Garth David Wolfe

February 11, 1957 - December 12, 2024

It is with great sadness the family of Garth Wolfe share the news of his passing following a short battle with cancer. He was 67 years old.

Garth was born in Kenora in 1957 to Joyce Cederwall, and Ernie McCurdy, and was the third of 5 siblings. He was a beloved grandson of Anne Martin Cederwall who passed away in 2006. Garth was predeceased by his mother in 1961, his oldest brother Michael in 1976, and his sister Anne in 2021. He was happy to have reconnected with his Uncle Glen Cederwall in recent years, who also predeceased him in 2021. Garth is survived by his brother Rod McCurdy, and sister Kathy McKeever.

Garth was educated in Kenora before adventuring out into the world. Throughout his younger life, Garth travelled throughout Canada and the United States. This gave birth to some of his best stories about Alberta, B.C., California, and Arkansas. He later returned to his hometown and spent most of the remaining years of his life there.

In 1979, Garth met the love of his life and best friend, Lesia Atamaniuk. They were married on May 22, 1982, on an outrageously hot day. They purchased Lesia's family home on Park Street and resided there until their recent move in 2024 to Winnipeg. Garth worked tirelessly to learn how to renovate the 100-year-old home into the family home where his children grew up.

Garth was a devoted and loving father to Rachael (Erich Warmbier) and Natalie (Andy Zabloski) who dearly miss him. Garth took great pride in being a parent, especially celebrating and sharing in even the smallest of accomplishments. He loved spending days out on the lake with his girls or taking his whole family out to remote spots for long weekends of camping. He was so proud to see his daughters take what he had taught them and carry that on in their lives. He was also very proud of his son-in-laws, Andy and Erich and encouraged them to always reach the highest levels of their professions. Garth loved to hear about everyone's work stories, success and promotions every time his children were together.

Garth started working for CP Rail in 1979. His strong work ethic and determination led him to work his way up from a section man to a conductor. He worked his whole career for CP Rail, until his retirement in 2010. During Garth's time at CP Rail he made many lifelong friends. Many memories were shared and made throughout the years whether it was out on Lake of the Woods, at the pool, or just having coffee in the living room.

Garth was a quiet, reserved and giving man but lived his life with many passions. He loved to be outdoors, fishing and camping whenever he could. He reminisced very often about his days at smoke and fish and the CPR ice-fishing derby. He spent countless hours reading books on renovation and woodworking. He also refinished many family pieces of furniture. He was an avid audiophile and spent a large chunk of his retirement cultivating stereo sets and a record collection that most collectors dream of. His daughters were so lucky to be able to learn about so many styles of music at such early ages and continue their shared love of music with their Dad. Garth and Lesia also loved travelling. His tan was next to none! In their retirement, they went on many trips to Negril Jamaica. They spent these trips with many friends and also made lifelong connections there.

Garth was predeceased by his parents and Lesia's mother Marie. He was also predeceased by his father-in-law Michael Atamaniuk with whom he shared a special connection. He is bereaved by many nieces and nephews and close family members. The list of those who loved Garth and who went before him is too many to name.

The family wants to thank everyone who reached out before and after Garth's passing. We want to thank the healthcare team in Toronto at Princess Margaret Cancer Hospital and Toronto General. Special thank yous go out to those who travelled to these appointments with Garth: Brad Wolfe, Rod McCurdy and Garth Cutherburtson. He also shared many trips with other friends and family members.

Garth's life may have been shorter than expected but he was able to leave such a long-lasting mark on those who knew him. A celebration of life will be held in Spring 2025 to share in Garth's memory.