Garry Wayne Fernquist was born July 18, 1947 in Shaunavon, SK. Throughout his life, Dad had a special ability when it came to mechanics and radio communications — a lot of which was self-taught. He took formal schooling and acquired his Journeyman certificate in Automotive and Heavy-Duty mechanics and later, acquired an Interprovincial Certificate in these areas. Garry then went on to set up and run a successful communications business.
Dad worked as a heavy-duty equipment operator for many years, helping to build secondary roads in Saskatchewan. We (his sons) both had the opportunity to stand behind his seat in the uke when he was working on a road. When he quit this occupation, he started his own mechanic shop in Tompkins, SK then later moved to Swift Current to work for Ham Motors.
Then it was off to the RM of Riverside in Pennant, SK to work as their shop Foreman. While there, Garry was approached by Mobil Oil to come and work for them, which he did until he decided to start his own communications business. He accumulated many communication towers, which we had the opportunity to visit with him, occasionally resulting in some early age driving lessons possibly due to a sarsaparilla or two.
While living in Swift Current, Garry became friends with several people in the radio and communications industry. Thus, he became a self-taught Ham Radio operator and from then on, we always had a Ham radio station set up in our home, which he continued to have to this day. Many times, we would go to Cypress Hills Provincial Park to Ham Radio fests.
Dad had a special love for animals, especially his dogs. Growing up, there was always a dog in our house and by his side. He must’ve gotten tired of trying to find names for them as the last few were named Tuffy, Tuffy Jr, TJ1, and TJ2.
Garry is survived by his sons and their families, his son, Wayne (Lori) Fernquist (Whitecourt, AB) and their daughter, Alicia (her daughter, Sophia) (Edmonton, AB); his son, Brian (Jackie) Paradise, and his daughter, Rhyen (Paradise, NL); his sisters, Dianne (Bob) Deis and Denise (Darrell) Wells; his brothers, Dale (Kim) Fernquist and Brent Fernquist; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
Garry was predeceased by his partner, Elaine Belza; his parents, Leonard & Florence Fernquist; and by his brother, Rick Fernquist.
Dad, we love you and will miss you.
A special thanks to Brenda for all she has done and continues to do for him as well as the staff at the Cypress Regional Hospital.
A Private Family Service for Garry Fernquist will take place at a later date. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. For further information, or to leave a personal message of condolence on the family’s obituary page, please go to www.swiftcurrentfuneralhome.com/notices/Garry-Fernquist