GARRY MCDONALD STEARNS
June 24th, 1936 – September 29th, 2026
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Garry McDonald Stearns aged 90 years of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, on Tuesday, September 29th, 2026. He was predeceased by his sister, Donna Warman; brothers, Merle Stearns and Dale Stearns; and his beloved son, Lee Stearns.
Garry was born Armley, SK to Jay and Jean Stearns. He grew up in Rossland, BC where he spent his childhood and teenage years, and completed his grade 12 there. He had many jobs as a teen, including forestry and mining. Gary met his wife Bernadene in Rossland. After marrying Bernie on March 15th, 1958, they decided to move to Moose Jaw where Gary took up hairdressing at the Artistique Beauty Salon. He trained in Moose Jaw and eventually trained in Rochester, New York. After his training he opened his own beauty salon, Select Coiffures in the Town & Country Mall in Moose Jaw. He was a hairdresser for 56 years!
Garry and Bernie had three children: Jody, Lee and Vicki. Gary loved family life and lived for adventures with his children. Whatever his kids were interested in, he was right there alongside them, sharing in their excitement and making their interests his own. From skiing and boating, to gardening and woodworking, he loved learning, doing and experiencing things with his family. In the winter, Garry took the kids skiing every Sunday at White Track. Eventually this led to organized ski trips with family and friends to various different mountains all around North America.
Garry and Bernie also loved to travel! Road tripping everywhere in Canada and the USA, and traveling to Spain, France, Germany, and visiting many European cities. He always told of his travels to whoever gave a listening ear.
Garry loved to imagine and create. He built his beloved cabin out at Buffalo Pound Lake in 1985, and this is where Gary, Bernie and their children would spend the summers. He loved the lake. It was his sanctuary. He was even known to swim across the lake from time to time. Eventually Gary and Bernie would have several grandchildren, and those children would spend their summers there as well, picking raspberries, going to the beach, boating, playing hide and seek, and swimming in the pool he built for them. They can still hear him say “KEEP THE WATER IN THE POOL!” These are a few memories they will always cherish about their grandpa.
In Garry’s later years, he lived a quiet life with his wife. They welcomed 12 great-grandchildren with open arms to their life of adventures and creativity. To say that Garry will be missed is an understatement.
Garry will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Bernie; daughters, Jody and Vicki (Mark); daughter-in-law, Donna; grandchildren: Jennifer, Kevin (Connie), Megan (Mike), Nikki (Adam), Dustin (Brittany), Matthew, and Samara (Kristian); great-grandchildren: Emi, Liam, Dylan, Freyja, Eden, Keaton, Indie, Kade, Millie, Juniper, Domenic, and Raya; as well as numerous family and friends.
Bernie would also like to thank the caring staff at Pioneer Lodge. Thank you for looking after and caring for Garry in the last 6 months of his life. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
Garry was a humble man who valued the simple things in life, and a large, formal funeral was never something he would have wanted. In keeping with his wishes, his family will gather privately to remember, honour, and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations in Garry’s name may be made to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, 55 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 0C2. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Bernie, Jody, Vicki, Donna and Families; We were so very sorry to hear of Garry’s passing. We send our heartfelt condolences to you. We have good memories of times spent with your family at Waskesiu, camping. Gary was always up for a visit and a few laughs at the salon. We hope you have many wonderful memories to ease your sadness of his passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing . He was a great guy and a good friend. Loved to go sling with him and his family at white track show hill
Our condolences and prayers for your loss.
Condolences to you, Vicki and family.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Bernie and family. He was a good man and will be missed.
Sending our deepest sympathies, we have lots of great camping and skiing memories with Garry and our families.
It’s been years but I remember him and his wife very well. He did my hair at least a dozen times. It’s the salon where everybody went. A real hometown business owned and run by good Moose Jaw people. Sad to learn he’s passed away but pleased to learn he lived to a healthy old age. Rest in peace. Safe journey!
My sincere condolences to Bernie & children. Although I didn’t really get to know Gary, I enjoyed working with Bernie at the School Board office. I knew Gary was a talented hair stylist, because we all admired how beautiful Bernie’s hair looked-every day. She later told us that Gary did her hair for her each morning before work, for her. A real lesson in love, I think.
Dear Vicki and Family. Our deepest condolences to all of you. The loss of a parent runs deep. Hugs too you all.
Thinking of you Bernie and your family, sending you our deepest condolences , May your many memories help ease some of your pain. Gary was one terrific man, always had a smile. I have many memories of social times together. Take care.