Obituary of Garry Skerrett
Garry lived a life defined by people, connections, community and adventure. He loved to go places and had an unfailing commitment to showing up for the people he loved. A devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, friend and teacher, Garry's presence was steady, warm and generous. He wanted to meet people in their world, taking a nephew to a hockey game, sharing a novel with a granddaughter, building a boat with a brother-in-law. He also loved to bring people into his world, filling a van full of people for a road trip, gathering community to build a track, taking his family with him on a teacher exchange, working with politicians on waterfront access.
Garry was born in Fort Erie Ontario on June 16, 1938, first child to Audrey and Phil Skerrett. He spent most of his childhood in Crystal Beach where his parents ran the famous Green Gables. He worked a short time as an apprentice at Westinghouse, before attending McMaster University specializing in Geography. He later attended Brock where he earned a Master’s in Education. He devoted his career to teaching, notably as a Principal at Crystal Beach public school, and a high school teacher at Lockview. He took every opportunity to involve his students in outdoor activities, often arranging hikes and field trips. He coached many teams including track and field teams, and cross-country teams before deciding to oversee the installation of a certified track at RCBHS. With the help of a local committee, and generous donors, a track was completed and the venue was titled “Pride Field”. His contribution was honored when the field house was named “Garry Skerrett Field House”, and a plaque was posted on the building, facing the main road for all to see. He retired in 1993, after which time he built a large addition on his home, travelled around the world several times, and spent much time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Garry married Greta Unman in 1963. They began dating in high school and were prom king and queen. They spent their honeymoon in Europe and bought an old farmhouse in Ridgeway where Garry lived until the week he passed away. Garry and Greta raised their children, played with grandchildren, and hosted Christmas parties, weddings and an endless string of birthdays. Garry was famous for his speeches at family gatherings, often expressing heartfelt appreciation to those in attendance. He welcomed everyone, the more the merrier, often commenting about who had come the farthest.
Garry was the glue that held his family together including his three daughters (Martha, Lara and Rachel) and eight grandchildren (Megan, Sam, Ryan, Anna, Maya, Magnus, Maren, and Callum). He recently became a great-grandfather to Marshall, Matilda, Lilah and Anthony (through granddaughter-in-law Carrera and grandson-in-law James). Garry had a wonderful relationships with his sons-in-law who helped him with many projects, most recently Derek who was his right-hand-man.
Garry loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly. He was interested in the things they did, curious about the places they went, and proud of all their accomplishments. His favorite word was 'wonderful' and he applied it to even remotely good situations. He went out of his way to learn about their lives, for instance by randomly stopping by their workplace, attending school events, driving them to lessons or requesting company on a hike or outing. His positivity and genuine interest in others permeated every aspect of his family's life.
Garry was similarly interested in, and supportive of his nieces and nephews including Kim, Kerry, Chris, Kelly, Darren, Anne, Nicole, Brian, Kevin, Spencer, Carol and John. He particularly reveled in their journeys and careers. He often made phone calls to catch up with people and welcomed visits to his home.
Garry’s stories stretch back over 80 years. Many of his early memories centered around his grandparent’s home in Crystal Beach (with a basement many remember because of the trains), Green Gables, Crystal Beach Park and trips to Buffalo with his aunts. He had many adventures with his brothers Brian and Neal. In recent years his positive and close relationship with Brian was a huge source of pride and strength. He was also very proud of his wonderful sister Debbie.
Over the past 10 years, Garry’s commitment to his wife Greta was the focus of his life. They took drives together almost every day, often parking at the waterfront, sipping coffee and listening to music for hours. Because of his wonderful nature, he always had wonderful helpers at the house. Often known collectivity as the “ladies”, Valerie, Eileen, Sue, Nancy and Juliana were the heart of the home when mom could not be. As well as being proud of all his “ladies” Dad was very proud of his relationship with Dr. Che, who sent nurse Donna to check on him monthly, and made house calls on Saturdays when needed.
Garry’s house was not only a focal point for him and his wife but for the family. Garry was quick to involve others in its upkeep, and loved to see his grandchildren working on projects, with Megan and Sam painting the silo, Anna painting picnic tables, Ryan painting decks, Callum organizing the garage. His brother-in-law Patrick played important roles over many years, including design and construction of the major addition. Patrick and Greta helped create the pond that was a source of interest and enjoyment for all who visited. Grandchildren also enjoyed the vegetable and flower gardens of Greta, who brought the green thumb to their beautiful property.
But for Garry there was no ‘settling down’ associated with home and family. He loved travelling with others and Garry travelled across Canada in both directions many times. He liked to travel on a low budget, often camping. Even with small children he travelled to Newfoundland, braving an overnight ferry. Later in life he planned a one-year stay in Australia, a trip that included stops in Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti and New Zealand. After retirement he embarked on a plan to climb the highest peak in every state of the US and worked slowly toward that until family commitments kept him close to home. Garry also loved getting up to his waterfront cottages, opportunities he didn’t hesitate to share with friends and family. His children and many of his nieces and nephews learned to fish, swim, canoe and sail because of his generosity. Greta supported him in every endeavor and sharing family adventures with cousins brought much to the lives of his daughters.
In recent times, Garry remained keen to get out on the road, never hesitating to say “yes” to a drive or trip. He took trips to visit his brother, cross the border, or make short jaunts around the peninsula. When approaching home, he would say emphatically with a big smile “Let’s just keep going!”.
In honor of Garry, take every opportunity to see the world. And see into the world of those around you.
Williams Funeral Services have been entrusted with arrangements. A visitation will take place at Williams Funeral Services on Tuesday March 3rd from 12-2 & 5-7. A private family service and burial will take place at another time.
