Garth Dale Kertai

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Garth Dale Kertai on August 30, 2025, at the age of 66.

Garth was born in Grenfell, Saskatchewan, on May 13, 1959. He always joked, “It must have been Friday!” He made his home in Kipling, Saskatchewan, where he shared his life with family, friends, the community, and surrounding areas. Many friends became so close to his heart that they were like family. His door was always open for anyone willing to share some laughs or shed a few tears over a social drink, “solving the world’s problems” on any day of the week. He especially looked forward to Thursdays — family church night — all the while listening to Johnny Cash or CCR.

Garth will be forever loved and greatly missed by Kimberly Lange, the love of his life; his children Destiny Dawn Kertai and Clayton Dale Kertai (Della); his stepdaughters Donna Lynn Jacobs (Curt) and Michelle Mackenzie (Ryan); and his grandchildren Joseph, Sasha, and Jasper Hoblyak, Mathew Jacobs, and Samantha Jacobs. He also leaves behind extended family, countless friends, and all those who had the good fortune of knowing him.

Garth was predeceased by his parents, John Fredrick Kertai and Velma Arlette (Ripley) Kertai; his brothers, Roderick Kertai and Daryle Kertai; and his grandparents, Jozef and Alice Kertai, and John and Magdelina Lillian (Whiteoak) Ripley.

Garth will be remembered for his big heart and sense of humour. He loved to play guitar and sometimes sing, pressing the strings so often that grooves wore into the wood. He was wise, kindhearted, caring, and calm. He liked to say, “I’m just a drunk’n old painter,” but to those who loved him he was so much more — a best friend, a hero, a painter, carpenter, and roofer; for many years, the caretaker of the Kipling Arena and swimming pool; and simply an all-around good guy. Whether there were two or twenty-two people in his home, he always made everyone feel welcome.

He had his own special way of saying “I love you” — by simply saying “10 bill.” For each person, it carried its own special meaning.

A life that touched so many, a love so true, a hero, a pillar of strength, a memory so dear, a loss so new.

You will be deeply missed.

With heavy hearts we say, “10 bill — see you further on up the road.”