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Memorial Keepers(1)
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Doreen Edwards
Garth's Sibling
Garth "GUS" Aaron DeVries
June 22nd, 1959 - May 7th, 2026
June 22nd, 1959 - May 7th, 2026
New International Version He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away Revelations 21:4
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.
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Resting Place
Gimli Cemetery
50.6528645, -96.9945553
Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Garth’s life with a heartfelt message.
Soreen
Missing you
Doreen Edwards
One of my earliest memories of Garth was the terrific chases we used to have in the house on Arlington Street. Dianne and I would chase Garth—probably because of some perceived wrongdoing—around the house, under the kitchen table, through the sewing room, and into the living room. We knew that once he made it to the stairs leading to the second floor, if we hadn't caught him soon, he would inevitably end up in his room with his back against the closet wall and his feet planted firmly against the door. Once he got there, there was no getting him. We used to play "I Spy with My Little Eye" and "Button, Button, Who's Got the Button?" We would take turns riding a huge two-wheel bike that was much too big for us, riding around the block and switching off along the way. We spent a lot of time at the Home Street splash park, doing crafts and spending hours in the water. Afterwards, we'd lie on the warm cement surrounding the pool, then get up and laugh at the water shapes our bodies had left behind. In these past months, Garth would remember setting off from home to meet my dad after work at Reimer Express Lines. Dad took the same route every day and would always watch for him. During his illness over these last few months, Garth would sit in the living room watching for John to get home from work and come up the driveway. There was something very touching about that connection—watching for someone you love to come home. By far my most vivid memory is watching Garth use clothespins as cars and popsicle sticks to create roads, playing in the dirt between the house and garage for what seemed like hours. He could turn the simplest things into an entire world of imagination. This memory paints such a warm picture of him as a little boy and connects beautifully to the person he remained throughout his life.
Linda Mckenzie
Garth was a friendly, kind person, always ready to help out. I will never forget the day Andy was building our house and was stuck for a pair of strong arms. Nobody was available to help and he was literally at his wits end until Garth showed up and spent the whole day working along side him and the job got done. This was during the time Garth was working nights but he didn't complain. I was so grateful for his help. Garth had a beautiful voice and sang at Andy's funeral 7 months later. So grateful for that also. My thoughts and prayers go out to Cecily, John and Kari as well as his extended family. I know Andy and Garth are harmonizing together right now!
Rejean & Carolyn Picard
My memory is of Garth’s compassion. It was at the funeral for Oma Devries. As all of the family was waiting in the basement of the church for the funeral to start Garth approached me. I was having a moment remembering Oma and Garth came over and said that I looked like I needed a hug! Garth gave me a hug and I knew it came from the bottom of his heart. I had a few Garth Hug’s over the years and I so appreciated his compassion and caring. We even shared a few laughs about Garth Hugs. Praying for you all as you certainly will miss Garth in many ways and miss the Garth Hugs too. Until we meet again! Sending you our love and sympathy. Rejean & Carolyn Picard
Blake Richison
I worked part time as a custodian at Grant Memorial when I was in high school and had the privilege of having Garth as my supervisor. He always treated me with respect and kindness and made it a great place to be. I know I’m not the only one that will forever hear Garth’s incredible voice belting out Carry on my Wayward Son in our memories. Blake Richison
Brad + Peggy Zacharias
We knew Garth fr Grant Memorial Church! Garth always had a smile and kind word for everyone! Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children, may God give u comfort and peace and assurance you will see Garth again Brad + Peggy Zacharias
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