Raymond Coote Garside

In loving memory of our beloved Raymond Coote Garside

It is with deep sadness and gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Raymond Coote Garside on January 21st, 2025, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. Ray was a cherished husband, devoted father, adored grandfather, loving father-in-law, and close friend to many.  Ray brought joy and laughter to all who had the good fortune to know and love him.

Ray was born in Edmonton on December 12, 1931. He was the only child of Wilfred Needham Garside and Ethel Agnes (Coote) Garside, who had the good sense to relocate to Victoria when he was young, settling in Fairfield.

As a young man, Ray went into business with his father, who had founded Garside Displays. He felt a strong desire to work with his dad and to help him grow the business, which he did with style and success. He recounted proudly that his father had the first licence to do silk screen processing in Canada. Ray himself was the first in Canada to adopt computer-generated sign-making. He wasn’t afraid to adapt to the times. He said many times how proud he was of the family business and of its continued success.

Ray would say that the greatest gift of his life was to meet and marry his beloved Geraldine. They married in 1959 and remained devoted to each other through their long lives. There was never a better example of love and commitment, and we know how deeply he had mourned Gerry in the months since she passed. Truly, they were inseparable, and we take comfort in the thought that they are holding hands once again.

Together, they lived a beautiful life and cherished raising their son, Brad and their daughter, Shawn. He was the best example of a supportive parent, recognizing and celebrating our individuality. Ray loved his son-in-law and best fishing buddy, Colin. He was the ultimate grandpa to his grandchildren, Fraser and Victoria. He always had time to play with them. In fact, Fraser once confidently stated that his grampa had retired “to be my grampa.” This was true. He absolutely adored them.

Ray was, in many ways, a modern Renaissance man. He was a creator. He built their home, he sketched, painted, carved, sculpted, and built furniture. There was nothing he couldn’t do with his own hands. A creative force. His family is surrounded by the evidence of his abilities and of the life he so generously and joyfully built for us all. Ray was good at creating happiness, always naturally expecting the best of people and looking on the bright side. He enjoyed and appreciated art, music, travel and everything that life had to offer, and encouraged his family to do the same. He taught us to have fun, to enjoy beauty, to appreciate all kinds of experiences, to be open-minded and curious. He brightened our lives with his kindness, his ready smile and his quick wit.

We remember Ray, Dad, Grampa, with love and with the knowledge of how deeply we were loved by him. We are thankful for his example, and for his long, fortunate life. We are grateful that he enjoyed his life and his family until the very last day. He was grateful for and content with the life he had lived.

Our family would like to acknowledge, with thanks, Linda Hickman, who supported Mum and Dad in their later years and who became a friend to Dad. We would also like to thank the staff at Sunrise of Victoria for their care, and for enriching Dad’s life.

In accordance with Mum and Dad’s wishes, no formal memorial will be held. Donations in Ray’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com