Obituary of Garry Emanuel Hegland

Garry Emmanuel Hegland September 5, 1942 – November 21, 2019 It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Garry Emmanuel Hegland of Big River, announce his passing at Shellbrook hospital on Thursday, November 21, 2019, at the age of 77, after a short but very aggressive battle with cancer. He died peacefully and was surrounded by the love of his family in his final days. Garry was born in Big River, SK. on September 5, 1942. He was the second eldest son of Walter and Anne Hegland (Milligan). He is survived by his 4 siblings: 2 brothers, Gordon (Debbie) and Glen of Big River, and 2 sisters, Laverne Wall of Okotoks, Ab and Dianne (Larry) Jonasson of Shellbrook, and their families. He was predeceased by his father, Walter Hegland in 1960 and his mother, Anne (Hegland) Milligan in 2008. Garry grew up in Big River and from an early age showed a real curiosity for all things mechanical. Mom told a story about giving him his first watch and with his inquisitive nature he just had to take it apart to see how it worked. Fortunately, even at this young age, he was able to put it back together. That was just the start of a lifelong passion for anything mechanical. After our dad passed away in 1960, Garry moved to Edmonton for a few years to work with our uncle Shorty in his tire shop. While living in Edmonton Garry became interested in what would become another passion in his life. He enrolled in Aviation training and after returning to Big River he and a close friend bought a small plane. He often told stories of the great memories made around flying. One of the legacies that Garry leaves us with is that of being the family chef. He was famous in the family for his homemade chicken noodle soup. Just a few days before he left us, he still wanted to give noodle-making lessons to his nieces...and he did. What wonderful memories we made that day! On a day pass from the hospital, through much laughter and a few tears, the girls learned to make noodles uncle Garry's way. He returned to the hospital with flour on his clothes and a smile in his heart. Later that afternoon the family gathered in the great room at the hospital for potluck supper and uncle's noodle soup. Our dad used to say that Garry was "a man of few words" when he was young. That proved true throughout his life. Although quiet, Garry was a deep-thinking man...and he had a heart of gold. He was humble, kind and caring and always tried to put others first. In his last few years, Garry continued to develop new interests and passions. One of these was that of becoming an avid gardener. What he learned he loved to pass on to others, whether it be his gardening tips or his plants and produce. And every fall his pantry was bulging with his home canning. Garry also developed a close relationship with his creator in his final years. He loved learning about his God and his wonderful promises for the future. He studied the Bible diligently and he truly believed that when his suffering was over, he would rest until the time that we would meet him again in the promised resurrection to life on a paradise earth. Garry was loved by family and many friends and will be so greatly missed. As per Garry's request, there will be no funeral service held. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are invited to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau "Lac" Funeral Home, Mark Muir, Funeral Director, Shellbrook, SK (306-747-2828).