May 22, 1944 – July 25, 2025 

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Garry Worth, who left us peacefully on July 25, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous and private battle with cancer. He was 81. 

Garry is survived by his loving wife Susan; daughters Lynda Worth (Ken Dyer) son Jeremy Therrien and Wendy (Tony)Tessari, Aleeza, Dino, Marco, and Sophia; sister Sharon (Wally deceased) Lorz; brother Rob (Mary) Worth and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Mona and Harry Worth. 

Garry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend — someone who loved deeply and lived fully. He met his beloved wife, Susan, in Victoria while she was attending school, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Their nearly 60 years of marriage stand as a testament to their enduring partnership. 

Garry cherished spending time with his family. Whether he was coaching softball, fixing the riding ring for the Westsyde Trail Riders, building barns for the horses, working on his never ending “Honey do” list, walking his beloved dogs, or simply enjoying quiet moments in the amazing garden Mom and Dad built together, Dad poured his heart into every experience. Later in life, he brought that same joy and devotion to his grandchildren — catching turtles in the pond, texting the family chat to see who would come hangout with him, pulling them on the tube at the lake, and even heading off to Alberta to chase dinosaurs. He was always looking for one of the kids to go catch a Blazers game or watch the mud bogs, eager to share those special moments side by side. His presence made every adventure more memorable, and his grandchildren will always remember him as a source of laughter, curiosity, and unwavering support. He was a constant on many family vacations — whether relaxing on the Beach, or driving everyone around Parksville sharing the places he loved most — the Arlington Pub that he cleaned as a boy, the bowling alley he went to with his buddies, the garage they would go to and fix their cars and especially the giant tree he and his sister Sharon used to climb in Nanoose Bay. 

Born in Nanaimo and calling Parksville home, Garry was a proud Islander at heart. In the early 1970s, he moved to Kamloops to help open the Weyerhaeuser mill, beginning a lifelong career as a millwright and labour advocate. He rose to become National President of the Pulp, Paper and Woodworkers of Canada, and later, President of the Confederation of Canadian Unions. His commitment to workers’ rights, social justice and the NDP remained strong, even into retirement. His years snow birding in Mexico brought new adventures and friendships. It was there that he found and rescued Maya, Vinnie and Chuy, who became his loyal companions. 

Though we will miss him deeply and love him always, we are endlessly grateful for the time we had with him. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so freely. Rest easy, Dad. We’ll see you at the lake. 

A Celebration of Life We invite you to a gathering to honour the memory of Garry Date: Sunday, August 24, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Mountain Room TRU Campus Activity Centre, Kamloops, B.C. 

This celebration will be a time to share stories, laughter, and memories as we remember the incredible man Garry was. There will be a podium and microphone available for those who wish to say a few words, and a slideshow will play throughout the afternoon. All who knew and loved Garry are welcome. With love, the Worth Family. 

• Date : 2025-07-25
• Location : Kamloops