Garry was born in Edmonton and moved to Vancouver when he was 16 years old. He joined the Seaforth Highlanders, a Reserve unit, with a group of friends in 1965 and retired 20 years later in 1985 to spend more time with his family. He rose to the rank of Master Warrant Officer in the position of the Senior Company Sargent Major in charge of Logistics. One of his responsibilities was teaching 17-19 years old reservists to drive military vehicles. Upon retirement he continued to work with youth coaching his sons in baseball leading to coaching and teaching the game to both youth and coaches for about 30 years. His passion for youth development started at that time.
Garry worked in one job for 42 years as a Parts Advisor with a GMC dealership that saw several owners over that time, ending with Barnes Wheaton GMC.
He joined Rotary in Nov 2008 after attending a Booksale at Guildford Mall. He was encouraged by one of the members at that time to check out the club. Garry’s life has revolved around service and helping others to gain their potential so Rotary was a good fit.
When he retired in 2010 he had more time for his Rotary passion and became Club President in 2012-13 previously serving as both Youth and Community Service Chair. During his tenure as President, he grew
the club by the largest percentage per capita in the district at that time. By achieving the goals set forward at the onset of the year, the club received a Presidential Citation Award.
One of his personal passions is the Guildford Family Resource Centre which the club has worked with over the past 10 years, repairing and replacing equipment as required. He also is on the District 5050 committee for YAIL (Youth Adventures in Leadership) which holds a leadership camp yearly for youth from 15-17 years old. Being Santa at the Rotary Sponsored Seniors Christmas Dinner, as well as at several schools and daycare centers over the past several years has been a definite highlight in his Rotary journey.
Garry and his wife Dianna Sears received a Lifetime Achievement Heart Award from the City of Surrey in 2020 for their work with youth and Rotary in Surrey.
Garry’s vision for 2021-22 Rotary Year is to continue to expand existing projects as well as developing more Environmentally friendly projects with the city.
Garry and his wife Dianna Sears received a Lifetime Achievement Heart Award from the City of Surrey in 2020 for their work with youth and Rotary in Surrey.
Garry’s vision for 2021-22 Rotary Year is to continue to expand existing projects as well as developing more Environmentally friendly projects with the city.
His Favorite saying is “Don’t be Sorry, be HAPPY”