Obituary of Garth Willson McGibney

May 20, 1937 - Welwyn, Saskatchewan

August 15, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

We held his hand as he quietly passed away at the South Health Campus hospital at the age of 87.  Garth lived a very full life, and it all began with growing up on a small farm in Welwyn, SK. Garth was born to two teachers, Frank and Isobel McGibney, so he knew his expectation in life was to get an education. Garth moved to Saskatoon and received his Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Saskatchewan in 1961. A couple years prior at a barn dance, Garth met the love of his life, Sylvia. After graduation they married in 1961 and relocated to Edmonton. They raised two children in Sherwood Park and Calgary and made sure they never lacked for activities to entertain and teach.

Garth’s career began in the pipe industry at Alberta Phoenix Tube & Pipe Ltd., in Edmonton.  He was then promoted to manage the Big Inch Mill in Calgary. A career change led Garth to become Divisional Manager at Western Canada Steel in Calgary, progressing through a variety of executive roles before moving to Western Canada Steel in Vancouver. This then led to executive positions at Courtice Steel in Cambridge, ON. and Hawaiian Western Steel.

Throughout the years Garth and Sylvia made time to travel together to many countries around the world.  Radio control airplanes were another huge part of Garth’s life.  The sound of an engine purring was music to his ears.  He literally lived to fly the planes he built, even when he was restricted to a walker, thanks to his friends at the Stampede City Radio Control Model Club. He was a standing member and executive of this club for many years.

Our family loved him for being the man that he was, and we know he loved us.  Still here, with his memory firmly entrenched in our hearts and our minds, are his wife of 63 years, Sylvia; his daughter Wendy (Keith) Palmer and his son Grant (Cathy) McGibney. His five grandsons Brendan Palmer (Ally), Richard (Kalicia) Palmer; Connor, Ryan and Spencer McGibney, will all sorely miss him. His sister Carol McGibney and his brother Scott (Toni) McGibney will miss his never-ending stories of growing up and the history of the family.  A sincere thank you from our family to everyone who has helped Garth along the way and made his life as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.

A Celebration of Garth’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family here.

In living memory of Garth McGibney, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.