MICHELSON, Gary

MICHELSON It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Ralph Michelson on August 25, 2024 at the age of 80. Gary was predeceased by his son Ryan Joshua. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 57 years, his sons Troy (Charmaine), Heath (Karla), Brett (Leonora), and Denton (Stephanie), his daughters Natalie (Ken), Stephanie (Craig), and Lindsey (Karl), his grandchildren Jordan (Emily), Eric (Kennedy), Kyle (Eliza), Alina, Josh (Haely), Kolbee (Coleman), Ty, Emma, Hunter (Faith), Parker, Zoe, Ava, Jackson, Nate, Zakary, Easton, Cache, Cheyanne, Colton, Ethan, Peyton, Lucy, and London, and his great-grandchildren Miles and Maverick.
Gary was born April 3, 1944, in Lethbridge, Alberta to Ralph and Lorna Michelson. Gary was the first born and was followed by his sisters Diane, Kathy, Marilyn, and Shauna. The first five years of his life he grew up in Stirling next door to his grandparent’s farm learning to work hard and love the land. These formative years taught him to develop meaningful and lifelong relationships. This continued with his father and uncles fishing in the irrigation canals, and hunting and trapping around Stirling Lake (in 1997 renamed Michelson Marsh).
The family moved to Lethbridge where Gary completed his schooling. Gary was an exceptional athlete in volleyball, and fast pitch but his true passion was Basketball. He was an all-star player, consistently leading the team in scoring. This love of all sports continued throughout his life.
Gary’s meat cutting career started at Safeway and transitioned into being the instructor for Meat Cutting and Merchandising at the Lethbridge Community College. He had a profound and positive impact on not only his students but also his customers.
In January 1967, Gary met the love of his life while depositing a cheque at the bank with the most beautiful teller. By April they were engaged and then married on September 23, 1967. They immediately moved into their home of 48 years where they welcomed all 8 of their children. Gary and Maria taught by example the fundamentals that would shape the lives of their children and grandchildren. Their greatest lessons: remember God in everything, serve the people around you, work hard, and be honest, and if you do these things, you will find success and happiness.
Gary was happiest where his family was, whether it was spent on the prairies or the mountains, on a lake, horseback riding, at a sporting event, or scheming a prank that resulted in an unexpected yet entertaining outcome. His greatest sense of pride was his grandchildren, who idolize him deeply. Whether he was coaching from the stands, or telling fish stories, he made each grandchild feel special and loved. Gary dedicated his life to community and church service, but his life was always centered on his most cherished possessions, his sweetheart and their family.
As a family, we stand on the shoulders of this giant, and we love you.
The Celebration of Life will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Stake Centre (2410 28th Street South, Lethbridge) on September 3, 2024 at 12:00pm and friends and family may meet the family from 11:00 to 11:40AM prior to the service.
In lieu, of flowers, the family requests donation be made to: Southwest Alberta Regional Search and Rescue
South Eastern Alberta Regional Search & Rescue Association
Lethbridge Area & Search and Rescue Association
Foothills Search and Rescue
To send a condolence and view the live stream of the service please visit www.salmonandsons.ca