Garth William Cumming

 

 

Garth William Cumming passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at the age of 90.

Garth was born on September 11, 1935, in Erickson, Manitoba, to William (“Chappy”) and Gladys Cumming. He attended elementary school in Erickson. In May of 1947 the family moved to Brandon where Garth completed his education at Earl Haig School.

Garth married June Culbertson on April 20, 1957. Together, they welcomed their children Kristen in 1971 and Chad in 1975.

Garth’s first job was delivering milk for Modern Dairy. He then earned his Carpentry Certificate and went to work with his father and brother Allan at W.C. Cumming and Sons. In 1958, the brothers took over the construction portion of the business, and Cumming Bros. Contractors was born. Garth operated the business until 1987, when his nephew Randy took over. In 1976, Garth and his brother Bill bought Zenith Paving Ltd. from the Kent family.

Garth and June spent their early years camping at Rivers Provincial Campground before having the opportunity to build a cabin at Chimo Resort. In 1968, they built the family cabin that still stands today. Garth loved the lake, spending every weekend there with family and friends, boating, golfing, and enjoying many other activities. There was always a gathering going on at one cabin or another. Some of the most memorable times were the Western parties held at Art and Lil Westbury’s, creating so many fond memories and good times.

Garth spent his days at the lake taking all the kids tubing and water skiing. He would start in the morning and only get out of the boat to use the washroom, stretch his legs, get a beer, or refuel. He enjoyed it as much as the kids did. Garth spent many weekends driving all over the prairies attending his children’s hockey tournaments, gymnastics competitions, motocross races, horseback riding events, and school sports. Over the years, He also took the whole family to curling bonspiels, golf tournaments and parades where he drove with the Shriners Car Patrol.

Once retired, Garth and June wintered in Arizona with family and friends. There were also family trips including Disney World in Orlando, Disneyland in Anaheim, Indio, California and a very memorable family trip to Hawaii with Grandma.

Garth belonged to the Brandon Shrine Club, the Brandon Shrine Car Patrol, Fenwick Lodge, and the UCT. He enjoyed curling, attending the Manitoba Senior Curling Championships, scoring an eight-ender twice and a seven-ender once, and volunteering for the Brier. He was a longtime member of the Riverview Curling Club and even served as president. He was also a member of the Riverdale Golf Club, president of the Brandon Wheat Kings hockey club, and a Cancer Care Manitoba driver for many years.

Garth will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Kristen Empey, and her family: Jessica Empey, Alistair, Genevieve, and Alexandra Empey (Wyatt Anderson); his son, Chad Cumming (Rachelle), and his family: Nik Cumming, Zak Cumming, and Lo Mazer; his brother Bill (Gloria) Cumming; and his sister Belva McKinnon.