We Remember
McCUMBER, Garry Arden
January 7, 1945 — June 27, 2024
On June 27, 2024, Garry McCumber passed away peacefully and with dignity with his loving family by his side.
Garry was born in Flin Flon, Manitoba to Cliff and Coral McCumber. He had one sister Diane, who predeceased him in 2019.
Growing up in Flin Flon, Garry (aka Scrooge & Mole Eye), had many close friendships that developed from his hockey days and playing in a band called The Tensions.
Music was a constant and cherished part of Garry’s life. It was the catalyst to meeting the love of his life, Eileen. His music was an outlet to express himself, often creating music in his home studios. Writing music for his family and friends and making them personal tributes was an important part of his life.
Garry (Telko) and Eileen (Haralko) were married in The Pas, Manitoba in 1969. Over the next 55 years they resided in Fort McMurray, retired to Qualicum Beach, then on to Kelowna. Winters were spent in Palm Springs. During this time, he developed many friendships along the way which remain today.
Many summers were spent making memories with his family and friends while fishing for Walleye and singing around the campfire at the cabin on Rocky Lake.
Together they raised 2 boys, Brett and Scott, of whom Garry was very proud. His grandchildren were a great source of joy to him, and they loved spending time with their Grampy-Poo.
Garry is survived by his wife Eileen; his son Brett (Lindsay) and grandsons, Ashyk and Aceson; his son Scott (Dawn) and granddaughters Mienna and Aubree; brother-in-law Clint (Cheryl) and nephew Darryl.
In keeping with Garry’s wishes, there will be no formal service, but we invite family and friends to join us in celebration and to raise a glass in his memory sometime in August. His request was to “Keep Things Simple”, so we are doing just that.
Garry’s friends and family will carry him forever in their hearts.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
Eileen and family we are so very sorry to hear of Garry’s passing. We have many many memories of great times with you guys on the island when we came out for the hockey tournaments, as well as our Flin Flon days when we so young!. This picture of Garry and his friends watching the hockey games always put a smile on my face. Rest in Peace Garry , you were a wonderful wonderful man and will be missed by many.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Eileen, Brett, Scott and families. Garry was a very special man. We have many fond memories of singing with Garry around the campfire at Clearwater Lake.
Eileen, Brett, Scott and families
We’re so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Eileen,Scott, Brett and families…….I am just heart broken over your loss. Gary was a wonderful man and such a good friend. I will always remember his smiling face singing his favourite songs around your firepitt. I hope Gary and Derwyn are now golfing together in heaven. All my Love Erna
Thinking about you guys today. I always remember him singing and playing
His guitar to ( Leaving on a jet plane by John Denver )
Everytime I hear that song I think of him. It’s a good memory that I will carry with me.
So sorry for your loss but your memories will remain in your heart forever.
Im so sorry to hear of Garry’s passing . I have so many fun memories from our days up in Ft Mac . My thoughts are with you Eileen , Brett , Scott and families .
Myrna Melien my cousin told me the sad news about Garry falling asleep in death. I was deeply saddened to hear that. I have fond memories when we were younger in Flin Flon of you Eileen and Garry. My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you Eileen and your Family. Please take care. Warm love from ,Elaine💐
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Eileen and family…many memories from the Island years..
Sincere sympathy to you Eileen and your beautiful family ,I was saddened to hear of the passing of Garry,He was always such a kind and gentle person.Cherish your wonderful memories 🌷🌹🌺
Eileen….Brett….Scott and families. Very sad to hear of Gary’s passing. I will have a lot of great memories of him growing up. Lots of hours on buses and in hotels over the years. Look after each other and again very sorry for your loss….he was a great man. Bert I hope to see you at the induction in October and Scotty I will will see you at work I’m sure.
Love from the Scotts
Eileen, Brett, Scott and families, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I have a heavy heart as I put words together to express my emotions of Garry’s passing on. I find my mind reflecting on memories of our friendship over the years… Garry and Eileen’s trips to Toronto for visits, my late husband and my trips to The Pas, Fort MacMurray, Qualicum Beach for visits. We didn’t allow the miles apart prevent our friendship from growing. Garry was a kind, gentle soul who will always have a special place in my heart. So long dear friend, thanks for the memories and may you connect with loved ones who have passed on before. I hear you singing! Love Norma
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. My sincere condolences to family and friends. Gary was an inspiration to a lot of Flin Flon musicians. RIP Scrooge.
I was very sorry to hear of Garry’s passing. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Eileen, her sons and families and Garry’s many friends. Garry was a real good guy and will be missed.🎶🍷
A sad loss. Warm wishes to Eileen and the family on the loss of Garry.. As a friend once told me – “without love there would be no grief”. He was a dear friend for 70 years and I have many fond memories of our times playing hockey and music and partying together.. We’ll miss you Mole. <3
Eileen, Brett, Scott and families. Our sincerest condolences. We are thinking of you all at this sad time. Garry was such a soft-spoken, friendly man of many talents. We have enjoyed the times we spent together with the family in Fort McMurray. and the many hockey trips. So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs. Luv Bob and Carol xo
So sad to learn of Garry’s passing. Such a kind guy, Great musician. Condolences to you, Eileen and your family🥲
Dear Eileen Brett and Scott and family. I am so very sorry to hear of Garry passing. He was such a wonderful man and will be missed. I remember all. the great times we had in The Pas as well as Qualicum and Parksville. Take care my dear friend and I look forward to seeing you in Victoria.