Garth Fryett, LL.B., Q.C.
March 14, 1927 - May 10, 2016
Garth Fryett passed away peacefully at his home in Edmonton Alberta surrounded by members of his loving family on Tuesday May 10, 2016 at the age of 89.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 62 years Florence, his daughters Maureen, Arlene (husband Dennis Sneider), Sharon (husband Rick Stangeland), and son David (wife Penny Borghesan). He is survived by the grandchildren he adored; Monique (husband Steve Lozeron), Rachelle (husband Bob Willows), Natasha (husband Jason Parlee), Nicholas Sneider, Christine and Carolyn Stangeland, Christopher Fryett-Miller, Melanie and Miles Fryett. In his last years he delighted in the antics of his great grandchildren Asia-Anne Lozeron, Arianna and Riley Parlee.
Garth was predeceased by his parents, RCMP Inspector Edward D. Fryett and Louise Fryett, and younger brother Barrie Fryett.
Garth was born in Shaunavon Saskatchewan and as the son of an RCMP member grew up in various cities and towns throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. His primary and secondary schooling were in Regina and Lethbridge.
Garth graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Sc. in 1948 and LL.B. in 1952. He was admitted to the Alberta Bar in June of 1953 after articling with the law firm of Brownlee & Brownlee. He was admitted to partnership July 1, 1956, establishing the law firm of Brownlee, Brownlee & Fryett where he remained in practice for the length of his legal career. In 2013 Garth received the Law Society of Alberta’s 60 year Practice Award. He was honoured to have been appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1976 and was the recipient of the Edmonton Bar Association Distinguished Service Award in 1996.
Garth believed strongly in giving back to the communities that fostered his career.
Garth served as director of the Legal Archives Society of Alberta from 1996-2011 and was a long time member and Secretary of The Legal Forum. He was a member of the Executive of the Edmonton Bar Association and President in 1969-70.
He served the University of Alberta as a member of the Senate from 1973-1975 and 1991-1994. He also served as a member of the Board of Governors from 1975-1981. He served on the executive and was President of the Alumni Association of the University of Alberta from 1974-1975.
Garth’s family and friends will remember a man full of humour, funny stories and laughs around a campfire or dinner table. He was kind, generous and outgoing. Garth never wavered in his love of and support for his family and his very good friends. He especially enjoyed the company of family and good friends while fishing, hiking, golfing and skiing. He faithfully played badminton at the Royal Glenora Club into his early 80’s.
He passed away as he had lived, with great dignity and integrity. The family would especially like to thank Vita, Sol and Joanna for their exceptional care and kindness in looking after our Dad in his last two years. Special thanks to Paula Bodnarek NP for her compassionate care in guiding us through his final days.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Garth’s life will be held on Tuesday May 24 at 3:30 pm at the Royal Glenora Club, 11160 River Valley Rd. N.W. Edmonton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
I had the privilege of working at Brownlee LLP and looked forward to the office days when Garth would come in. He was always warm and welcoming regardless of your position in the firm. We shared stories of the RCMP – an institution we both respected and I had retired from after 23 years. Thank you to the Fryett family for sharing this honorable man with all of us who worked there.
I am very sorry to hear of Garth’s passing. He was my principal when I articled at Brownlee Fryett and I will always fondly remember him as the consummate example of a lawyer and a gentleman. Even years after I left private practice, he always reached out with a warm smile and a cheery greeting whenever our paths crossed. I am privileged to have worked with and learned from Garth. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Condolences to the Fryett family. I have many fond memories of working with Garth at Brownlee Fryett from 1989 to 1999 – his “Shasta” café and “beef tongue” sandwich stories are ones that we have been discussing since hearing of Garth’s passing earlier this week. Garth was kind, thoughtful, and a true leader in the Alberta legal profession – he will be missed. Best, Sandra Corbett, QC
Maureen and family: I am sorry to hear of the loss of such a beloved family member. What an accomplished and loving life he led. My thoughts are with you.
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dear father and grandfather. Our thoughts are with you.
Arlene, Dennis and Family – you and your family are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers at this time. Please accept our most sincere condolences.
Love Lori,
Carlyn – Grant and Family
I am very saddened to learn of Mr. Fryett ‘s passing. I had the pleasure of being his personal assistant for several years. Out of an abundance of respect, he was always Mr. Fryett to me. I have many fond memories of working with him. He was a very kind soul. My sincerest condolences to his beloved wife, Florence, his family and friends. My thoughts are with all of you during this very sad time ….
I am sad about my neighbor Garths passing, he was a good man,always had the time to converse with me. He was down to earth and always helpful.
Rest in peace !
Many years ago, I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Fryett in the Corporate Commercial Department of Brownlee Fryett & wish to extend my condolences to his family. We were a good team back then, shared many laughs together & listened to a lot of his stories! Very sorry to hear of his passing.
Flo and Maureen, Arlene, Sharon, David and families.
My sincere sympathy on your loss of dear Garth. He shared his very fruitful life with you for many happy years so you will cherish many special
memories. I’m grateful for the opportunities I had to be with him, especially the hiking trips where he shared his humour and wisdom. He enriched
many lives and contributed to many aspects of our community. The obituary was a fine tribute to him—he would be very pleased with your thoughts. My prayers are with you all. Doris.
Flo and Maureen, Arlene, Sharon, David and Families. My sincere sympathy on your loss of dear Garth.He was happy in sharing his very fruitful life with you. You have many special memories to cherish. I’m grateful for the opportunities I had to be with him to enjoy his humour and wisdom.
The obituary was a fine tribute to him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Doris.
Flo and Family.My sincere sympathy on your loss of dear Garth.You will cherish many special memories of his fruitful life. I’m grateful to have shared many occasions with him. The obituary was a very fine tribute. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My heartfelt condolences to Mr. Fryett’s family. I worked at Brownlee Fryett from 1975 to 1980 and for the majority of that time I had the good fortune to be Mr. Fryett’s secretary. He was such a gentleman who was devoted to his family, clients and the community. I certainly enjoyed his stories and loved his sense of humour and, of course, his laugh. I have always said he was the best boss I ever had. My thoughts are with you all.
On behalf of our family I want to send our
Condolences and say we were very lucky to have such nice neighbours as yourselves. I always enjoyed saying Hello to Garth (Mr. Fryett) as he always stopped whatever he was doing in the garden to talk. Our Sympathies to you Florence and the Family.
Ron Holmes
I was saddened to hear of Garth’s recent passing. During my years at Brownlee Fryett (1987-1993) I came to know Garth as both a fine lawyer and a genuinely decent person. He had the rare ability to take the time to recognize each person that he encountered as an important individual – not always easy in the context of the practical realities of the practice of law. I will always remember Garth as a role model for his good spirit and genuine humanity … he will be missed.