Marvin William Garton
My father is someone you looked up to, no matter how tall you grew
Eulogy
Marvin William Garton passed away at home on April 30, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on March 26, 1950, in Athabasca, Marvin lived a life defined by curiosity, adventure, and a deep commitment to his family and friends. He was a man who never stopped learning, creating, and cherishing the people around him.
From an early age, Marvin had a thirst for knowledge and a knack for building things—a trait that carried him throughout his life. As a teenager, he constructed a colour television from a home kit, a sign of the brilliant mind that would later earn him a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from University of Alberta. His career took him from Shaw Cable to ATCO, where he spent 37 years leading innovative projects, including the JEEP initiative to reduce power consumption in Jasper, Alberta. He later pursued his MBA at University of Calgary, further solidifying his expertise in a field he loved. He carried his love for physics into astrophysics, tackling dense books with enthusiasm, his mind always eager to grasp new concepts.
Marvin met Anne in Athabasca during their younger school years. They did not know at the time, they were embarking on a partnership of over 52 years dedicated to one another. Marvin and Anne were steadfast companions, and together they built a life filled with friends and laughter. Their children, Curtis (Shauna), and Kerri (Aaron) grew up surrounded by their father’s wise influence and lessons. His greatest joy came from his grandchildren—Zachary, Nora, Caleb, and Maya—who filled his life with energy, fun, and unforgettable moments. He especially loved sneaking his grandkids out for a ride in the Audi convertible with the top down. His bond with his sister, Lois, was unwavering, and his deep connection with his cousins brought him lasting happiness.
Marvin was a man of tradition. His 12-foot Christmas tree stood tall every year, a symbol of his love for family gatherings. He relished good food and engaging conversations around the table. His mother Helen's cooking set the foundation for his appreciation of excellent meals, while he and Anne continued it on with countless feasts in their home. Marvin appreciated the simple pleasures of life, carrying on the skill of fixing everything, which he inherited from his father, Bill.
Marvin’s love for motorcycles ran deep. His prized Harleys held a special place in his heart, reaching a peak when three sat proudly in his garage. He rode with passion, traveling twice to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota to be among thousands of enthusiasts, embracing the thrill of the open road.
But just as much as he loved engines, he cherished music, playing the trumpet, piano, and guitar. His Gibson Les Paul guitar was his pride and joy, and he spent memorable moments playing in a band called The Fugitives. Anne remembers him listening to his favourite tunes on a Heathkit receiver he built, acquired with all of the monetary gifts received at their wedding. Rock and Roll was his soundtrack, though he appreciated any music, as long as it was done well.
Sports kept him moving—hockey with the St. Albert Senators, golfing, water skiing, squash, and racquetball. Marvin also travelled extensively with Anne, observing the world around him with genuine curiosity, never missing a chance to experience something new. Marvin’s travels with Anne brought him great joy - having visited more than 30 countries, they are truly world explorers. He especially enjoyed the restful days spent in Bucerías, Mexico after retirement. Bulldogs, red snapper, and his friend Nestor’s special breakfasts were his favourite highlights. Marvin also found real pleasure in photography, capturing moments big and small—no detail too insignificant to be documented.
And then there were the little things that made him unmistakably Marvin—the “Marvinisms” that everyone knew and loved. His surgical-like precision when carving a roast, his habit of turning discarded items into his next fix-it project, his trusty ear tube against the wind, his steely ‘Garton glare’ when processing an idea he wasn’t onside with, and his unmistakable laugh at slapstick comedy like The Three Stooges.
In retirement, Marvin embraced life fully, travelling with friends, relaxing at the Garton cabin he built with his father. The countless hours of pulling the kids behind the boat, and peacefully sitting on the dock were very special to him. He continued to find adventure even in his final year—skiing down the slopes of Lake Louise for his 75th birthday, determined to savour every moment.
As we say goodbye, we celebrate a life well-lived. Marvin’s legacy lives on in the laughter shared around family tables, and the knowledge he passed down with quiet wisdom. Though he is no longer physically here, his love, curiosity, and lessons will remain woven into the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Marvin did not fight many battles, but he won a lot of hearts. His presence will be profoundly missed.
Timeline
They welcomed their second child, Kerri-Anne Garton on March 3, 1981.
May 7, 2013
Kerri and Aaron welcome their first child, Nora Anne Rose Byers, making Marvin and Anne grandparents for a second time. Anne is also born on May 7th, and they now share this celebration together.
February 28, 2015
Kerri and Aaron welcome their second child, Caleb Neil Byers, making Marvin and Anne grandparents for a third time.
April 5, 2015
Not long after the birth of Caleb, Curtis and Shauna welcomed Maya Garton to the family, making Marvin and Anne grandparents for a fourth time.
Gallery
Memory wall
Nap and Leslie Pepin
We met Marv way back when he was dating one of my favorite nieces. He seemed like a quiet shy young man, polite and pleasant. My brother Bert, Ann’s father asked my then fiancee Walter to go with him to pull Marv out of the mud on the country road going south. Needless to say Walter then had to help Marvin come up with a obvious excuse that would explain how they were going south to Athabasca. The suggestion was that Anne & Marv were most likely going south to Athabasca via the South Pole then coming back up over the North Pole,
Finally reaching Athabasca. Besides, it was a dark quiet romantic spot not far from Ann’s home.
From that time on we were Marvin’s aunt and uncle, and because there was only a couple of years difference in our ages we did many things together. We soon found Marvin to be very good source of knowledge on many topics. If Marvin had chosen a vehicle for instance we knew it had been studied from bumper to bumper. Between Anne’s Marvelous Marvin and my wonder Wally, Ann and myself found we have become needie women without the knowledge of the blue or should I say the more masculine topics so need to get help with the many things the men looked after.
We will miss Marvin in so many ways teaching us so much including the way to leave this earth with as little fuss as possible, Ann you didn’t have to watch or deal with long drawn out suffering and hopefully the many good times will be first on your mind when you think of him.
A dear, dear friend of ours, Marvin Garton, has gone to be with the Lord. Nestor and I have struggled nightly to put anything down on paper.
Marvin and Anne have been our wonderful friends and travelling companions for seventeen years! As soon as a trip or get together was over, we would be planning the next one, in fact we would be planning it while we were on the current one. Correction, Anne and Nestor would be planning, fingers flying over their keyboards, while Marvin and I would sit back, smile, and agree, but only if we agreed.
Marvin was a true gentleman in every sense of the word, gentle, kind and considerate, never speaking harshly of anyone. However he was fiercely intelligent, and when he did speak, you listened. He and Anne kept us current on all world events, debating, pleasantly arguing and laughing well into the night.
Life will go on, but Marvin, we will see you again. Until then, we will carry you with us.
Nestor and Trish
- Matthew & Laura
Randy&Carla
We were very saddened to hear of Marvin's passing. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family. I had the opportunity to work closely with Marvin. He was a positive, caring, and calming man, with a quick friendly smile, keen sense of humor, and a wealth of technical knowledge and world experience - that he so kindly shared with all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We were shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Marvin's passing. We will always remember his knowing smile and incredible sense of humor. I so enjoyed working with him over the years! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I will always remember him as a friend who greeted you with a wide welcoming smile and an infectious warmth and sense of humor. He was always trying to ensure everyone was having a good time.
I also had the great pleasure of working with Marvin for many years. H was always great to work with - positive, deeply involved, and fully committed to the team and/or project.
He will truly be missed by all his friends and family.
Everything he did in life appeared quite effortless. From building a family cabin as a side project, to completing an MBA while working and raising two kids, travelling more countries than anyone else I know, keeping all his possessions in meticulous condition, or the fact that he regularly made time to visit friends and family even in the busiest periods of life. He rarely spoke about these things as hectic or burdensome. It was only after years of growing up and being in the world that I realized how hard he worked behind the scene to curate a beautiful life and share it with everyone in his circle. How extraordinary each of his accomplishments truly was.
To this day I've never managed to slalom water ski, despite many attempts. Dad would just smile from the shore and say 'yes, its pretty tricky but maybe you'll get it next time'. He never pressured the idea that I needed to be just like him. It was enough to share the day together and for him to watch me try.
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