Obituary of John Byron Garton

Born December 6, 1924 in Poplar Point, Manitoba, John Byron Garton left his physical body to SOAR to his next grand adventure on Friday, May 10th, 2024, at the Smiths Falls Hospital, surrounded by his loving children at the remarkable age of 99. J.B. is predeceased by his loving and devoted wife, Jean Elizabeth Garton (nee Carlyle) in 2014 and beloved daughter-in-law Kathy Garton in 2023.

J.B. is survived by his children Jack Garton (Pat) and their children John (Caitlin) and their son John Thorin and Jenecka (Nick Flipson); Warren (late Kathy) and their children Byron (Dani) and their children Harrison and Tiberius, and Amelia Thompson (Kyle) and their daughter Felicity; Dennis (Nancy) and their children Bradley (Claudia) and their son Maxwell, and Lindsay Garton (Erik Jamik); Deanna Garton (Joel Poole) and children Heather Parry (Jason Barker), Gregory Parry (Meaghan Mullen) and their children Reese and Declan Parry, Drew Parry (Christie MacMillian) and children Makinley, Camden, Maitland and Emersyn Parry, Brian Parry (Dawn MacMillian) and their children Hamish and Lachlan Parry; Cathy (Kelvin Kerr) and their daughter Amanda Kerr (Adam). He is also survived by his sister Marianne Daly of Sault Ste. Marie and her children Alan, Steven, Mark, Michael, Mary Ruth and their families. Lovingly remembered by many cousins.

J.B, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, neighbour, hunter, fisherman, Artist/Carver, Pewterer and Author, was always willing to share his wisdom and knowledge. J.B. will be remembered for his storytelling abilities; however, he was renowned as a carver. Known as a Smiths Falls Carver since the late 1960’s, J.B. enjoyed many happy and fruitful years travelling within Canada, USA and England to duck decoy contests and exhibits. He often included his wife and 5 children during those travels. Someone once asked, “What is it like to have a famous Dad?” His children responded, “he is just our dad”.

J.B. was welcomed by the Rideau Carvers and continued to enjoy their company. J.B.’s many friends truly enjoyed his company.

Dad began his life on a wheat farm in Manitoba and as he grew, he scouted the lands around his Garton family on the Assiniboine River. Tragically, J.B. lost his father at the tender age of 9, which resulted in his mother moving her young family to the McCaw farm on his beloved Rideau River in Ontario. Grandma McCaw took young J.B. under her care and taught him many life survival skills, including the work involved in vegetable gardening, cleaning fresh fish from the river to fry for a meal, and other farm chores. J.B. held the utmost respect for his wonderful Grandma. He used those skills that he was taught to provide for his family. He was no stranger to hard work, and he always seemed to have something in the works. When his eyesight started to fail, he shifted his talents to writing and playing music on his accordion. His creativity was never-ending.

Throughout his life, he always made time for his family. He enjoyed travelling throughout Canada and in many parts of the world. Travelling with family by car meant a packed station wagon with Jean and his children. Trips domestically included the east coast in 1967, Expo '67, around Ontario in 1968 and then to the west coast in 1970.

When J.B. and Jean travelled internationally and domestically, it was often with their close friends Fred and Bunny Haughton. Those trips included Hawaii, Newfoundland, Alaska, Las Vegas, and the Rose Bowl Parade in California.

Recreational travel for J.B. also meant many hunting and fishing trips with friends and acquaintances. Those trips included fishing at Great Bear Lake, salmon fishing at both the Cascapedia River and the west coast Haida Gwaii, Queen Charlotte Islands, and of course fishing on the Rideau Canal and St. Lawrence River. J.B. went Caribou hunting in Northern Quebec, Elk in Western Canada, and at Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Locally his many hunting accomplishments included a membership in the Lanark Hunt Club at Morrow Lake, which was a special place that he shared with his sons.

Friends may pay their respects at Blair & Son Funeral Home, Smiths Falls on Friday, May 17, 2024, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., and again on Saturday from 10:30 until the time of the service to celebrate his wonderful life in the Chapel at 12:30 p.m. All are welcome to gather for a reception immediately after the service, with interment with the family at Wolford Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Ducks Unlimited or the Smiths Falls Food Bank.

Dad had a remarkable life. His family are so proud of his many accomplishments. We are truly grateful for this lifetime of love and all that he shared with us.