Obituary of Garry James Fluter

March 23, 1958 – Montmartre, Saskatchewan

October 6, 2024 – Fort Macleod, Alberta

Garry was born in Montmartre, SK, on March 23, 1958. He was the fifth child of six, born to George and Florence (Meeds) Fluter. Garry completed his schooling in both Regina, SK, and Melville, SK, before moving to Calgary, AB, to be closer to family.

While in Calgary, he started work-and-skills training at Vecova Centre for Disability Services and Research (VRRI) as a bottle sorter and a forklift driver.

Garry would do a variety of day jobs through VRRI. One of his placements was at Coca-Cola, a job he loved and was very passionate about. They hired him for a full-time position, where he continued to work for fifteen years in Calgary. In the later years, Coca-Cola relocated his job with the bottle return depot to Lethbridge, AB. Garry was happy to move to the smaller town, a new home, and a fresh start. He continued to work there for several more years.

Garry enjoyed his sports, especially hockey and football. He had a mind for the names and stats of junior hockey players; he could always tell you who made it to the NHL and who was on their way up. He loved going to the Calgary Flames games and was able to take a trip to Ontario to watch the Toronto Maple Leafs. Garry was also a true Saskatchewan Roughriders fan. When visiting family in Regina, he couldn’t resist taking in the games on TV or in person. One cold day in November, he enjoyed attending the 2003 Grey Cup in Regina — Edmonton, AB, 34 / Montreal, QC, 22.

It always brought a smile to Garry’s face when he would go driving in his new Z28 Camaro, hanging out with his friends, whether going to Tim’s for coffee, going bowling, or attending car shows.

Garry’s health declined greatly in his last six months, and that time was spent in the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge and the Fort Macleod Health Centre.

We thank the doctors and nurses in both institutions for the care they provided Garry during his time there. Our family is grateful for the support and care that was provided to Garry by the Public Trustee Office and the many staff from the VRRI and group homes.

Garry is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Chris and Judith of Fort St. John, BC, Bob and Colleen of Regina, SK, Rick and Karen of Calgary, AB; his nephew Richard Nelson of Calgary, AB, his nieces, Roberta Fluter of Moose Jaw, SK, Christie Ann Fluter and Natasha Molnar-Fluter of Regina, SK; as well as numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family members, and caregivers.

Garry was predeceased by his parents, Florence and George Fluter; and his sisters, Patsy and Shirley Fluter.

A Memorial Service will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery (3219 4 St NW, Calgary, AB T2M 3A6).

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Fluter’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Garry’s family here.

In living memory of Garry Fluter, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.

Click Here to Sign the Digital Guest Book and Watch Garry's Memorial Service