Fredrick Leonard (Len) Garrett

May 8th, 1943 in Vancouver, BC – July 17th, 2025 in Winnipeg, MB 

After a hard-fought battle with IPF, Dad has passed away at the St. Boniface Hospital, surrounded by his loved ones.

Dad moved with his family from Vancouver to Winnipeg in the fall of 1949. They lived briefly with his paternal Grandmother, then moved to West Kildonan, where he made the fondest of memories growing up with his siblings and neighbourhood friends.

He often laughed that because of the moves and the 1950 flood, he attended Greenway, Victory, Seven Oaks, and a one-room schoolhouse in Watrous, Saskatchewan – all in grade one! Some of his fondest childhood memories were of summers spent in Watrous, on his Aunt Mildred and uncle Burt’s farm.

As a youth, Dad played baseball and hockey, and as a teenager he worked part-time for Safeway and Dominion stores, as a retail clerk.

He commenced his career in administration with the Metro Parks in 1962, and after 30 years, retired as Superintendent of Staff Services for the City of Winnipeg’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Upon retirement, he took the position of Administrator for the River East personal care home, which he helped open in 1993, until he lost his wife in 1995.

Throughout his life, Dad was an avid runner, cyclist, and swimmer, who loved to exercise. He was very passionate about his early morning protein smoothies and liked to say he was the first to do it.

He loved to hunt, first as a boy with his family, then later with his sons, and grandchildren. He hated fishing, but would always take his children and grandchildren if they wanted.

Everyone looked forward to his annual ‘Deer Camp’ in November at his hunting cabin in Woodlands. It was kicked off with his famous prime rib dinner, and lots of laughs with friends and family.

Dad was also part of the “Bushie Lake” fly-in moose hunting group for decades.

He loved the time spent up North for Thanksgiving with friends and later on, at his son’s hunting cabin at Otter Lake.

Travel was another of Dad’s loves in life. He and mom travelled with friends and family and years later, Dad and Marianne travelled as well.

For years in the summer months, our family has spent most of our time at Red Rock Lake. We have made countless amazing memories there with Marianne and her family.

He was predeceased by his wife Marilyn (Koski) in 1995; his son Derek in 1996; parents Wilburt and Edith; sister-in-law May & brother Wayne; his sister Marilyn Stewert; and his in-laws, Louis and Kay Koski.

The family would like to thank the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedics Services, the staff of St. Boniface Emergency department, as well as the staff of the 5th floor 5E, for their care and compassion during Dad’s brief stay.

He is survived by life partner Marianne Burt & family; his son Jason and daughter Erin & son-in-law Darryl Zazula; grandchildren Ethan & Averie Garrett, and Erik, Ayden, and Mara Zazula.

Per Dad’s wishes, there will be no formal service. Cremation has taken place, and a scattering of ashes will take place at a later date.

Dad, you were the most amazing man with a phenomenal sense of humour; cracking jokes almost until the end, trying to ‘keep it light’.

Until we meet again Dad, we love you.