Monday, October 21, 2019
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to you Mary and your entire family during this very sad time. Losing a husband, a father, a brother and so many other things to so many - is not something you ever get over; it is just something you get through.
My dad and mother, Eugene and Mona Gartner, often spoke of you both - and considered you and your husband (and father Eugene) as some of the best friends anyone could have ever been blessed to have.
My father, Eugene, loved nature and anything to do with the outdoors. Over the years, I became aware that love was only one of the many things my dad had in common and shared with Eugene (besides having the same first name) and their best friend Mike Baryluk. Their friendship and camaraderie ignited from day one and grew as the years passed.
Eugene, my dad and Mike shared many an afternoon and evening scouring the countryside observing all nature and wildlife.
I often commented and lovingly referenced to my dad, upon hearing of their many outdoor adventures, the three of them experienced, as the "Three Amigos".
Through my dads eyes and words, I witnessed and heard of the many interesting outdoor trips the three of them made as Eugene navigated the many winding back roads around Regina and distant towns -checking coulees, cat-tail filled sloughs, stubble-fields and stands of Red Willows for that elusive big buck or bull moose and any other wildlife they could find and watch.
Dad often said he and Mike didn't know where they were a lot of the time but knew and trusted Eugene would always get them home safe and sound. That was of course after stopping to debrief over a coffee and hamburger at one of their favorite country coffee shops before returning to Regina.
I didn't know Eugene very well as I had only spoke briefly to him on a few occasions when the three of them (Eugene, my dad and Mike) were preparing to head out for a country drive when he picked up my father. But what little I did know of Eugene was that your husband and father was a kind and generous man with a great sense of humor. I could sense he loved his family, good friends, and a great day afield in God's creation.
I know with certainty the loss of Eugene will leave a huge void in many hearts and souls. May the memories you shared and gathered all the years prior to the time he was called by his Savior - live in your hearts. May you know that your loved one, Eugene, will always remain a part of you forever.
I am sure Eugene and my dad are already making plans for their next trip into the country. Don't forget the binoculars and the camera.
