Garth Elroy Staples – 82, Truro, formerly of
Wolfville and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, passed away on
Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Halifax Infirmary, QEII, Halifax. Born in
Staples Brook, Colchester County, he was a son of the late William and
Essie (Armsworthy) Staples.
Garth is survived by his spouse, Heather Stewart; daughter,
Hope Digout (Lennie); grandsons, Jack Digout, Max Digout; nephew, Dr.
Eric Staples. Garth is also survived by Heather’s sisters,
Sandra Brehaut (John), Karen Stewart; nephew, John Brehaut; nieces,
Linda Brehaut, Marion Breau (Matt). Along with his parents, he was
predeceased by his brother, Eugene; sister-in-law, Frances; brother,
Eric Rowe Staples; niece, Arlene.
Garth’s working career began in the school system
in Hamilton, Ontario, where he taught from 1958 to 1964, after
graduating from Hamilton Teachers College. While in Hamilton, he
received the Queens Commission as a Lieutenant in the Royal Hamilton
Light Infantry. In 1965, he embarked on a career with International
Harvester, which was to last for fourteen years in various management
positions in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. He
then began a career in Public Service, which saw him serve as Deputy
Minister of Department of Tourism and Department of Industry with PEI
Government.
After his time of public service, he became president of
Staples Quality Travel and secretary of Staples Quality Tours, travel
service companies with branches in Charlottetown, Truro and Amherst.
Post retirement, he returned to his first love, teaching at the
Tourism and Culinary Centre of Holland College in
Charlottetown.
Always active in his community, Garth carried out projects
for Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Red Cross, Royal Canadian
Legion and Prince Edward Island Farm Centre. He was also the founding
member of Culinary Institute of Canada. A lifelong Conservative, he
ran for Parliament in the Federal Riding of Malpeque in the 1993
general election.
His greatest hobby and passion was the study of genealogy. As
a result of his extensive work and research, he published a major work
on the Staples family, which became a part of the history of the
Belmont area of Nova Scotia. He was always ready to assist other
genealogical researchers with his expertise. He was also a student of
Canadian military history and was proud to have led delegations of
veterans on European pilgrimages.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall –
Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Garth’s
family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, March 9, 2023,
and funeral service 11 a.m., Friday, March 10, 2023, Reverend Rob Lyle
officiating. Spring interment in Crossroads (Old Methodist) Cemetery,
Belmont. If so desired, donations in Garth’s memory to Heart
and Stroke Foundation are welcomed. Private messages of condolence may
be sent to the family by viewing Garth’s obituary on-line
and selecting "Send A Condolence" at:
www.mattatallvarnerfh.com