Obituary of Gary James Anderson

GARY ANDERSON

Gary was a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, and friend. He was quick to offer advice or tell a joke and he understood the value of giving back. 

Gary had a unique ability to recognize the strengths in those around him. He was always coming up with lessons and challenges for his kids and others he mentored. But it wasn’t just the skills he was teaching or the fact that he was pushing someone to try something new. Somehow when he did it, it felt like he believed in you. And he did. Whether it was with his children, people he mentored, or his grandchildren, he always pushed them to try, to learn, or to challenge themselves. He loved to see people succeed when they worked hard, and he loved to see people take chances because he was a dreamer. He was a man that saw the entire world, not just his little piece of it. Although, he did love his little piece. 

Gary was born on Sept 26, 1952, in Regina, SK. He grew up on the farm outside of Bethune homesteaded by his grandfather in 1904. Gary lived on the farm his entire life and would go on to raise his four children there with the love of his life, Karen. 

Growing up, Gary excelled at athletics and loved playing hockey, baseball, and curling. His competitive nature followed him to many places after that including the show ring and the coach’s bench, but most noticeably it was a trait he passed on to his children. Gary attended Bethune School before going to Lumsden High School. Gary met Karen on July 2nd, 1973, and swept her off her feet, something he continually tried to do. They married in 1975 and Karen joined him on the farm. That’s where they started their family. First Geoff, then Ginny, then a little later Becky and last but not least, Bobbi.

As a farmer, Gary spent countless hours on a tractor, sprayer and combine but it was his role as a cattle man that he was most known for. Gary began showing cattle as a member of the Bethune 4-H Beef Club under the guidance of his father and it became a lifelong passion. In 1979, he began showing his own cattle at Canadian Western Agribition. He was heavily involved with Agribition. Gary’s intelligence, willingness to learn, and dedication to the industry quickly moved him from exhibitor to committee member to board member to executive member to President. He was the only President of Agribition to win a livestock Grand Champion Banner while sitting as active President. Many memories were made at Agribition both professionally and personally as the entire family spent so much time there together over the years. Gary taught his children how to fit, show, and carry themselves. He instilled the idea that having confidence in yourself was the first step to success. Gary won countless awards including Limousin Breeder of the Year, Limousin Leader of the Year, Award of Merit for Advertising and Marketing Excellence, Saskatchewan Limousin Association Distinguished Service Award, Canadian Livestock Industry Leader of the Year and most recently, The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. His opinion in the cattle industry was renowned around Canada.

Gary was always looking for ways to give back to the community and sat on many boards including Bethune Rink Board, Bethune Curling Club, Bethune Minor Ball, Regina Exhibition, Saskatchewan Limousin Association, and the Canadian Limousin Association. 

Gary loved a nice meal and a good bottle of wine and would share stories of his favourite meals he enjoyed while traveling. Gary frequently attended cattle shows across Canada as an exhibitor, judge, and respected cattleman. One of the trips he referenced most was his experience in Brazil. With Karen by his side, he toured the country, ate great steak, and judged the National Red Angus Show. The combination of cattle, food and new friendships was one of his favourite ways to spend his time. 

To some, Gary was a farmer from a small town in Saskatchewan. But to those who knew him best, he was so much more. He had a zest for life and constantly looked to the future and what could be. He was open-minded and cared deeply about those around him. He was also a notorious practical joker and playing pranks on his wife, kids, and grandkids gave him great joy (probably too much, if we are being honest). You always knew you were being messed with when he got that twinkle in his eye and started raising his eyebrows. That twinkle and his smile are some of the things we will miss the most about him. 

In July of 2022, Gary received a long-awaited double lung transplant. He fought extremely hard to recover and never complained throughout the entire process. He maintained his wit and sense of humour to the last day and became a favourite of the staff that cared for him. Sadly, Gary passed away on April 18 as a result of complications from Lewy Body dementia.

Gary was predeceased by his father, Robert; mother, Inez; brother Murray; brother-in-law Kenneth; mother-in-law Marcella; father-in-law Roger; and close friend, Dale Ulmer. He is survived by his wife, Karen; son Geoff (Lacey), their children Seager, Swayze, and Stiles; daughter Ginny (Jason), her daughter Austyn; daughter Becky (Adrian), their children Holden, Hollis, and Emmie; daughter Bobbi (Wade); sisters Marlene (Wayne); Glenda (Tom); his sisters-in-law Susan (Garry); Charlene (Don); and his many nieces and nephews.

We are so thankful to have a father who was kind, thoughtful, and generous. We’re fortunate to have a hero in our lives, and forever grateful that our hero also happened to be our dad. 

Memorial Service will be held at the K and S Community Hall, 524 East Street, Bethune, SK on Monday, April 24, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. Interment to follow at Bethune Cemetery.