On October 12th, 2022, we said goodbye to the most wonderful father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend we could have known.

Dad had a storied life growing up in a family of 10 spirited and strong-minded kids raised by their mother Mabel Gertrude Beck following the death of their father William Foreman Mason; both from Lunenberg, Nova Scotia. His relationships with his siblings Gerald (Dorothy), Frank, Gladys (Bob), Florence (Hank), Gwen, Harry (Irene), Shirley (Bernie), their spouses and their families were something he cherished every day of his life. Dad was so proud of all of his nieces and nephews, and he adored them as if they were his own children.

While completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Western Ontario, young Garnet, a handsome star running back on the Mustangs football team, met the love of his life, the beautiful Elizabeth Jeffrey and what followed truly was the kind of love we would all aspire to have.

While Dad’s life’s work was truly his family, he had a long career in academia completing his Master of Science Degree at University of Western Ontario in 1961 and his PhD at the University of London in 1964. After completing his PhD in Genetics, he stayed in Europe working for the World Health Organization where he played a role in combatting malaria around the world.

Dad was an adventurer and true renaissance man. He travelled the world, hitch-hiked rides on cargo planes in the Caribbean and South America, went spear fishing for sharks, tagged fish in the Northwest Territories, was a naturalist in Algonquin Park, and flew his own plane. Dad loved the outdoors and shortly after returning to Canada in the 1970’s purchased a property on Camp Lake where with the help of his brothers he built our two-story family cottage using only hand tools, with no electrical power and no road access.

Mom and Dad set a fantastic example of how a loving, respectful, and fun relationship should be. Throughout their 66 years together they have been quick to forgive one another always respected and supported each other and found small ways to connect.

Dad’s greatest joy in life beside his time with Mom came from his grandchildren. He just lit up whenever Garnet, Ian, Jared, Geneva, Sydney, Olivia, Barrett, Velia, Sam or Autumn were with him. He was always willing to get down on the ground to play exuberant games or to sit quietly recanting the many tales of “Rackety Racoon”.

On Dad’s last visit to the cottage, he sat for a long time at the lake taking in every foot of the shoreline as the golden glow of the setting sun was lighting up the trees. We will carry many lasting memories of him sitting on the dock as generations return to the same cottage he built.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Amica on the Avenue who assisted Dad with love and compassion and most of all Daryl Quindiagan for whom words can’t express our gratitude for your love and commitment to Dad.

Dad, we are so grateful to have had you as our father. Love Liam(Carol), Fran(Gwen), Beck(Roberta) and Catherine(Stacy).

We invite friends and family to join us at Eglington St. George’s United Church on Saturday October 29 at 1 pm to celebrate our Dad’s life. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Out of the Cold (outofthecold.org), a charitable organization that Dad worked with and supported for many years.