It is with love and sadness that we share the sudden passing of Garther Wayne Shippit, resident of Spirit River, AB, on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, at the age of 63 years.

Garth was born in Spirit River, AB, on March 8, 1960, and was the youngest child to Mike and Mary (Hawrylenko) Shippit.

As a kid Garth loved working on the farm, and eventually in his later years, fixed tractors to enter in the tractor pull events in his local communities. Garth had always had an immense desire to operate equipment, and was very good at it, but found his real passion when he flew to operate equipment in Iqaluit, Nunavut. He also got to pan for gold in the diamond and gold mines while he was there.

One of his greatest joys was to sit and watch TV in his garage with his cat Rascal (that he had rescued and nurtured back to life), along with visits from all his family and friends that would come into the garage, instead of visiting in the house. Garth loved to plant and look after the garden.

Garth touched many lives during his time, and will sadly be missed by sisters Lena Thomson, and Margerette (Ray) Michaud; brother Garry Shippit; nieces and nephews: Bonnie (Bill) Macmillan, Corrina (Mike) Wozny, Del (May) Michaud, Kevin (Crystal) Michaud, Troy (Debra) Michaud, Michael Shippit, Sayward (Jamie) Shippit, and their families; as well as many cousins and friends.

Garth was predeceased by parents Mike and Mary,·and brother-in-law Bob Thomson.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff on Unit 21 and 23 of Grande Prairie Regional Hospital for their care.

The family has decided to hold a Celebration of Life at a later date.