Robert (Rob) Earl Garrett

A 46-year journey came to an end too soon for Rob Garrett: horse-whisperer, dog whisperer, fish whisperer, committed motorcyclist, incorrigible household wrestler, computer wizard, Mr. Grumpy, Uncle Big Guy and Daddybear.

But to Ally, his wife and mother of their two children, Rob was always a cowboy at heart. Like those old-time heroes on the silver screen, Rob was a man of few words, highly annoyed when circumstances conspired to force him to use more words than he thought necessary. He had the western bone-deep sense of community. He helped build neighborhood playgrounds and changed the neighbors’ winter tires, gruffly brushing off any thanks. He was the go-to computer guru not just for his immediate family, but to a long list of extended family, friends, and even the occasional casual acquaintance. Rob was handy with his hands, roaming the range in Scenic Acres with a faithful seven-year-old sidekick, teaching Charlie the basics of gardening, car repair and house maintenance.

Rob’s cowboy roots were planted in his childhood growing up throughout Alberta before settling in Barnwell, Picture Butte and Taber, a place of fond memories and adventures with his brother William, sister Cara and dear friends Amanda and Travis.  Working with horses grounded his soul and banished his stress like few other things could. Using the quiet spirituality he inherited from his mother, this man of few words knew exactly what to whisper to his horses and in unexpected moments with those most important to him.  He used the same gentle approach to train the family dogs.   There are least a couple of fishing holes that are deep secrets for Rob, Yuriko and her husband Rob – his friend who shares the name. And it can be demonstrated that the Rob who rarely smiles in photographs is beaming in every picture where he is holding a fish.

In the early years, Rob worked in construction and on road crews. He had tremendous admiration for the reputation his father had built in these areas, but for himself he wanted the stability of a professional job in the city. That led him to the IT program at De Vry , and eventually to BP. He considered his colleagues there “a second family” and he loved his work.

In those high school years, Rob played football and was a provincial wrestling champion. It was a sport he couldn’t leave behind. He could be found in the basement with half a dozen neighbourhood kids hanging from him, trying to bring him down. But his most common partner in these shenanigans was his oldest son. J.J. is unusually strong for a 12 year-old, but he couldn’t take down the reigning champ. J.J. told his Mom that maybe God needed Dad up in heaven to help wrestle the devil.

Rob is survived by his wife, Ally, sons J.J. and Charlie, parents Anne and Charles, his brother William (Amy) sister Cara, Grandmother Dorothy, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends he claimed as family throughout the years.

A Memorial Service will be held at on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Evan J Strong Funeral Services North (3625 12 St NE). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local food bank.

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