Garnet Austin WOOLEY passed away on Saturday, January 24 at the Pembina Manitou Health Centre in Manitou, MB at the age of 88 years. Left to mourn Garnet's passing are his sons Dave (Donna) of St. Albert, AB, Bob (Sheila) of Conception Bay South, NL, Darryl (Janice) of Morden, MB, and Jim (Theresa) of Cranbrook, BC, daughters Donna (Randy) Pawich of Cartwright, MB, and Mary-Ann (Glen) Otto of Snow Lake, MB, grandchildren Breantt (Tanya), Connor (Jera), Kyle, Keith (Pati), Andy, Laura, Travis (Emily), Roger (Melissa), Lauren (Jason), Shayna, Joey, Kari-Ann (Kris), Danny, Amy, Sara, Anna and Austin, and great-grandchildren Radley, Evan, Ava, Miles, Scarlett, Macy and Kinsley. Garnet was predeceased by his beloved wife Lillian, parents Randle and Mary Wooley (nee Lounsbury), brothers Gordon, Stanley, Frank and Norman, and sisters Edna and Bertha. Garnet was born north of Holland MB in 1926 and grew up on a few different farms in that area. As a child he gained a reputation as the guy that you looked to as a defender if you were being bullied. He developed a lifelong passion for horses and wagons. All of his children have heard stories of Gyp, who from all reports was the best horse ever. As a young man Garnet worked as a hired man for both the Jefferies family and the Campbell family of Holland, and in doing so formed lifelong friendships. Sometime in 1946 at a dance in Holland by chance he found himself next in line to a young lady who through some misunderstanding was left at the door without the 25 cent admission fee. Garnet offered to pay her way; an unexpected expense that to this day he refers to as the best 25 cents he ever spent. He and Lillian were married on July 19, 1947. The newly married couple headed north to Flin Flon where Garnet went to work in the mine for Hudson's Bay Mining and Smelting. The first of what would be six children arrived in 1948. In 1962 Garnet answered a bulletin for shaft miners in Snow Lake, and he moved what was becoming a fairly crowded household to Snow Lake. There he became an avid fisherman, and friends from all over looked forward to trips out to Buzz Lake , and the pickerel feeds at "Lil's Grill" that followed. Garnet worked in the mine until retiring in 1986. His work ethic and the skill with which he did his job and earned him the respect of the men with whom he worked and was he recognized as a "good man". No other recognition would have given him greater pride. From all reports he could wield a jackhammer like a scalpel, and he was known to work as hard, or harder than anyone in the mine. After retiring, he and Lillian moved to Holland to be amongst old friends, where his garden became his pride and joy. He also loved to repair and refurbish old harness, and one of his greatest joys was driving a team of horses, of which he had several over the years. Always a farmer at heart Garnet enjoyed helping his friends with chores and at seeding and harvest time. Friends dropping in were often challenged to a game of cribbage, in the course of which many a quarter changed hands. By 2009 beset by health issues in large part as a result of the rigours of nearly 40 years in the mine he and Lillian moved to Morden, MB to be closer to the facilities and the family support that both he and Lillian required. While being a provider for his family's needs was important, Garnet always took the time to be a father. He taught all six children, not by words, but by example, the need for honesty, respect for others, loyalty, faithfulness and, as he always did, to stand up for the "underdog". He was extremely proud of his family; their accomplishments and the manner in which they made their way in the world. Garnet remained devoted to his "Lily" until her passing in 2014. He will be missed. Funeral service will be held in the Holland Community Hall on Thursday January 29, 2015 at 2:00 PM. with Heather Grobb officiating. Garnet will be laid to rest in the Bethel Cemetery. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Garnet's memory to the Pembina Manitou Health Centre (Activity Department) Manitou, MB R0G 1G0, or the Bethel Cemetery c/o Coral Jones, Treherne, MB R0G 2V0.

Service Information

Thursday, January 29th, 2015 2:00pm, Holland Community Hall

Interment Details

Bethel Cemetery