Garth "GUS" Aaron DeVries

Garth Aaron DeVries

June 22, 1959 – May 7, 2026

After a short battle with cancer, Garth passed from this world to the next with the love and support of his family by his side as he began his journey to glory.

Born in Dauphin, Garth was raised in a loving Christian family home where faith, family, and strong values shaped the person he became. He spent the majority of his life in Winnipeg and attended John M King School, Deer Lodge Junior High, and Sturgeon Creek Collegiate.

It was at Sturgeon Creek that he met his high school sweetheart, Cecily. Their story began on her birthday, when they were introduced after Garth mischievously shoved dried leaves down her shirt. From that unforgettable beginning grew a beautiful love story. They shared 45 wonderful years together and rarely spent time apart. They were married on August 23, 1980, with Paul Jersak and Murray Harris standing beside him as his best men.

As a young boy, Garth sang with the Winnipeg Boys Choir.  Music remained a lifelong passion and gift. As an adult, he sang with a Christian band called Image and was a tenor in the choir at Grant Memorial Baptist Church. He especially loved the Christmas cantatas, Living Christmas Tree performances, and most of all, the children's musicals where his powerful voice could shine. Every Saturday, Garth and his family faithfully went to church to help prepare for Sunday School. Garth always  remembered fondly  every summer the trips for weekly camp at Bird River Bible Camp where he recieved Christ as his Saviour

Throughout his life, Garth worked at Sir John's Restaurant, Motor Coach Industries, Grant Memorial Church, and spent his final 15 working years at Walmart. Along the way, he made many lasting friendships.

Those who knew Garth remember him fondly for his powerful singing voice, his quick smile, and the fact that he was always authentically himself. You always got Garth exactly as he was. He never stood on ceremony.

Family was very important to him, and some of his treasured memories were family trips to the Black Hills of South Dakota, Toronto and Niagara Falls, Wetaskiwin, Edmonton, Calgary, Banff, and Jasper. His last trip was to Cuba with family, his sisters, and his cousin Janine and her husband Brent. The family is especially grateful he was able to enjoy that special trip before his illness.

Garth leaves to mourn his loving wife, Cecily; his children, John Jr. and Kari; his sisters, Dianne, Doreen, and Grace (Dave); sisters-in-law Carla (Frank), Susan, and Adrian; nephews Daniel, Richard, and Matthew; and brother-in-law Mike (Rosanna)

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Laural; his father-in-law Richard; and his brother-in-law Dave.

 Special thank you to Gimli Hospital and Health Science Centre Stroke ward, CancerCare Manitoba, and Dr Marina Ada Quaye his family Dr in Gimli. And a special thank you to his  nephew Richard who was a constant caregiver to Garth during his illness. 

Garth will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched.