Obituary of Garry Emmerson

Garry suddenly passed away at the age of 74 at the Ottawa General Hospital.

Garry was born in Shawville, Quebec. He attended trade school, and from the early age of 17 he went into the car business. As a valued and licenced salesman, he worked at various dealerships across Ottawa, making a name for himself in used car sales and management. In 1997, with his brother Harold, they opened Emmerson Auto Centre. After some time, Harold retired, and Garry ran the business himself right up until his death. He was valued for his integrity, honesty, and fairness with his customers, in which he then created, not only repeat customers, but long-time friends.

Garry leaves in mourning his loving wife of 42 years, Brenda (nee Kelly) and their beautiful daughter Kelly (Carl Beckstead) and adored grandson Noah.

Garry is also survived by his former wife, Victoria Dumont, and their three beloved children; Troy (d. 1995), Juanita (Jason Thusky), and Natasha, and many cherished grandchildren; Tyler, Shady, Sheyanna, Angeleah, and Amyrah and his great-grandchildren.  In addition, Garry is survived by his mother, Jean, and predeceased by his father, John (d. 2001).  He was the eldest and cherished big brother to Harold (Debbie), David, Jeannie (d. 2017), Joannie (Bob), Gerald (Eleanor), Lyle (d. 2022) (Nicole), Theresa (Bob), Gail (d. 1983), Richard (Lauri), and Kerry (Kim).  He was a loving uncle to all his nieces and nephews and their children.

Garry was a strong man with a soft heart and, anyone who was lucky to really know him, felt his compassion and empathy. He provided a loving ear, a lending hand, and a shoulder to cry on for so many, but particularly his family. Through his life and career, he made so many cherished and close friends that meant the world to him. Garry’s loving support and guidance, dry sense of humour, big smile, and warm hugs will be sadly missed, but will remain in our hearts forever. Mostly, we will miss his regular and daily phone calls to check in.

A celebration of life will take place at Cole Funeral Services, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa, Ontario K2C 3H9 on Friday, December 15^th, 2023, at 1:00pm. Family and friends are invited to a reception immediately following the service at Cole Funeral Services.

Garry’s ashes will be driven home by his brothers in his beloved Corvette for his final ride home. In honour of Garry, we are encouraging everyone to wear jeans. In lieu of flowers, donations in Garry’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, or the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

“A heart of gold stopped beating. Working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best. Leaves and flowers may wither. The golden sun may set. But the hearts that loved you dearly, are the ones that won’t forget.”