for a couple of hours. Later he moved into estimating and then managing construction jobs, principally land development for houses. He greatly enjoyed creating things for people and working with professionals in the industry. He and GEM enjoyed building and renovating several houses together.
Garry had a passion for boating (and fishing), and he and GEM enjoyed their time motoring around the islands near Vancouver. Many early trips to marinas to look at boats sparked son Ted’s interest in marine invertebrates, which lead to his career in science. With a head for figures Dixie followed Garry into management.
Garry and GEM had five grandchildren: Taralee, Tynan, Kentaro, James and Andrew; and two great-grandchildren: Isabelle and Harley. Garry initiated all of them into the art of fishing. Introductions to fishing involved well stocked trout farms that were certain to yield great excitement and much barbequed fish.
Garry, may your boats be yar, and your lines taut.
In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice.
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Sandy Maddess
Relation: Brother-in Law. He was brother to Don Maddes to whom I was married to.
Dear Teddy and Dixie and your wonderful families.
Sincere condolences to you all in the loss of your dear Dad. He had quite a life and enjoyed it. I remember when the family all got together at Babs and Johns house and your Dad made up his own version of ” The Swim ” We all just howled and he just had so darned much fun. We all had a fun time didn’t we…….and then life steps in. Your Dad was the end of that Maddess family. Just all the wonderful off springs left.
Thank you so very much for sharing and my heart goes out to all of you.
From: Ken Maddess
Relation: grandson
Thank you for all of the great memories. I am grateful for the time we had together.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
Memorial donations will be gratefully accepted to:
In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier for delivery throughout the entire lower mainland, from Hope to Vancouver:
Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the address/phone number of the delivery location for handy reference.
Donate In Memory
Send Condolence - For Garry Maddess
Use the form below to send a Condolence, light a memorial candle and/or share a personal memory.
