Thomas Gartner

Thomas Walter Gartner, 71, of Evansburg Alberta passed away peacefully at his home surrounded with love by family and friends on Feb 9, 2024. Tom was born Sept 3, 1952 to Bernice (Casey) Boggs and Alex Boggs. He was the oldest of 6 children, John (Suzanne), Helen (Ken), Donna (Len), Norma (Dana) and Aiden. Tom and John were adopted to Larry and Anne Gartner in 1957 who already had a son, Mike Gartner (Terri).

Tom married his first wife Victoria (Kress) in 1974 and had 3 beautiful daughters. Tom was a proud father of Becky Lee Gartner and Cindy Lou Gartner (twins) and later to Jody Lynn Gartner (Pete).  After a few years they divorced. Tom met Elaine Hoff in 1981. After a long courtship they married in 1991. Elaine had 3 children from a previous marriage which Tom raised as his own Jason (LeAnne) Furoy, Trevor (Lisa) Furoy and Lorana Furoy. Tom also has a very special relationship with his nephew John Jr. He viewed him as more of a son than a nephew.

Tom was an entrepreneur, he had several businesses throughout his life. He had a passion for making deals and selling. Although he worked a few jobs in his younger years such as grocery stores and odd jobs, his dreams were not fulfilled until he began working for himself. Always bargaining and making deals, Tom opened a small clothing store in Ft. Nelson BC which began a long string of entrepreneurial ventures. Tom joined Elaine with her Upholstery business for a while then they went on to open a chain of video stores over the course of 20 years. At age 50 he became an auctioneer. He absolutely loved being an auctioneer and strived to do his very best. He won the Vern Scown Memorial Tyro contest championship for Alberta in January 2004 and went on to have a very fulfilling career. He retired from auctioneering when he was 65 however he still enjoyed teaching auctioneering and doing the occasional charity auction until age 70.

Tom had many accomplishments over his lifetime but the one achievement he held dear to his heart was the fact that he was sober for 50 years a day at a time this past April 13th with the help of many others. Tom had a big heart for helping those in need and he always had a story to tell. He loved to share his experiences and wisdom with anyone willing to listen.

Tom had many interests throughout his life. He loved music and was always playing music in the family home until the day he passed. He aspired to be an entertainer along the likes of Elvis and Chuck Berry and enjoyed playing and teaching guitar. He was an inspiration to his children and grandchildren to play music. Tom also enjoyed writing very much. He had so much wisdom to share he always wrote it down. He was the biggest hockey fan there ever was. He had relatives in the NHL and was a coach from peewee to bantam for several years. He had such passion for the sport and enjoyed teaching it. As a matter of fact he had a hockey analogy for every scenario in life.

Tom was forever exploring spirituality. He found comfort and peace in his beliefs and his personal relationship with Jesus Chirst. Especially close to the end of his journey he expressed the joy he felt about his next phase transition.

Tom is survived by his mother, Bernice Peach; his wife Elaine Gartner and children (Jason, Trevor, Lorana); his previous wife Victoria Kress and children ( Becky Lee, Cindy Lou, Jody Lynn); his grandchildren Kristin, Megan, Landon, Kyle, Presley, Chiristina, Marcus, Annah, Maria; his great grandchildren Holly, Madison, Isla, Noah, Emerson, Maggie; his siblings, John, Helen, Donna, Norma, Aiden; his nephew John Jr and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom is predeceased by his father Alex boggs and his grandparents. As well as his adoptive parents Larry and Anne Gartner.

It is Tom's wish to have a celebration of life in the summer with nice weather and a small gathering of those closest to him. He will be forever cherished and remembered by his family and friends.

“Where I’m from/going always the observer consciously and unconsciously this was all made for fun, Enjoy the ride and know thyself” Thomas Walter Gartner

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