November 29, 1945 - April 3, 2020
Garry Brian Tetz Passed away suddenly on Friday, April 03, 2020 at the Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary at the age of 74 years.
Garry was born on November 29, 1945 at Trochu, Alberta, to his parents, Walter Tetz and Isabel (Howard) Tetz and welcomed by his big brother, Garnet. They lived on a farm in the Creekside area of Kneehill County, north-west of Three Hills until 1954, when they moved to the farm where Isabel had been raised, ten miles south-west of Huxley. Garry, Garnet and their Dad worked hard together growing grain and raising cattle. Garry's oldest son, Andrew, became an important part of the team as their Dad aged and for the past number of years, had been Garry's full partner in the farm work.
Garry's favourite sports were hockey and baseball. He played with the Wimborne ball team and hockey with Wimborne, Trochu, in the "Beer League" and Huxley Raiders. His love of hockey continued with being a Calgary Flames Season Tickets Holder for over twenty years.
In 1982, Garry decided to sell his share of the cattle and, with the support of his wife, Paulette, embarked on a new dream of long-haul trucking. He purchased a new 1982 Peterbilt 359 and hired on with Mullen Trucking at Aldersyde, Alberta as an Owner-Operator. In 1985, he purchased another Peterbilt 359 and hired a driver for the '82 until it was sold a few years later.
After many years working for Mullen Trucking, he drove for Crossline and then Snowy Owl Trucking in High River, until he retired from trucking. Garry made agreements with each company that he could have time off in the spring and fall, to be on the farm to help with seeding and harvest.
Garry's boys were excited when an opportunity came along for them to accompany their Dad on a trip. How they loved riding in the big semi, so proud of their Dad! The youngest, David, managed to sneak in a few more rides than his older brothers. In Garry's twenty plus years of driving, he amassed over two million miles. Other than colliding with an occasional deer, he never had a major accident.
Garry is survived and will be forever missed by his loving wife, Paulette, and his sons and grandchildren: Andrew Tetz (Lesley Hodgson) Tristan and Karyssa; Steven Tetz (Tricia McKenzie) Logan (Cameron McDonald), Kegan and Calli; David Tetz (Sarah-Grace Huff) Landon and Gavin (and their mother, Stefanie).
Garry is also survived by his brother Garnet (Amber) Tetz and many cherished cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Walter Tetz in 1996 and Isabel Tetz in 2013.
Garry's wit, mischievous grin, quick come-backs, kindness and generosity will also be missed by a multitude of friends, including "Cowboy" Terry Ray and Susan Thompson.
To honour Garry's wishes, there will be no funeral. The family plans to have a Celebration of Garry's Life at a future date.