WILTON, Gary Ralph
November 29, 1941 – September 14, 2018
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Gary Wilton, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend on Sept. 14, 2018 at the age of 76. Born in Victoria, B.C. on Nov. 29, 1941, Gary was a generous man of strong character, conviction and work-ethic whose passion for adventure, politics and country life was only surpassed by his love for his family and his land, where he spent his last moments in pursuit of a skunk.
Raised in Eastend, Saskatchewan as one of five siblings, Gary was a great storyteller who loved regaling his children and grandchildren with tales from a youth spent roaming the coulees of the Frenchman River Valley and “raising hell.” In spite of never finishing high school, Gary was a dedicated life-long learner and self-made man. In his early 20s, he moved West with his young bride Judy in search of prosperity. Believing that a man without land is nothing, Gary was extremely proud when he purchased his first acreage in then yet-to-be-developed Bragg Creek, where he and Judy raised their three children and owned a plumbing business. When their children were grown, Gary persuaded Judy to move to a small farm near Bottrel so he would have room for horses and cattle, and could enjoy the tranquility of a quiet rural life. It was here that Gary and Judy lived the past 32 years together, 13 of them in retirement from SAIT where he was an instructor since 1982.
Gary’s zest for life was reflected in his many hobbies, which ranged from riding motorcycles, to horses, and quads through the Arizona desert where he and Judy spent many fun-filled winters south with their many friends. When they were no longer able to RV, Gary kept active at home with his many projects like a recently completed garage to house his multiple toys, including a newly purchased camper that he was eager to get out on the road.
Gary will be deeply missed by his wife Judy (nee Taylor) and their children and grandchildren: Darron (Helene, Sarah, Ellie); Brent (Toni, Liam, Holly); Suzanne (Sean, Sam, Sydney). He was predeceased by his three brothers and sister.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at the Water Valley Community Hall at 2 p.m. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to STARS Air Ambulance.
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The members of SAIT’s ALIVE (Retired and Former SAIT employees and their spouses) extend their deepest sympathy to the Wilton Family in the loss of Gary.
Judy and family, our thoughts are with you. Gary had a zest for life and can say “ he did it his way”…
We all have great memories of Gary, he definitely had opinions and was ready to share them, he was a strong supporter of Alberta! He leaves behind a legacy in his children and grandchildren.
Judy and family, my sincere condolences for your loss of Gary. I am really shocked at his passing as I had been thinking of you both recently and had hoped to come up for a visit. He is and will be missed here. The times I witnessed when Gary was with his grandchildren always reminded me of that great old song “Grandpa Tell Me About The Good Old Days”. May God be with you all and comfort you.
Dear Judy and family so sorry to hear about Gary may you find the memories of your life together help in the coming days always how he loved you all so much and had the best years living the way he wanted with you by his side
Dear Judy and family so sorry to hear about Gary may you find the memories of your life together help in the coming days always had to time visit and lend a helping hand. Take care
Judy & family. No words can comfort you at a time like this but thank goodness great memories will help you through the days ahead. Don & I are thinking of you all, so sorry we can’t be there on saturday
Dear Judy so sorry to hear about Gary.
We are deeply saddened by the loss that you and your families have encountered. Our hearts go out to you during this time. He will stay alive in your hearts and minds. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage and strength. …..From all the staff at Cochrane Lake Gas Co-op.