Garry Laverne Thurston

1940-2024

 

Peacefully on March 9th, 2024, Garry Laverne Thurston passed away at the age of 83, at the Lions Prairie Manor with family by his side.

Garry was born in Portage la Prairie, MB on March 20th, 1940. He grew up in Macdonald, MB and went to school there as well. After Garry finished school, he worked at Smith Motors in Portage until he left for Red Lake, ON. to work in the mines. When he came home from Ontario, he worked for his dad on the farm in the summer months as well as at Smith Motors once again, during the winter months.

In 1962 he married Clarene Smith. After getting married they moved to Flee Island and farmed there. During the winter months, Garry worked in Portage at Avenue Automatic and took care of an outdoor rink. In 1969, Garry moved his family to Macdonald and there he farmed and operated a trucking business. In 1973, Garry and his brother Wayne opened The Pop Shoppe in Portage. They operated it for a few years and then decided to sell to concentrate on farming.

Garry enjoyed slo-pitch and was on multiple teams here and in Arizona, where he spent many winters with Clarene. He also enjoyed curling, camping, snowmobiling, racing stockcars and spending time with his family.

Garry is predeceased by his wife Clarene Thurston (nee Smith), father Harold Thurston, mother Dora Thurston (nee Clark), sister Maxine McArthur (nee Thurston) and daughter in-law Kathee Thurston (nee Treffry). Left to mourn Garry’s passing is son Darryl Thurston and his children, Samantha Thurston and Nicholas Thurston, son Cory (Sheri) Thurston and their children, Rebecca (Dean) Shirtliff (nee Thurston), Garrett Thurston and Hunter Burston and brother Wayne (Judy) Thurston.

As per Garry’s wishes, a private family burial will take place at a later date.

Donations may be made in Garry’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba c/co Unit 3-2430 Victoria Ave. Brandon, MB R7B 0M5 To share memories or leave condolences, please visit http://ronaldmoffitmemorialservices.com

Ronald Moffit Memorial Services of Portage la Prairie, MB in care of arrangements.