Garry Workman

With family at his side, Garry Workman passed away at Morley House Personal Care Home on March 31, 2024, at the age of 85.

Garry was born in Birtle Hospital on August 24, 1938. He was raised in Solsgirth, MB on the family farm. Garry attended school in Solsgirth until Grade 11 and completed Grade 12 in Birtle. After high school, he attended the University of Manitoba where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. It was during this time that Garry met the love of his life, Shirley, whom he married in June of 1962.

 After working for the Department of Agriculture briefly, he returned to Solsgirth to pursue a farming career and raise a family. In 1964, Garry and Shirley were blessed with their son, Kent. Two years later, they were blessed with their daughter, Sheri.

As well as farming, Garry had many interests. He enjoyed curling, camping, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and especially, singing with the Strathclair Theatre Chorus and Foxwarren Ensemble, to name a few. Garry volunteered with many organizations and was always actively involved in the community. He was a delegate for the Manitoba Pool Elevators, head leader for the Foxwarren-Solsgirth 4-H club, a member of Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP), committee member for Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame, volunteer at Austin’s Thresherman’s Reunion, and a rectors warden for St. James and St. Stephens Anglican Church.

After retiring from farming in 2006, and renting his land, Garry had more time for travel and singing. Garry spent many winter months in Arizona and would often find a choir to sing with. He also joined the Strathclair Old Iron Club and spent many hours working on, and restoring antique machinery.

In the fall of 2021, Garry moved into the Morley House, and then the Personal Care Home in Shoal Lake, where he resided until his passing. Garry was predeceased by his wife, Shirley, and two infant children, Ian and Lisa; his parents Osmar and Honorah; parents-in-law Robert and Natalie Taylor; and brother-in-law Roy (Donna) Taylor.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his son Kent (Rosemarie) Workman, grandson Robert (Christina), great-grandsons Jaxson and Ryker Workman, and grandson Derek (Madison) Workman; his daughter Sheri (Drake) Kotelo, granddaughter Taylor Kotelo, and grandson Gage (Angelique) Kotelo; his sisters Sandra (Nick) Phillips, and Fran Hunter; and several nieces and nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Morley House Personal Care Home for their excellent care and support Garry received while he was a resident there. Rae’s Funeral Home for the arrangements and support. Reverends Elaine Dixon and Lorraine Bonnell and lay reader Betty-Anne Copping for officiating. Special thanks to the Strathclair Theatre Chorus and Drama Club for singing. Thank you Prairie Mountain Museum for the wonderful lunch.