June 5, 1952 - June 23, 2024
Gary Richard Halfyard, passed away on June 23, 2024, in his hometown of Didsbury, Alberta. Born on June 5, 1952, to Albert Milton Halfyard (Aug 23, 1931 - December 25, 2010) and Dorothy Marie McKay (February 11, 1923 - April 1998) in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Gary was a longtime resident of Didsbury, and a pillar of the community he so dearly loved.
Gary was a graduate of Stellarton High School, class of 1970, and pursued a career as a Journeyman Electrician and Power Lineman. Gary emigrated from Nova Scotia to Alberta with his family in 1980 to start a new life out west. He had a passion for contributing back to the community in which he lived and dedicated decades of his life teaching and mentoring youth within the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corp #3025, leading the fire department as the Fire Chief of Didsbury in the 1990’s, leading as the Director of Disaster Services for the County on Mountainview, being a long-standing member of the Legion of Canada, as well as other community building initiatives. Gary was a notorious continuous learner and took the opportunity to learn and certify anything he could get his hands on. Gary had a life-altering injury at work in 1992 that forever changed his physical abilities but never changed his outlook on life. He had the gift of seeing life from a different lens and would surely let you know a varying perspective.
In 1971, Gary married his beloved wife, Marilyn Halfyard, in a beautiful ceremony in Pictou, Nova Scotia. Marilyn was the love of his life and his soul mate. Sadly, Marilyn passed away in 2018 with a short fight with cancer and Gary longed for the day he would reunite with her. Together, they raised three children: Jason (Kelty) Halfyard, Amanda (Vance) Lavallee, and Cory (Stefanie) Halfyard. Gary was a devoted father, known for his eternal support for his children and grandchildren.
Gary’s hobbies were as rich and varied as his professional life. He was an avid coin and vintage car collector – both of which are impressive and sizable. His passion for yard work was more than a pastime; it was an art form. He could always be found manicuring with precision and talking with the neighbors as they passed by.
Sadly, Gary was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Shane Halfyard as well as his adored wife, Marilyn Halfyard. His memory will be forever held in the hearts of his surviving family: his children, Jason, Amanda, and Cory; his nine grandchildren, Wyatt, Landon, Sawyer, Carter, Saxon, Madison, Lyric, Isla, and Charlie; his brothers Nicolas Halfyard, Robert Halfyard, David Halfyard, his sisters Mary Halfyard, and Heather Halfyard; and many nieces and nephews.
A service to celebrate Gary’s life will be held on July 12, 2024, at 1:00pm at the Olds Legion Branch #105, located at 5241 - 46 Street, Olds, AB, Canada, Alberta. Following the service, Gary will be interred to rest with his wife Marilyn at a private ceremony in Didsbury.
Speakers at the service will include Pastor Harold and Gary’s children. Guests are encouraged to share a favorite memory or a story.
In lieu of flowers, the Halfyard family kindly requests donations be made to the Olds Legion in Gary’s remembrance, to help and honour those in need.
Gary Richard Halfyard will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. We will miss you, Dad – Forever Loved, Forever Missed. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be made or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
