Garry Graf
July 15, 1950 – August 20, 2023
It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Garry Theodore Graf on Sunday, August 20, 2023, with his family by his side.
Garry was born on July 15, 1950, in Humboldt, to Richard and Dorothy (Flory) Graf. He was the second oldest of 11 children. At the age of four the family moved from Fulda to Watson. He obtained his education in Watson and after high school he moved to Lynn Lake, MB to work in the mine.
The pull of the land brought Garry back to Watson to farm with his father and brother. On August 7, 1976, Garry married the love of his life Jane Gantefoer in Watson and they were blessed with three wonderful children.
He spent the following years working for the Tire Shop and Fetter Enterprises. As a Journeyman Heavy Duty Mechanic, he applied his skills alongside his brother Mike towards a shared business, Graf Mechanical.
An opportunity presented itself to work for BP Canada Energy in Northern Alberta as a Field Mechanic ; a position he was incredibly proud of.
Garry had a lot of interests. He loved spending time at the family farm, driving combine, and helping Mike and Dave during harvest. We remember he enjoyed fishing and snowmobiling in his younger years as well. He also had great love for all animals. We jokingly teased him for being a dog whisperer.
As a family, we had many memorable camping trips at Gordie Howe Park, Green Water Lake and Waskesiu Lake. He was happily the grill master for these occasions.
He was also known for making grandma Grafs salt pickles. A recipe the children will continue to use and enjoy.
Garry was very innovative. He could build and fix many things. In his retirement and with the help of his friend Al, the two of them built a beautiful playhouse for Emery and Alexa. It has become very memorable for their family.
Garry valued his friendships and his coffee row friends at TC’s and at the farm.
In Garry’s retirement years, he was in Grandpa mode. He adored his 4 grandchildren but also made room for the many great nieces and nephews.
Garry is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Jane Graf of Watson SK ; three children: Janet (Lindsey) Sobchyshyn and family: Emery and Alexa of Watson, SK, Chris (Darren Walsh) Graf of Ottawa, ON, and Anne (Dale) Ramler and family: Meritt and Halle of Humboldt SK; siblings: James (Theresa) Graf of Watson SK, Patricia (Ed) Schmid of Harrison Hot Springs, BC, Mary (Jim Henderson) Graf of Lone Butte, BC, Richard Graf Jr of Fort Saskatchewan, AB, George (Dianne) Graf of Watson SK, Joe (Jan) Graf of Saskatoon SK, David (Cheryl Petkau) Graf of Stoney Plain, AB, Micheal (Lynn) Graf of Watson SK, Helen Graf of Saskatoon, SK, Daniel (Lareese) Graf of Lloydminster, AB; brothers and sisters-in-law: Rod (Carole) Gantefoer of Melfort SK, Max (Louise) Gantefoer of Saskatoon SK; by numerous nieces, nephews and by many good friends. Garry was predeceased by his parents: Richard and Dorothy Graf; parents-in-law: Ernest and Lucille (Steinke) Gantefoer.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated at Sacred Heart R.C. Parish in Watson on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. and celebrated by Fr. Francis Akomeah. Interment follow at Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery, Watson.
Memorial donations in Garry’s memory may be directed to the Sacred Heart Parish Building Fund or the Humboldt District Hospital Foundation (Equipment Fund).
This notice placed courtesy of
Malinoski & Danyluik Funeral Home & Crematorium
Phone: 682-1622