ARTHUR GARLAND

(1936-2021)

With gratitude and appreciation we reflect on a life well lived.  Art chose his own path to die in the same way he chose to live, with dignity and courage, surrounded by his family that he loved so much. 

His characteristics of adventure, hard work and confidence were evident as he worked in the oilfield and in marketing careers . His enthusiasm  for new experiences took them to North Bay Ontario, where he was a salesman for GWG ( Great Western Garment Company) .  Living on Lake Nipissing was full of activities-swimming, canoeing, sailing, and Beach BBQ’s. There are many who have fond memories of the lake gatherings on Campbell ave. 

Moving “back out west”  to Edmonton, he became Sales Manager  and Director of Marketing for GWG. With the purchase  of a“hobby” farm at Gainford, AB, Gail and Art  created a place where all  kinds of experiences happened- horses and hay lofts, sleigh rides and farm breakfasts on the coal and wood stove.    “The farm” provided freedom and relaxation away from the city for many friends and family. 

Art was the original horse whisperer, many a spirited horse would be ridden with his light hands, confident voice and gentle leg commands. Art and Gail joined the Edmonton Klondike Sheriff’s Posse  and rode in parades all over the province. -living up to his swashbuckling cowboy persona. He loved horses, riding and driving teams of haflingers. 

Skiing is a significant part of the Garland identity-Art first skied at Norquay, later skiing up Brewster (currently the Great Divide at Sunshine), with leather boots and wooden skis. Art and Gail travelled to Austria in the early 70’s. Skiing continues to be a great common love of the Garland extended clan. 

Moving to the the Crowsnest Pass in 2009, Art spent many hours driving Calvin and Stephanie to lessons and practices, and sat in many bleachers.  He relished this grandfather role, -he loved “supervision without supervision”.  He also spent a fair amount of time defending his choice of flags — The Oilers and Eskimos continue to fly. 

 Art was known for a few famous sayings- “The harder I work, the luckier I get” and the KISS principle ( Keep it simple stupid).

Simply, these are the words the describe Art:  love of family, steadfast fullness,  horseman, hard work, connection with cousins, , commitment, independent, warm, patient, inviting, kind, teasing, quirky sense of humour, charisma, cowboy, businessman, husband, father, grandfather

His memory lives on with his wife Gail, children Leslie and David  (of Kelowna), Michael Duarte-Pedrosa  and Janet (son and daughter -in-law) grandchildren: Kevin ( and Kathryn), Richard , Stephanie and Calvin Duarte-Pedrosa, great granddaughter Brooklyn 

Art-know that as you embark on your journey, that you will be missed, that you are very much loved and that you will be remembered always,. 

We are at peace. 

Please donate to the Crowsnest Food bank ( ...link). Consider donating monthly, or with every grocery shop.

To celebrate Art, a family reunion is being planned for May (COVID restrictions pending) and a hike up Turtle Mountain to commemorate his life’s journey this summer.