GARRY McALLISTER SAVAGE

On March 28, 2025, Garry McAllister Savage looked his three children in the eyes and said, "Be good to each other, be safe." Kimberley (Robert), Richard (Lisa) and Lynn (Michael) - Wynken, Blynken and Nod came to Calgary to celebrate Garry's ninetieth birthday, sixteen days later they held his hands, listened to his last words and ushered him on his way. "While he sailed off in a wooden shoe - sailed on a river of crystal light, into a sea of dew." When asked by his grandchildren - "what wisdom can you impart?" Without hesitation he said to live by the golden rule. By his grandchildren he will be greatly missed: Steven and Davis (Brook-Lynn) Halverson, Jack and Benjamin Savage, Cedric, Charles, Fiona and Amanda Ludlow, Margaret McMillan; and great-grandchildren, Jace and Wyatt Halverson. He is also remembered by his sister, Jane "Pinky" Cowley; and former wife, Susan, the mother of his children. He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara. Born on March 12, 1935, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Dr. Alfred Savage and Mary Norquay, Garry was proud of his Métis heritage. He was the great-grandson of Honourable John Norquay, the first Indigenous premier of a Canadian province and namesake of Mount Norquay in Banff. He lived by the family motto: "Strong and all so faithful," carrying that spirit through every chapter of his life. A gifted student and athlete, Garry twice earned the Governor General's Academic Medal at St. John's-Ravenscourt. Though offered a hockey scholarship to Princeton, he chose instead to attend Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean, and later studied at the University of Manitoba. As a young boy, Garry spent his summers at Lake of The Woods and later raising his own family there. Lake Life revolved around sailing, waterskiing, cookouts and exploring the Lake in his beloved "Bones Boat," a 1952 Chris Craft Sportsman. Garry's career(s) were as varied as all other aspects of his life. As a territory representative for General Motors , stock broker for "The Guess Who," GM dealership owner and a professional driver. Being a Truck Driver, connecting with people and listening to the Morningside Program hosted by Peter Gzowski on CBC Radio1 led Garry to the most fulfilling work of his life. Evident by the countless Alberta driver of the year awards and ultimately achieving two million miles accident free. For more than two decades, Garry volunteered transporting the Calgary Stampede mobile stage and he sat on the board of his Condominium Association. He was recognized for outstanding contributions and was quietly proud of his commitment to these organizations. Though he would downplay the role he played during his many volunteer endeavours, the instinct he had to connect with people was thematic throughout his life. This was noticeable in the significant impact he had on many in his community. Garry's mind was sharp, he was a beautiful writer and a gifted poet. Above all else, He was the light in a room with a special twinkle in his eye and a wonderful smile. The family would like to thank each and every person on every medical team who supported them so incredibly on this brief journey. A special thanks to Dr. Al-Aquel and Dr. Oelschig in their respective capacities provided compassionate care. If so wished, a donation in Garry's memory may be made to The Bomber Command Museum Of Canada in Nanton, AB. Garry will be laid to rest in the Norquay Plot at St. John's Anglican Cathedral in Winnipeg.