Obituary of GARRY RICHARD AKERMAN

GARRY RICHARD GUDMUNDUR THORVARDUR AKERMAN Peacefully on August 23, 2015, Garry passed away at the age of 69 years. He is survived by his daughters Tracy Kadolph (Rob), Cindy Field (Jamie) and grandchildren, Emily, Lauren and Kerrington. He also leaves to celebrate his life, sister Diane Sherlock (Kevin), his ex-wife and good friend, Carol Akerman (Papa Bill), nieces, nephews, a great niece and many friends. Garry was predeceased by his parents Lavey and Henry, and brother Harry. Dad loved all animals, especially his dogs Clancy and Spike. Like a cat, dad himself seemed to have at least 9 lives. To list a few of these near death experiences, dad had fallen face first off of his school when he was a young boy, he fell through the roof of our Matlock cottage, he plunged overboard and went down down into Nutimik lake when the anchor rope wrapped around his leg, dad survived a massive heart attack, various electrical do-it-yourself mishaps, a concussion from gaining so much speed and loft on the Fun Mountain water slide which propelled him to collide face first with the slide, and finally to a flaming marshmallow which landed on his beard while camping. Dad was best known by close friends as “Butchy” and his greatest passion was fishing. From repairing rods and reels to melting his own fish weights, dad was always puttering in his workshop while listening to the “Golden Oldies.” Dad also enjoyed camping, playing horse shoes at the lake, lawn darts and Cribbage. He coached 5 pin bowling at Roxy Lanes and helped run the movie night in various school gymnasiums. This kind of lifestyle could work up an appetite and dad loved his traditional big breakfasts! While being an excellent cook himself, he liked to socialize and knew all of the local restaurants which had the best breakfast deals. Dad never wanted to miss a call so he proudly boasted that he could even be reached in the Magic Room. Yes. Really. Dad was a friend to everyone and would happily give you the shirt off of his back. Our home was the always the meeting place filled with friends and neighbours. Dad happily drove us with a handful of friends everywhere: shopping, camping, roller skating, fishing, ice fishing, and water slides. Garry was a parent to many of our friends in various ways and will be missed by many. We would like to thank Dr. Christopher Fotti for the most comprehensive and compassionate care he provided to dad and for overseeing everything right to the very end, therefore allowing dad to pass with his dignity. Mom, Papa Bill, Vera, Don & Kathy Didyk for assisting in transportation, appointments, shopping and prepping meals. A special thank you to Dad’s friend and caregiver Anne (and family) for her friendship and support leading up to and including his final days. Cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Winnipeg Humane Society.