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Obituaries

Garry Wayne Mihailoff

May 03, 1951 - January 22, 2026

Text:

Obituary For Garry Wayne Mihailoff

It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of Garry Wayne Mihailoff, longtime resident of Fairview, AB, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital at the age of 74 years.

Garry was born in Fairview on May 3, 1951, to Jim and Dorothy Mihailoff, a little brother to Sheila and Jack. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Fairview High School in 1969. After graduation, Garry moved to Worsley, AB, to live with his uncle, Ed Layton. Garry was like a brother to his cousins, Susan, Sandra, Kenny, and Sharry.

Encouraged by his uncle, who had served, Garry joined the Canadian Armed Forces and graduated from boot camp in 1970. He trained first in meteorology and later re-mustered, completing his training as an air traffic controller, making it his career. He earned the rank of captain in January of 1981. The military was like a family to Garry. He was stationed on bases throughout the country and made many lifelong friends, notably Derek Blatchford.

When Garry retired from the military, he moved back to Fairview. He began farming alongside his mother on the original family farm, which was homesteaded in December of 1925. Garry eventually took over the farm operations.

Farming allowed him time to travel during the winter to many places, with Asia being his destination of choice. He focused mostly on Vietnam and Thailand, returning year after year to the same hotel. This is where Garry formed a special bond with one particular family. He would talk about helping out at the front desk and attending family weddings as well as other events. Besides travelling, Garry enjoyed skiing, sailing, flying, watching football, drinking coffee, and sharing his wisdom at the coffee shop. Garry was a confirmed bachelor, but he made many connections in his lifetime. He had an abundance of friends and “families.”

Garry will be sadly missed by his brother, Jack Mihailoff (Cindy); nephew Jaymes Mihailoff (Kelsey); great-nieces Chloe and Amelia; great-nephew Jude; and all his cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his father, Jim Mihailoff; his mother, Dorothy Mihailoff; and his sister, Sheila Brockest.

The family would like to thank all the amazing doctors and nurses who gave him such good care, doing all they could to try and save him.

A private burial will take place in the spring at the Holy Trinity Cemetery just down the road from the family farm.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity or nonprofit of your choice, in memory of Garry.

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Condolences

  • January 29, 2026

    Dave Bartlett

    My condolences to Garry's friends and family. I always enjoyed my visits with Garry. He always had an interesting opinion on the world and politics

  • January 29, 2026

    Dave & Marie Coristine

    Condolences to Jack & Cindy on their loss of Gary - rest in peace Dave & Marie Coristine

  • January 29, 2026

    Lawrence

    All my condolences on the passing of your brother and brother in-law Jack &Cindy Lawrence

  • January 29, 2026

    Doris Boivin

    My condolences go out to Garry's family and neighbours. Garry was one-of-a-kind and will be missed.

  • January 28, 2026

    Gwen Tegart

    Our sincere sympathy to the Mihailoff family on Garry' s passing.He was an interesting and fun person in our community and will be missed by all who knew him.

  • January 28, 2026

    OJ Shmyruk

    Harry was my sisters age in school. He was a kind, gentle spirit who was valued by everyone. We are so sorry for your loss. Jack, Cindy and family, you will be in our thoughts and prayers going forward. Rest in peace Garry Bob and Orma-Jean Shmyruk

  • January 28, 2026

    Ricky Scott

    Worked with and knew Garry well. Great guy. Condolences to the family.

  • January 27, 2026

    Lloyd Keddie

    Sad to hear of Garry's passing. I always enjoyed our time together whether it was as on a farm, in the clinic or in a restaurant. Our thoughts are with your family. RIP Garry

  • January 27, 2026

    Barb Ponto

    We first met Garry when he returned to the family farm at Gage. Through his Layton family, and later as a neighbour we got to really know Garry. What a guy. His wit and intellect made every visit an event. His wry use of "Garry derived acronyms" often had us scrambling to follow the conversation. Then he'd grin and explain, and carry on. He understood the world and human nature better than most. We'll miss him, and will always remember his kind heart, his stellar character, and the sparkle in his eye. Godspeed dear friend. Sincere condolences to his family. The Ponto's

  • January 27, 2026

    Warren Lungle

    Our condolences to all of Garry's family and friends. I alway enjoyed him as we were going to school and growing up.

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