Garth B. Bedford
December 21, 1928 - March 29, 2011
Obituary
Garth Blair Bedford
Lone prospector, eternal daydreamer, tenacious truth seeker, loveable eccentric, inquisitive intellectual, adored husband, father and grandfather.
Garth Bedford, a native of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, born on December 21, 1928 to Reta Murn Gould and Lester Ripley Bedford, passed suddenly on March 29, 2011 at the age of 82. A Memorial will be held Friday April 8th at 3 pm at Highlands Community Church, 3031 NE 10th St. Renton, WA 98056.
A soft-spoken, yet fascinatingly complex man, Garth had a way of drawing people into his intriguing world. From being his school’s top rifle marksmen as a youth, teaching swim lessons as a life guard and graduating with a baccalaureate degree in aeronautical engineering to marrying the love of his life Renee Stratton, raising five amazing children and embarking on a series of memorable adventures, Garth led a wondrously full life.
Always one to follow his passions, he spent many years playing the part of a prospector straight out of the Old West as he put on his gun belt and roamed America’s deserts on his quest for buried treasure. Besides diligently studying treasure maps, he was also an avid reader of the unusual and esoteric, always analyzing life’s biggest mysteries. He even once built a pyramid in the backyard to sit inside and channel the “pyramid power” he had read about.
While he researched the secrets to vitality, he also toyed with the idea of cracking codes, specifically gambling. Discovering the “system” to winning at slots, roulette, horse races, lotto and black jack became a lifelong game of his. In fact, he loved games of all sorts and is still the reigning champion of Monopoly.
As husband and father he became the house chef, whipping up inedible experiments like wisteria pancakes, octopus soup with legs included and porridge that was thick as glue. Luckily these nightmare meals became the best stories. Though he may not have been the world’s greatest cook, he was a superb handyman. A prolific builder throughout his life he often carved wooden toys and gadgets for his children as well as constructed a model boat in hopes of creating one to full-scale. Handy with design, he also drafted plans to build his own log cabin.
With a quick witted sense of humor and a friendly laugh, it’s no surprise he was drawn to British comedies finding utter enjoyment in Benny Hill, Monty Python and the like. His soft chuckle will forever be remembered by all he shared a laugh with; and it was many.
In his autumn years, he was memorable for his wild, snow white hair, his penchant for scavenging for anything left in the Goodwill dumpster and for driving well below the speed limit in his giant motor home bus, effectively jamming up long stretches of highway on his retirement travels to the desert, of course with Renee.
Garth is survived by his wife of 58 years Renee, children Karen, Gale, Orley, Rory and Dove, grandchildren Jason, Stuart, Nadine, Mari, Brandon and Derek, his sister Lois and nieces and nephews. Garth was deeply loved and will be missed tremendously by family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at the Renton Community Foundation: www.rentonfoundation.org.
I am so thankful for those times and the memories shared with Uncle Garth. ‘Out In Utah’ hopefully expresses well the immensely good feelings I have for him as well as the fun of adventure shared with him during that special shared time in Utah. Rob and family
Our heartfelt condolences to the Bedford family.
We only met Garth and Renee once when they came
through Ohio to visit with Rory and our daughter Lynn about
15 years ago.
We sat out by the lake and had a wonderful time getting
acquainted and talking about each of our families. We
talked and laughed until the sun set and then they were
on their way in the motor home.
I wish we had lived closer and could have had more good
times with them. Garth was one of the friendliest and entertaining
men I’ve met. We certainly enjoyed those few hours.
May peace and the memories of him fill your hearts.
With love,
Bob and Joyce Henshaw
We fondly remember the fun days of long ago as neighbors & friends. Our love and condolences to Renee and the family. Let us know if we can help you with anything. Zoe,George and boys.
Garth Mr. Bedford as I called him will be forever with me. He taught me many lessons in life while growing up with the family. The one that really sticks out in my mind was “Use the right tool for the right job. An adjustable wrench is never the right tool.” But I remember he had so many of them. Like so many good people, he is never really gone as his influence will be with all of us forever. I know that part of the person I am today is because of him. The good part My thoughts and love are with you all.
My condolences go to the entire Bedford clan. I well remember Mr. Bedford, and his humor, caring and that wonderful chuckle. He was a great tease, always full of fun, but also ready to lend a hand. He will be sorely missed!
The obituary put together by Garth’s family certainly says Garth.While Garth and Renee were in ON,my conviction as a conservative Christian evangelical, gave me a great opportunity to debate with him re his views of self and the real.His position was always well thought out. Garth being the very special kind of person he was will be so terribly missed by Renee and the family.I will be praying for all of you as you cherish his memory.