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66 Entries
Tracey Rose Brown
September 8, 2022
Mr. Worthington was an incredible music teacher and choir director. I am forever grateful for the beautiful singing he taught and shared with such skill and grace. It made a difference in my life! Tracey Rose Brown.
Patti Gott
February 18, 2019
Mr. Worthington - Thought of often and never forgotten.
Kerri Cassels
February 15, 2019
Mr Worthington, I hope the angels are enjoying your fine voice in heaven. You are missed by many.
Ritchie Stagg
December 5, 2018
It was only recently that I learned of Garth's passing; we lost a great musical soul.
I met Garth in 1968 when I had the opportunity to play double bass for the fall tour his choir made of a number of Edmonton high schools. Choir practice was interfering with football practice and I had to make the decision and Garth was how I shall say itpretty convincing. It was an experience I will never forget; he was one of the most inspirational teachers I have ever known.
As is true in life, we often fail to thank those who made a difference in our lives; Garth was one of those people.
Ritchie Stagg
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Kerri Cassels
May 31, 2018
I heard the song Africa by Toto yesterday and thought of Garth or 'Mr. Worthington' as I knew him. He truly was inspirational to me in high school choir. His warmth, encouragement and humor will not be forgotten. Peaches, pears and alfalfa! He really knew how to relate to his audience. As I have thought very fondly of Mr. Worthington over the years I regret that I never reached out to thank him. Although it has been a few years now since his passing I would like to pass on my condolences to his family whom he talked about often. I miss you Mr. Worthington but feel so fortunate for our paths to have crossed. Your deep, melodic voice, carried forth from your heart to your fingertips will forever stay in my memory.
Thank You Mr. Worthington
Walter Lavoie
November 1, 2016
This is so Sad I just found out he passed away. I Loved Mr Worthington, and he was my beginners and advanced guitar teacher at Jasper Place High School in Edmonton in 1989. I remember him telling me all of his stories about him playing piano for Joni Mitchell, and when she first wrote the song Big Yellow Taxi she sang it for him and asked him if he thought it would be a hit song, and of course he said yes. He also told me of the days when Liona Boyd was his guitar student, and every once in awhile for his Very Favorite students he would actually do a head stand on his piano. I've seen him do it three times in person. I Truly Admired the man and looked up to him. He was much more than my teacher. he was my friend. I still play my guitar every chance I get, and have taught both my now grown up kids to play guitar just like he taught me. I am So Grateful and feel Blessed he was and still is a part of my life in spirit. His Legacy of caring ,kindness, honesty,sincerity and Integrity will last Forever in my Family.
Donna (Hurst) Tatsuki
May 14, 2016
Memories of Mr. Worthington and the wonderfully rich experiences of the Centennial Singers come to me often. I find myself humming or singing some of the repertoire spontaneously when I am in a joyful mood. I am sorry to hear that he has passed away--he was the changer of so many young lives and I (as one of them) am very grateful.
Christine Spady
November 9, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Worthington's passing. Choir with him for 6 years throughout junior & high school was honestly one of the absolute highlights of my life at that time & I still remember & sing so many of the songs (the parts I can remember) that my children now know them too. Thank you for being such a wonderful person & mentor & part of wonderful memories. You will never be forgotten! My deepest condolences to the Worthington family.
Laurie Renwick-Frissell
June 3, 2015
I'm so sorry to learn of Mr. Worthington's passing. I've thought of him so many times over the years since my time with Centennial Singers in the late '70's and now I'm wishing I had taken the time sooner to look him up. My sincere condolences to the family of this extraordinary man, teacher, coach and so much more! He gave me a confidence like none other and opened a door for me that I never expected!
Reesa McIntosh
May 4, 2015
I just learned of the passing of Mr. Worthington this past weekend. I was deeply saddened to hear that he has left this Earth. I know he touched my heart as a student at JP and we often talk of his handstands on the piano to get our attention. He was a great man and I know he will be missed by many.
Allison Pukanich
August 18, 2014
Dear Mr. Worthington and family - Thank you for sharing your life and enthusiasm for music with me. I absolutely loved choir, from the time I was in grade three until I graduated. I still sing and love music thanks to Mr. Worthington. I am so grateful that I was able to participate as a Prayer Warrior for him. I am also grateful that I took the time to visit him last year when I was home. He was so inspiring to me, and I just love him even still. Even though his body is gone, his spirit has touched lots of people. Thanks for being the you that I knew, Mr. Worthington. A friend told me once that if you find someone who is on fire about something, get close to them and you will catch fire too. Mr. Worthington's passion for music blazed and lit up everyone around him including me. I will keep part of your fire burning. Thank you! Love Allison
susan edwards allen
July 23, 2014
I have fond memories of Mr. Worthington and my years in Centennial Singers. Those were good times and I learned so much. I was always amazed at how he could pinpoint the one person who was not quite in tune with the rest of the choir. He will be missed.
Shelly Scheetz Goertzen
March 27, 2014
Trent and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I echo all of what everyone has said about what an inspiration he was. As well, he is the ONLY one who should EVER sing O Holy Night. He sang it every year at our centennial singers concert and I cannot wait to hear him sing it again. (I seriously cringe when others sing it now in their sad little soprano voices)
Trent, I was blessed not only to sing under him, but under you at Kings, so I feel doubly blessed. We should always say things when we have a chance, so thanks to both of you for being an inspiration to so many.
Shelly Scheetz Goertzen
March 13, 2014
Mr. Worthington and Centennial Singers opened a door to what has become a lifelong passion of the joy to be experienced in choral music. His passion for the music, as well as the genuine affection he felt for all of us will always be a fond memory for me.
Leslie Ann Stephen - Ingramport, Nova Scotia
March 9, 2014
My condolences to you Trent, and to all of your family. You know how much I loved Garth. I feel so blessed to have a part of him (you) still in my life. He is the reason I have been a music teacher/choral director. Garth showed us that music is not an end, but a means to sharing in this human experience. His love and legacy will resound forever. Jan McCrostie Dammann
Michael Viola
March 7, 2014
Dear Mr. Worthington,
Thank you for the music. Thank you for your smile. Thank you for making something of me. Thank you for making me matter. Thank you for helping me grow. Thank you for the opportunities. Thank you for the dreams. Thank you for the realities. Thank you for the stories. Thank you for being someone I can look up to. Thank you for being a great teacher. Thank you for giving me that Barbershop Style. Thank you for being Mr. Worthington.
Wish I had the chance to tell you this when we spoke over the phone last year. I remember, clear as day, what you'd talked about, including eating grapefruits. Wish I had visited you with grapefruits while I had the chance.
I was saddened to hear your passing. But when I thought of those precious moments I had the privilege to share with you, I can think of nothing but happy memories.
"Come on along, you can't go wrong, with a song in that barbershop style…"
Kim Harder Olson
March 6, 2014
I'm so sorry for your loss. Funny, I was just remembering my years at JP in choir for all three years. He and Dan Bagan were a great team, and that time of my life was the best!
I remember going on tour with him (and all of the choir) to Expo 86 in Vancouver. He will be missed.
March 5, 2014
Mr Worthington was my choir teacher at JP. His classroom was my haven as I tried to adjust to life in Canada after moving from england. I love him and will miss him. Suzanne Thomas Campbell
Rob Gibbard
March 3, 2014
I first met Mr. Worthington when the Worthington family moved in to the neighborhood 2 doors down. I was happy when I discovered they had a son my age. What was that Trent, the start of Grade 2? Mr. Worthington always had a sly smile on his face and he loved to tease me by calling me "Rober" with a french accent, much to my chagrin. I remember once saying back to him rather indignantly, "My name is Robert".
I learned a lot in the next decade of living next door, visiting Trent and Alanna, playing ping pong in the basement, visiting Cadomin, visiting the farm, travelling to school at JP everyday with Mr. Worthington, band and choir trips, and singing for a short time in the Trinity Church Choir.
It was in the church choir that I learned what a special man and teacher he was. During rehearsal, he stopped us and encouraged us to smile and sing like we meant the words we were singing. I, like everyone else, felt these words were spoken just for me and I took them to heart.
Well 40 years or so have now passed since the house two doors down acquired new occupants. Now, when I visit my Dad who still lives in the same house I grew up in, I always look over the fence to see if Garth, or Rita, or Trent, or Alanna are next door. I have wandered over a couple of times over the years, as Garth has done to check up on my Dad, to be rewarded with a nice visit or a missed opportunity. Either way I cherish my memories of growing up knowing Mr. Worthington.
Rita, Trent, Alanna, Dianne and the rest of the family I am sorry for your loss. Mr. Worthington will be missed by many people as witnessed in this guest book. His body may have left us, but his memories and spirit will remain. Please take comfort in that knowledge.
March 2, 2014
Sorry for your loss. I won't forget the first time I met Garth. It was at my parents house. He was over for a meeting and heard me singing from my bedroom window. Garth asked my parents who is singing,my parents said it is our younger son David. I was in grade6 at the time. I followed my brother(Norman) footsteps in all city choir and high school choir.I always enjoyed music, I still listen to our high school music tapes. I can remember Garth going head stands on the piano.If it wasn't for Garth I don't know if I could carry a tune. Trent he is surely going to be missed. He was honest and a wonderful person. I can say I have 3 angels looking down on me. My Dad, my brother Norm and Garth.
David Symington from Calgary AB
Sherry Fisher-Browning
March 2, 2014
If anyone ever asked me who my favourite teacher was...there was not doubt - it was Mr. Worthington. He was my high school teacher, Centennial Singers Director, my mentor. He influenced me to become a music teacher with Edmonton Public schools - just like him. He was my idol - truly.
carol&Darrell Colyer
March 2, 2014
It is with sadness that we mark the passing of this talented and kind man who gave so much to those he taught..a passion and delight of music and life.
Allen Supynuk
March 2, 2014
Mr. Worthington was a huge part of my life growing up. He stood out when He sat in on my audition for my Grade 7 choir, but imparted his "search for excellence in everything you do" philosophy without ever using those words during 3 years of choir, Swing Choir, and 4 years of Centennial Singers.
Garth made it clear, thru his words and actions, that he really cared about you being the best you could be, while (sometimes not so gently) pushing you hard when he thought you were capable of more.
I would not be the man I am today without his influence. He was the best teacher I ever had the honor and privilege to know.
Garth,
You were deeply loved and will be missed.
Rita, Trent, Alanna,
I am sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts.
jacki and Bob (Pfannmuller) Bosetti
March 1, 2014
Rita, we are so sorry to hear of Garth's passing. We will always have fond memories of sharing the view of the mountains, and love of nature at Cadomin with both of you. Garth was a special man .... he will be missed in so many ways. God bless you and your family.
Shelley Gallant (Borden)
February 28, 2014
In loving memory of a kind, caring and gifted man. I will treasure the positive fun loving memories I have from Trinity's church choir to JP's Choir.
Heidi & Bruce Alexander
February 28, 2014
Dear Rita, We were very sad to hear of Garth's passing. When you wrote to us in fall that he probably wouldn't make Christmas we couldn't believe it. After all, Garth was convinced that despite his illness he would still live to the ripe old age of 87! We met you both at FOY in 2007 and enjoyed your company very much. Rita, you were such a great hiking companion and Garth was not only a brilliant musician and entertainer but also an interesting philosopher. We had many late night discussions with him in the pool. As a farewell gift he presented us with a music CD which he had recorded at a church. Rita, we will be thinking of you and your family at the memorial service while we will play his music here in Nova Scotia. We were really hoping to see you both during our upcoming visit to Alberta this summer, but God had other plans. Rita, we hope that you will keep in touch and we send you and your family our warmest condolences.
Dani Ardron
February 28, 2014
Rita and family, So sorry to hear of Garth's passing. I've thought of your family often over the years, remembering with fondness the times you spent in Cadomin and the fun and laughs that were always such an integral part of your visits. Garth was a very special man, and I send you deepest condolences on his passing. May happy memories keep him alive in your hearts.
You are all remembered fondly,
Dani (Pfannmuller) Ardron
Jamie Niles
February 26, 2014
I am very sorry that Mr. Worthington has passed away. He has crossed my mind many times over the years since I was in the choir at Jasper Place High School. I remember that he would spend one class a year on wintertime survival and it has stuck with me ever since. He truly cared about us and we loved him for it. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Sasha Roeder Mah
February 25, 2014
Mr Worthington was one half of a dynamic duo of choir teachers during my three years at Jasper Place High School (Dan Bagan the other). He was warm, engaging and down to earth, and so very musical. He holds a special place in my memory. I send my sympathies to your family.
February 24, 2014
The night before I heard about Garth, I was visiting an Elementary School and I found a poster for the Edmonton Public School Night of Music. I can remember being in grade 4 and sitting in a crowded gym preparing for my first concert. Making a heck of a lot of noise with all of the other students, when Garth stepped to his podium and
lifted his arms to the ready position and without words he commanded all of our attention with his silence and powerful presence. I am just another of the many children that he touched with his love of music & life. Always remembering to make the most of the silence between the notes and the words. May you all find peace in the love & music that he has filled our hearts.
Kelly Gutsche
Richard Burley
February 24, 2014
Hi Rita, Dan just relayed the news of Garth's fight of the cancer, and his passing last week. I'm numb to know we've lost such an inspirational man who gave and gave and gave....I have never been able to rightly put into words the blessing that Garth was to my life. Over the years I have seen and witnessed the many things in this world that he taught us look at and perceive with a discerning eye. In the classroom and later in my adult life he was a rock and a hard place as he constantly challenged me to live large and be a better person. I first learned from him of the importance of going out into the world to be of service to others in whatever way my particular gift or talent would lead. The world was richer for his life and service here, and I wanted you to know how much I appreciated you in all of this, and the family, as you shared him with us. I celebrate with you the love and mourn with you the loss. He will be greatly missed.
Cameron Astley
February 24, 2014
His passing is a great loss. My deepest condolences to his family and close friends. I remember fondly my time in the Centennial Singers, with him at the helm. He was a inspiration to many with all of his extra curricular time and energy spent on youths in the music world. May he RIP
February 24, 2014
I pass on my condolences to all his family he was a great friend as we were growing up in Edmonton Norwood area. Haven't seen him in years but remember his great music talents!! He will be on my mind on March 3rd. Daniel Koyich Neighbor
Darlene Schubert
February 24, 2014
I send my deepest sympathies to you, dearest Worthington family...Garth was an amazing person who indeed touched my life in a most inspiring way (not only musically!): I would probably not be where I am today without his wonderful guidance through my teenage singing years. Blessings and Prayers, Darlene
Heather Andony (Kendrick)
February 23, 2014
I was deeply saddened to hear of Garth's passing. I never got to thank him for being such an inspiration to me. Since having the privilege to sing under his direction in Centennial Singers, my own life journey has led me to follow in his footsteps, as a choral director. I will always remember Garth's motivational stories and life connections, and often find myself sharing his stories sprinkled with a few of my own, with my own students. I remember how his face would light up when we performed as the last notes would ring on for what seemed like an eternity. Garth instilled in each of us the confidence to take risks, give our best, and live each moment to its fullest. I am blessed to have known Garth and a better person for having known him. As we sang so many years ago, "I hope that where I travel, they will say of me one day - that I somehow made a difference that I passed this way." Garth, you made a huge difference. Thanks for the memories and the music. Most of all, thanks for inspiring me to be who I am today.
February 23, 2014
My deepest sympathies to all members of the Worthington family. My daughter sang with Mr. worthington's choirs as part of the EPSB choir program for 6 years. He was a wonderful teacher and role model, expecting the best from each choir member, and giving his best each rehearsal and concert. The world is a smaller place without his voice. Lyn Zuberbuhler
Simone Stephan
February 23, 2014
With love,
Simone and family
Simone Stephan
February 23, 2014
With great sadness and grief I received the message of Garth's death yesterday.
Garth was a long year friend of mine and later of my husband. We got know eachother during my exchange stay from Germany at JP High School in 1988 where he was my choir teacher. We always held contact with long letters and phonecalls and I returned to visit him and his family together with my husband in 1994 and stayed with him for two happy weeks. I always hoped we would meet once again. Garth taught me how music can fill your life with joy. I am very grateful to have the chance to be his student and later to receive his friendship. I will behold him and every single encounter in my loving memory and send all my own and my family's love to Rita, to Trent, Dianne and their daughters and to Alanna and her family. Garth, I will miss you more than I can express in words.
Jane Cooper
February 22, 2014
Rita, Trent and all the family - I am so sorry to hear of Garth's passing. I was at "Vic" with him but only got to know him through singing with Edmonton MET the last few years and the last Vic reunion. Garth became an immediate friend and he was a great musician and a warm and humorous man. A great loss to all of us who knew him.
Jane Cooper
Pamela Martin
February 22, 2014
I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Worthington as my Choir teacher, not only was he a teacher he was a friend, anyone who was blessed enough to have met him knows how special he was! The world was a better place to have him in it, and heaven is lucky to have him!..Condolences to the family!
February 22, 2014
Sincerest sympathies to your family
A very special man
The Kaybidges
Sophia Stauffer
February 22, 2014
A colleague of my husband Bob at JP, I will always remember Garth's warm smile and beautiful voice. My heartfelt condolences to all the family.
Sophia Stauffer
David Kauffman
February 22, 2014
Mr. Worthington taught ever so much more than singing - he taught us about performance, and how to be perceptive of the hard parts of the world without becoming cynical. Many lives have ben enriched by his gift of being a teacher.
February 21, 2014
I was saddened to hear of Garth's passing. I first had the privilege of meeting Garth when I joined the Jasper Place staff in 1979. He was a nice man, blassed with many talents, which he unselfishly shared with the community. He will be missed by many.
Sending love and strength and prayers,
Elke Yoos
Canmore, AB
angel letkeman
February 21, 2014
I had the honor of having Mr Worthington as a choir teacher in high school. He was truly a good man and taught me a lot. my condolences to his family.
Jana Lapel-Denis
February 21, 2014
I am sorry to hear that Garth's earthly life has come to a close. He was an amazing and inspiring man...who touched many lives through music. Heartfelt sympathy to all the Worthington family. God Bless you at this sad time.
Susan Curtis
February 21, 2014
He was a Fantastic man with a big heart who cared for the students the he taught. He changed my life and many others for the better. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
February 21, 2014
Garth contributed so much to the choral community. All the Halls boys were in his choirs and learned so much. He will be missed. The Halls family.
February 21, 2014
I first met Garth in 1972 when I was privelged to work with him in the music department of Edmonton Public schools. As supervisor, I was always relying on him for advice and support. We enjoyed working together and especially putting on the annual "NIGHT OF MUSIC". I have a picture of the 'finale'of the 1979 program when we had 850 students on stage at once. I will always hold dear the memories of he and |Sharon Lang leading the Centennial singers for so many years. His contribution to the music education of so many students and teachers throughout the years will remain as a testimony to his talent, kindness, humor and concern for others. I will miss him.
My deepest condolences to the family.
F.Deane Jensen -Raymond Alberta
Dawn Baker-Repchinski
February 21, 2014
A great man who influenced lives for the better. My condolences.
February 21, 2014
Our most deepest sympathy - we have many good memories to hold on to. Love and hugs from Kevin and Brenda Young
February 21, 2014
Trent - I'm very sorry for this huge loss. I know that your dad was an incredibly special person who touched a lot of lives, and made a difference in many ways. I will always remember his kindness and generosity, and my thoughts are with you and your family. - Wendy Spady
Kelly Pape
February 21, 2014
I'm so sorry for your loss. I have thought about Mr. Worthington often since my high school years. He was an amazing teacher and the music world was a brighter place with him in it.
Kelly Pape
Kathy Anderson Seidler
February 21, 2014
What a blessing to have had Garth as my teacher, mentor & friend over the years. His influence in my life cannot be measured. The 3 years I had him in choir at JPHS & in Centennial Singers are memories I will always cherish. Going on tour with him, sitting on the Greyhound bus, talking and laughing about life. His quick wit and humour were so appreciated. With much love and many prayers, I am thinking of his family and friends whose lives have been changed because of this great and humble man. May you experience God's peace and comfort in these days.
February 21, 2014
Dear Rita,
it is hard to find the right words that might bring you comfort at this time. The world has lost a very kind man. With sympathy,
Hans and Lisa Stauffer
Annette Vawter
February 21, 2014
Rita and Family
An incredible man has left us. I will always treasure the memories of Garth in my life especially singing at my wedding in 1987. If you help anything let me know
Patti Gott
February 21, 2014
He was like a father to me and I loved him very much. Heaven has been gifted with a powerful voice and sincerity. My his family find comfort in know that he made a positive difference to all those who knew him, and he will be missed.
Marvin Farrant
February 21, 2014
I sang with a Male Chorus at the Fountain of Youth RV Park in California. Garth always helped me with my baritone part. He was a great encourager, and a very special friend.
Marvin Farrant
February 21, 2014
Rita and family... my heartfelt condolences in the loss of a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. I was a student when I first met Garth - in 1968, and then had the great pleasure of reconnecting with Garth at Jasper Place High School many years later. All who had the good fortune to have known Garth will miss him-a true genteman! May precious memories keep you strong. With kind regards and deepest sympathy, Gerri Porter
February 21, 2014
I have many wonderful memories of Mr. Worthington with my time spent singing in Centennial Singers. I am thankful for the lasting friendships formed from choir and Mr. W inspired me to continue to sing in choirs for many, many years! Catherine MacLean Mayr
February 21, 2014
My deepest sympathy on the loss of Garth to you and your family alice filipchuk
Sheila Dow
February 21, 2014
Trent, I did not know your father, but I know what it is like to lose your dad-they are everything in our lives. My condolences to you and your family. Constable Sheila Dow.
Gail Mandryk
February 21, 2014
I am saddened to hear of Mr. Worthington's passing. I had the privilege of working with him many years ago while in Centennial Singers in high school. I can honestly say those were wonderful and truly memorable times. Mr. Worthington made music fun and for the three years I was in the choir, I always looked forward to Tuesday nite rehearsals and all the concerts we gave. I learned a great deal about music from him.
My condolences to his family and all whose lives he touched. He will be missed.
Gail Mandryk
LANE SMITH
February 21, 2014
Garth gave me a chance to join the Centennial singers in 1968...he was a mentor and an excellent motivator. his quick wit and committment to excellence will be sorely missed. prayers and strength to family and friends at this sad time.
February 21, 2014
Sending our love and sympathy from Yuma. We will miss our dear friend.
Gord & Fran
February 21, 2014
sending our love to you all from Yuma. our dear friend will be much missed.
Fran & Gord
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10011-114 Street, Edmonton, AB T5K 1R5
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