Obituary of Garry William Edgett

Edgett : Garry William (UPDATED) It is with great peace that we announce that Garry William Edgett passed away Saturday August 1, 2020, in his 83rd year. Born in Orillia, Garry was the eldest son of Bessie and Bill Edgett and brother to Wayne, Paul, Nancy and Glen. Garry was married to the love of his life Joan (nee Pace) for almost 62 years. He was the best father to Kimberly Wafelbakker (Bob) and Tracy Metzger (Rob). Proudest Grandpa to Sebastian, Samara, Hanna and Mattea. He loved them so much and was incredibly proud of the people they have become. He was a terrific brother-in-law, a loved uncle to 10 nieces and 2 nephews, and a great uncle to the next generation. Family and faith were the two things in Dad’s life that he always put first. He was an active church leader throughout his entire life and demonstrated his faith and love of God through his actions and constant kindness whether local or on mission trips. Music was central to who he was, and he took great pride in the fact that he took guitar lessons from Mr. Tom Cathcart who taught Gordon Lightfoot (Gordie if you talk to Dad) and who also played back up to Frank Sinatra. His choir was so important to him as he continued to sing throughout the years. Even in the nursing home he would sing and yodel for his fellow residents. In addition, Dad was ahead of his time as he worked in information technology his entire life before IT was even a well known field. When being with Dad one was never quite sure what the day would bring. When going to church on a freezing Sunday morning the back seat door could be frozen and we would have to hold onto rope tied to the door handle to make sure that it didn’t fly open going around the corners and we fall out. Other times when camping, his family would have to eat Dad’s famous bacon, which was basically charcoal. Or it would take five hours to get to a destination as Dad would not stop to ask for directions since for him it was an adventure. He always had a host of sayings which would make the grandchildren laugh their heads off. A favourite after he hiccupped would be to say “Oops...I just swallowed my neighbour’s cat”. Dad had the gift of chatting with anyone. Out of the blue he may drop in for a coffee and a great conversation and those visits were always welcome whether with family or friends. Joan and the girls would like to express deepest thanks to the staff at Mill Creek Care Centre, especially 2 West. We could not have asked for better care than what he received. We will not be able to name all the names of nurses and PSWs for fear of leaving someone out, but we want to give a special shout out to Lauren and Mary Lou for all their kindness and going above and beyond for Dad always. Dad has been cremated and a family burial will take place. A gathering to celebrate Garry will be held on Saturday August 22 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm as a drop in at the Rugby Community Hall, 1911 Old Barrie Rd E. As per COVID restrictions, masks will be required while indoors. Memories and stories welcome. In memory of Garry, we would encourage folks to have truly meaningful conversations with others and remember to be kind to one another always. Arrangements entrusted to Simcoe Funeral Home, 38 James Street E Orillia (705) 327 0221. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.simcoefuneralhome.ca