April 25, 1936 – October 19, 2024
at the age of 88 years
Funeral Service: Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 1:00 pm, Lakeside Community Church, 121 Shuswap St. SW, Salmon Arm
Graveside: Following service, Shuswap Memorial Cemetery
With great sadness the family of Garry Lybeck announces his passing on October 19th, 2024, at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. Garry left peacefully to be with his Lord and Saviour, surrounded by loving family and holding the hand of his beloved wife.
Garry is survived by his wife Mildred, sister Audriene (William), sons Joel (Deanna), Mark (Lori) and Tim (Melissa), and grandchildren Dylan, Colton, Caylin (Brent), Sam, Nicolas and Haven.
Garry was born in Preeceville, Saskatchewan and was raised on a nearby homestead farm, the youngest child of seven siblings. After being saved through Jesus Christ and dedicating his life to humble servanthood, he became a lifelong student of Theology and Biblical studies, graduating from several different institutions with achievements including a Diploma in Pastoral Theology, followed by a Bachelor of Science Degree, Master’s Degree and lastly a Doctor’s Degree in Biblical Studies.
Garry worked as a Tree Faller and Gold Miner to earn money for his early secondary education. Throughout Garry’s adult life he served as Pastor in six churches in three different provinces. He also served as the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada’s Director of Christian Education in Saskatchewan for five years and is the author of three published books.
Both Garry and his wife Midred were co-founders of Circle Square Ranch Manitoba – a kid’s summer camp dedicated to helping children and youth grow spiritually, mentally, socially and physically in a fun-filled and safe place of adventure and challenge.
In Garry’s spare time he was an avid photographer. Having graduated from the New York Institute of Photography, he enjoyed capturing wildlife on film and developed prints and negatives in his own darkroom. Garry’s true passion however was teaching and spreading the love of God, and he still enjoyed delivering sermons up until a few short weeks before his passing at the age of 88.
All are welcome to attend Garry’s funeral service on Wednesday November 6th at 1:00 pm at Lakeside Community Church in Salmon Arm BC, followed by the burial at Shuswap Memorial Cemetery.
So sorry to hear of the passing of our friend Garry Lybeck. It was during our time in Esterhazy, SK, that we got to know Garry and Mildred and their leadership of the church we attended. We often reference those days and look upon them with meaningful memory. So thankful for the dedicated service and ministry of the Lybecks. May the joy of knowing that Garry is in the presence of Christ, bring comfort and joy to your heart Mildred and your extended family
Garry was a great man, a teacher, friend, my father. He will be missed deeply. He always saw the best in people not the worst. He would always be there no matter what.
I realize this is written after the date of the funeral, but we would desire that these words could be relayed to Mildred and the family if possible. As obituary is no listed as current, perhaps an email notification could be made. Thank- you so much.
We were a privileged congregation to have the opportunity to sit under Rev. Lybeck’s rich, and profoundly knowledgeable, exceptional ministry of the Word of God. He not only was able to share teaching on the Bible through his thorough study, conveying the depth of meaning of the words, events prior and post to the text, setting, and times, but also continued week by week to make the precious Word of God absolutely relevant to present times, and daily life. We were blessed!!
Dear friends of ours, deciding that perhaps they should try coming to church, decided to attend our adult Sunday School class. Pastor’s teaching kept them coming back, week after week. A hunger to know more, and to find out more about a personal relationship with Jesus was sparked, and continued to mature. In following years, they became devoted vibrant Christians, actively involved, and supporting the church. They serve the Lord with such a humble and genuine devotion, and testimony, that many lives have been influenced.
We are absolutely sure this story of the impact of Pastor Lybeck’s ministry, along with the dedicated support of Mildred in music, and Sunday School ministry, was repeated over and over again throughout his years.
We are so thankful our daughters also had the opportunity to have Rev. Lybeck as a pastor and teacher.
When pondering Pastor Garry’s life, I cannot help but think of Apollos: ( Acts 18:24, 25 “…he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord”…
Mildred and family. What a pleasure to know Garry. A soft spoken, genuine hardworking person. He loved his family above all and had a great faith in our Lord. He will be missed by all who knew him. We share in your loss. From Carole and Chuck, Pat, and David.
My husband and I had the absolute honour of getting to listen to Gary preach the word every Sunday. Gary was a very big influence for me in my walk with the Lord and giving my life to Jesus this year. Listening to him speak the hard truth was very eye opening but comforting at the same time. I didn’t know him for very long but from getting to interact with him this year he was a very humble man, kind and funny. I will always be looking for someone like Gary in future teachers. His love for the Lord was inspiring and I hope to have faith like him one day. Thank you for speaking the truth every Sunday. You will be missed by so many. My condolences to family and friends. Sending prayers to Mildred and family
Sorry for your loss . Prayers for your family. Roland & Sandra