Obituary of Gary Galbraith

Gary Galbraith. eldest son of Harold and Eleanor Galbraith, passed away at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver on February 15, 2023. Gary spent his formative years on his family’s farm in Murraydale, Saskatchewan where he learned the value of hard work and being resourceful, traits that guided his life’s journey. After graduating from high school in Armstrong, BC, he held various labouring and office jobs throughout the province before attending SFU where he received a BA in Honours English. This was followed several years later by his decision to obtain a teaching certificate from UBC and thus began his teaching career in 1973. Gary taught Math and English in the Shuswap School District and, after completing his Masters of Counselling, he worked at various schools in Surrey as a counsellor. It was at his very first school that he met and then married Sharlene, his wife of 47 years. His greatest pride rested undoubtedly in his two children, Sarah and Graham.

Gary was a determined and hard working man in all facets of life. He took on projects and ventures that would daunt the feint of heart; the more challenging, the more he relished the adventure. His approach to life did not waiver in spite of being faced with ongoing medical issues. He was the fortunate recipient of two successful kidney transplants, the latest being only four months ago.

Gary is survived by his wife Sharlene, his children, Graham and Sarah (Trevor), his grandchildren, Rhys, Leila and Elliot, his siblings, Sharon (Ed), Dwain and Wendy and 12 nieces and nephews.  Gary is predeceased by his parents, Harold and Eleanor, his sister, Lynn and nephew, Bernard.

The family requests that anyone wishing to make a memorial donation consider the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

A memorial service will be held on March 11, 2023 at 1:00pm  at the Fort Langley Golf Course, 9782 McKinnon Crescent, Fort Langley.