It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Becker at the Chinook Regional Hospital on December 16, 2020 at the age of 65 years. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Gary is survived by his wife Ann and their children Jared and Sarah as well as granddaughters Avianna and Amelia Becker.

Gary is also survived by his father Ron Becker, his sister Donna (Rob) Coleman, his sister-in-law, Janet Becker, sister in law Margaret (Alex) Michalenko and brother in law Wally Tunow and their families.  Gary’s long time friend Wes Coburn has been in the family for many years.  Gary was predeceased by his mother Rita in 2012 and his brother David earlier this year.  Gary was also predeceased by his furry best friends Mikka in 2019, and Coco in 2018.

Gary was born in Taber AB. His family moved to Lethbridge when Gary was in elementary school. Gary continued his schooling in Lethbridge and attended the University of Lethbridge, graduating with an Arts and Science degree in Economics. Ann and Gary met while attending university and were enrolled in the same program. Ann and Gary were married for 33 years.

Gary was a long-time member at Henderson Lake Golf Club. His recent retirement from Getkate Construction gave him the availability to play golf 6 days a week. Gary had many golf friends and golf stories, of course. He always enjoyed his regular scheduled golf games with his dad Ron.  He also enjoyed golfing with his brother-in-law Rob and with several close friends.  After a game of golf, Gary liked to putter in the yard and work on projects.  He maintained a beautifully manicured yard and planted a garden every year. He thoroughly enjoyed his visits from granddaughters when they came looking for strawberries, raspberries and vegetables. Ann offered to cut the grass for Gary while he recovered from surgery earlier this year.  Gary told Ann that he ‘didn’t like’ the way she cut the grass and thankfully, he offered coaching and guidance as to how it should be done.  Both were relieved when Gary could resume cutting the grass again a short time later. In the winter season Gary enjoyed being at the ice arena-- playing recreational hockey his entire life. He played weekly games until early 2020.  Every winter, Gary took on another challenge. He made an ice rink in the backyard for the family to enjoy.  The family had many hours of skating during the winter, until the chinook came. Then Gary would start the process all over again.  Gary made his own home made ‘Zamboni’ to make the ice smooth as possible. At the time of Gary’s untimely death, he had already prepared and levelled the back yard awaiting a cold spell so that he could begin the ice making process. Gary coached hockey when Jared first started playing, and he coached ringette when Sarah’s team needed a coach. Gary was a dedicated Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan.

Gary had an ear for music. He played in a band in his younger years, and currently played his guitar and ukulele for his appreciative audience-- granddaughters.

Gary and Ann hosted many gatherings at their home over the years, for birthdays, barbecues and friendships. One of Gary’s favorite family gatherings was the annual Christmas Eve celebration.  Gary adored his granddaughters and looked forward to seeing their smiling faces. Gary was always there to help with household repairs-- broken lawnmowers, furnaces that stopped running, broken bicycles, installing drywall, fixing computers and anything that came his way. One of his most recent completed projects was the refurbishing of a vintage motorcycle for the family to enjoy and ride.

 Gary was a man of his word and would ‘shake on it’ to make a gentleman’s agreement.

Our hearts are heavy, Gary will truly be missed.

Due to current COVID- 19 restrictions as directed by Alberta Health Services, a celebration of Gary’s life will be held at a later date.