Garry Ingalls passed away April 9, 2003 in Williams Lake. He was born August 17, 1931 in New Westminster, B.C. to parents Alton and Violet Ingalls.
Two years later his sister Shari Beth was born. Garry was a proud big brother to his “Sis.”
Garry’s childhood was a happy one. He had fond memories of going to a full day at the movies for 25 cents. Roy Rogers and Gene Autry were two of his favourites. When he was 14 the family moved to Bilmore, situated just outside of Prince Rupert. After leaving school he went to work on the boats with his dad.
At 19 Garry met Dorothy Mellish, the daughter of longtime residents Fred and Ellen Mellish of Williams Lake. Their first dance was the Tennesse Waltz which always remained a favourite. It was love at first sight.
Ellen always describes it as “snap, bam, alacazam.”
They were married.Their first child Marnee was born in Prince Rupert. Garry was thrilled. When Marnee was just three months old they moved to Williams Lake which from then on was their permanent home.
Lifetime friends and wonderful memories were made at Lignum Mill over the next 15 years.
He then hung up his hard hat and went to work for North American Life Insurance. His ability and enthusiastic disposition made him a natural for sales.
From there he went to work for the city works yard of Williams Lake.
His talents of carpentry and pipe fitting were well utilized. Garry enjoyed his job but most of all he enjoyed the people he worked with. He loved Williams Lake and was proud to work for the city.
Garry wore his heart on his sleeve. If he was angry he put his own creative spin on the English language. When driving he was a master at sign language.
He was boisterous, a quick wit and always entertaining.
When he was happy he would laugh a great belly laugh and it was always contagious. He loved a good joke or a good story and he was great at telling them.
Garry loved family vacations as much as his family did. A favourite spot was Mable Lake. Aunts, uncles, cousins, everybody came. Swimming, horseshoes, and card games filled his days. Family barbecues were enjoyed every evening.
Garry wore an apron that said Kiss the Cook and flipped burgers to order.
Accompanied by mass quantities of potato salad, this to Garry was a perfect meal.
He is remembered by his wife Dorothy; children Marnee, Garth, Dawn and Melinda; seven granddaughters and one great granddaughter.
Funeral services were held April 15, 2003 at St. Peter’s Anglican Church followed by a tea at the Elks Hall.
The family appreciates the Anglican Church and the Royal Purple for a lovely lunch that Garry would have been first in line for. Garry was a great guy and will be greatly missed.