Garry Elwood NISBET

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our husband, dad and grandpa, Garry Elwood Nisbet after a seven-year valiant battle with Multiple Myeloma.  Garry was 68 years young and the second son of Lindsay and Edith Nisbet, born on April 22, 1952 in Rosetown, Saskatchewan. Garry was raised on the family farm and attended school in Glamis until grade seven. He then came to Rosetown to finish off his education and graduated in 1970.  He attended the University of Saskatchewan obtaining a degree in Agriculture before returning to the Glamis community to farm alongside his father Lindsay, brother Brent and eventually his son, Troy. Garry met his wife Lucille while attending University in Saskatoon and they were married in 1972 and moved to Glamis for two years before moving to the family farm where they resided right up to Garry’s passing. Garry and Lucille welcomed their daughter Shawna in 1973 and their son Troy in 1976.

From a young age, Garry was very involved with his community. As a youngster, he played baseball, outdoor hockey and partook in the Glamis Scouting program.  As a young adult, he played baseball with Glamis in the Coteau Hills League and played hockey with the Glamis Knights.  Garry also enjoyed many other activities with his community of Glamis.  Golfing and golf trips were a big social activity with many stories to be told, as well as annual camping trips, ski trips and Christmas and Halloween parties at the Glamis Hall and later at the Glamis Castle. Garry would say that the spirit of the community of Glamis was always alive and well and that the community was like one big family watching out for one another and supporting each other through the good times and the bad.   He was always very proud to be a member of the Glamis “family.”

As Shawna and Troy grew up, Garry enjoyed attending and helping out with the kid’s activities - figure skating, hockey, piano, badminton, school concerts, volleyball, track and field, Scouts, Cubs and football (to name a few) were activities that kept the family busy and travelling all over the place.

Garry was actively involved with the United Church and was a proud member of the Sovereign Masonic Lodge. A big achievement was becoming a Worshipful Master of the Sovereign Lodge and later of the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan. Garry was also always very interested in local politics and became involved with the RM of St. Andrews No. 287 as a counsellor in 1989 and then as Reeve in 2008, serving 27 years total. During his time on council, he saw many projects completed that included community wells, municipal constructions, the new long term care home and the municipal medical clinic, to name a few. Garry was a strong voice on the RM Council and will be remembered with respect and admiration for his contributions. Throughout the years, Garry was involved and sat on many boards and committees staying actively involved in his rural community as well as the Rosetown community.

Garry was a very passionate man.  He was passionate about farming and gave his life to the farm and the lifelong learning that came along with it. He always maintained a ‘work hard, play hard’ mentality with work always coming first and foremost. Garry more than anything was passionate about friends and family, he loved to share in special events and attended many weddings, graduations, anniversaries and any other event that celebrated important milestones. Garry had a special relationship with many of his nieces and nephews and was seen as a pretty ‘cool’ uncle by many. Garry loved to share his blessings with others and enjoyed entertaining in Maui, at the lake and of course at the farm. As many know, one of Garry’s favorite things was his love of good food, so having a great meal and conversation after was an activity of his that he always looked forward to. 

For many years, Shawna, Troy and their spouses were the focus of dad’s admiration and time…then along came grandchildren. One of Garry’s greatest joys in life were his five grandchildren, whom he loved and cherished dearly. He loved attending all of their different activities and was so proud of all of them and their accomplishments - he had a special bond with each one. He loved to play card games and tease and no matter how busy he was, he could always stop for a quick tea party or snack.  When it came to the grandchildren, Garry was a big ‘ol softie!

Garry lived his life with integrity, kindness and generosity and was well respected by many. He was only 68 years old, but it was a life well lived.  His opportunities were many, he was blessed with so many great friends and family and he was also treasured by many. He was always learning and giving and he got to see and do things that many never have the chance to do. He got to experience pride, joy, pleasure and love, moments of sweetness and sometimes sadness. New friendships were formed and many good times shared, endless moments of laughter, through all of his years. Garry did have a life well lived and his memory and legacy will continue to give. 

When Garry was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2014, he faltered slightly and then saw it simply as a hurdle in life and geared up for the challenge. He knew there wasn’t a cure, but he was always positive, hopeful and willing to try new treatments to help the advancement of finding a cure. He openly talked about his cancer and when he had the opportunity to educate others on his journey and experience, he jumped at the chance because if it could help just one person, then he had done his job. There were a few times throughout his cancer journey that it looked like the disease would win, but Garry had other plans and fought and won on more than one occasion. His hope for a cure and his strength and will to fight, never stopped, if mind over matter always won, Garry would have lived forever.

Garry is survived by his wife Lucille of 48 years, daughter Shawna (Bill) Reddick and their children Brayden and Payton and son Troy (Cara) Nisbet and their children Shay, Joss and Nina, brother Ron (Elaine) Nisbet of Calgary and Brent (Rose) Nisbet of Saskatoon, step-sisters Bev (Garry) Collins of Nipawin, Barb (Dennis) Johnson of Outlook and step-brother Brian Currie of Nipawin along with all of their families. Garry is also survived by many special nieces and nephews, extended family and friends, to many to mention. He was predeceased by his parents Lindsay and Edith Nisbet and step-mother Isabel Nisbet.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors throughout the past seven years that cared for Garry and most recently, Dr. Dan for supporting the family to bring Garry home to be cared for until his passing as well as the Home Care nurses and aides that helped tirelessly to ensure that Garry’s needs were met and he was kept comfortable so his final wish could be honored.  There are not enough words to express our gratitude.  

Due to Covid restrictions, a private family service was held at the Rosetown United Church on March 26, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. with interment following at the Rosetown Cemetery.  A video of the service is available for viewing on this page.  For those who wish to make a donation in honor of Garry, they can be forwarded to either the Alex Ositis Foundation, P.O. Box 1251, Rosetown, SK, S0L 2V0 or the Rosetown Untied Church, P.O. Box 506, Rosetown, SK, S0L 2V0.