Garnet Bannatyne

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and beloved husband of Cherry Bannatyne, and the life they shared for 63 years.

Garnet passed away at Edith Cavell Care Center on Saturday, January 3, 2009.

Garnet was born in Quill Lake, Saskatchewan on August 12, 1919, the eighth child of the late Robert and Annie. Garnet received his education in Quill Lake and Saskatoon, where he also took part in his life's passion...sports. Garnet played hockey, baseball and curling, and he could name any sports trivia past or present.

In 1940 Garnet moved to Trail, B.C where he joined The Canadian Army. In August 1941 he sailed to England with the 62nd Light Anti aircraft Battery. They were on coastal defense for 3 and a half years. Garnet then transferred to the Infantry and went to Italy where he joined the Sea forth Highlanders. Later moving on to Europe serving in Holland until the end of the war where he won many medals for serving his country and fellow man.

While in Amsterdam he met and fell in love with Gerridina ""Cherry"" Rooseveldt, they were happily married on August 10, 1945. They lived in Saskatchewan for 7 years prior to moving to Kimberley, B.C., where they resided for 46 years in a home they created to raise their four beautiful daughters.

Ill health brought them to Lethbridge in 1999. Every Tuesday night they could be found dining at Zellers Family Restaurant seniors dinners hosted by their daughter Flo. Garnet also joined the Seniors Center where he enjoyed playing bridge and singing Karaoke. Garnet gave many of his grandchildren a special gift by singing at their weddings. He was gifted with a beautiful singing voice.

Left to mourn him is his wife Cherry; beautiful daughters Flo (Stu) Nyquist, Garnetta ""Nita"" (Jerry) Remington, and Nova Eng; grandchildren Stewart, John, Chris Nyquist; Gerald (Roxanne) Remington, Jeannie (Steve) Little; Jamie (James) Poht, Jackson Eng and Kevin (Rene) Sawatsky of Texas; great-grandchildren Christopher, Anthony, Breanne and Brandon Nyquist; Tanner, Cassidy and Easton Little and sister Josephine of Vancouver, B.C.

Garnet was predeceased by his parents; beautiful daughter Roberta Jean; his in-laws in Holland; brothers Herman, Bobby, Kitch, and Jim; sisters Eleanor, Florence, Laura and Nova, as well as his son-in-law Ray Eng.

Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed with interment in Kimberley, B.C., where Garnet will be laid to rest near his daughter Roberta Jean.

Garnet was a proud member of the Canadian Legion for nearly 60 years, and he will be missed by all who knew him. Garnet was a gentleman who loved his family very much. The best part of Garnet is in all of them.

We miss you Dad and Papa, you will always be a part of our hearts and our fondest memories.