BUCKINGHAM – Garry

Garry was born on February 5, 1944 to Gordon and Christena Buckingham. There was no hospital in those days in Shellbrook, and therefore he was born at the home of a midwife.

It was approximately 1950, when Garry’s parents moved a house onto a portion of land on the outskirts of Shellbrook, where Garry’s house now stands. Memories include the railway track that was close by, and hearing the train coming with the whistle blowing. Garry went on to spend the majority of his life living there.

In his teens Garry enjoyed playing hockey on the local Shellbrook team. However, when he left school at the end of grade nine, Garry joined the staff at Agnew Motors, thus his career in the automotive industry began. Garry and Sharon were married January 20, 1968, at the Ordale Church. It was a nice sunny January day. In 2018 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Vancouver Island with family and friends.

Garry and Sharon always had a dog, first was Beaver, then Buffy Jenta, and now Casper. You would  always see Garry and Casper going for many rides together, whether it was in his “Knute” - 1986 Chevrolet truck or cruising around in one of his other vehicles.

Garry enjoyed being around his friends and his vehicles, the two went hand in hand. Family was always important to Garry. Being fortunate to grow up spending time with family in Shellbrook or making the journey to Big River to visit relatives there.

Garry was a sentimental man; he created a special corner in his home of special mementos of his parents. His sentimental nature was also shown by the restoration of his fathers’ homemade wooden airplanes. He enjoyed the photographs he accumulated over the years, keeping them organized was a favorite hobby of his. Garry enjoyed watching T.V, and the channel most often would be turned on to football, curling, hockey or even a little “The Young & Restless”. 

Garry’s life always included a garage in one way or another from a young age. Businesses had TV’s before most people did, so at a young age Garry and his family would go to Agnew’s Garage to watch wrestling, and a short stop on his way home from school at Fellows Garage to watch “Howdy Doody”.

Garry’s automotive career spanned over 50 years, beginning as an auto body repair man, it was training on the job in those days. Eventually, Garry began a 10-year partnership with Ken Elliot and John Groenen. This partnership began with a Dodge Dealership, and in 1975 the business transitioned into a GM Dealership. Following a brief break in ownership, Garry again returned to the garage business. A partnership was formed with Bruce Storry, and Micky Giberson at Shellbrook Chev Olds. After 15 years he wrapped up his career days, with him deciding to enjoy retirement.

Garry had “Happy Places” in which he always looked forward to spending time at, one of them was Hackett Lake. Garry and Sharon enjoyed spending summers there camping, fishing, and sitting around the campfire enjoying the fellowship of friends. The farm in Ordale was another place Garry looked forward to spending time at. He liked nothing better than after a day at the garage, to climb up on the tractor and spend an evening in the field. The acreage that Garry called home, was another one of his “Happy Places”. He created a little piece of paradise in his backyard with his pond and firepit. Garry and Sharon’s house was “the gathering place”, and more often than not there would be company visiting.

  The last few years Garry learned the art of texting. He would always end his messages with “Okeedokee”, a tradition that will carry on. So it’s not goodbye, but rather “Okeedokee” …until we meet again Garry.

Garry is lovingly survived by his wife of 52 years, Sharon Buckingham of Shellbrook, SK; his siblings, Glenda (Jim) Munro of Kelowna, B.C.; Gail (Bruce) Storry of Shellbrook, SK; his nieces and nephews, Chris Galloway and sons, Brett, Matthew, and Evan; Dawn (Rob) Balic and daughters, Brooklynn, and Adrianna; Jonathan Galloway; Jennifer Galloway (Lars Nielsen); Janelle (Chris) Gosselin and their sons, Burk and Torr; Angela Storry; Teanne (Mathew) Sommerfeld and their children, Mya and Colton; Kyla (Jason) Assie and their children, Easton and Madelyn; his aunt, Ruth Buckingham as well as numerous other relatives and many friends.

Garry was predeceased by his parents, Gordon & Christena Buckingham; his parents-in-law, Knute & Gladys Larson; and many other relatives and close friends.

There was a Private Graveside Service held for Garry at the Shellbrook Cemetery with Murray Hannigan as officiant. In lieu of tributes, memorial donations may be made in memory of Garry to the Shellbrook Skating Rink and Recreation Centre (c/o – Town of Shellbrook).

Family and friends wishing to share online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Tammy Smart – Director, Shellbrook, SK 306-747-2828.