GIRVAN, J. GARTH - (1924-2010) - REXTON, NB - It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of J. Garth Girvan, 85, of Rexton on Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 at the Dr. Georges-L. Dumont Hospital, Moncton, NB. Born October 8, 1924 in West Galloway, he was the only son of the late John A. and Susanna Maude (Mundle) Girvan. Following the death of his mother in 1925 and his father in 1931, Garth lived in East Galloway with his uncle and aunt, James W. and Jessie (Parkhill) Girvan who raised him as part of their family of six children. Early in his career he operated a combined car sales dealership, service station, machine shop and construction company in Rexton. For many years he owned and operated Maritime Auto & Trailer Sales Ltd. in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and from 1977 until his retirement in 1989 he was a financial advisor with Investors Group. An active member in his church, he was an Elder and past Clerk of Session of St. Andrew's United Church, where he served as a long-time Sunday School teacher and Superintendant. He was a former Chairman of Chignecto Presbytery of the United Church of Canada. He was a Past Master of Lodge St. Andrew No. 16 F. and A.M. and a Past Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick. He was the Charter President of the Rexton Lions Club, Past District Governor of Lions International, and was awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship. For eleven years he was a member of the local School Board and was a former Councillor of the Village of Rexton. He was Past President of the Rexton Curling Club and Past President of the NB Automobile Dealers Association as well as the Travel Trailer and Mobile Home Association of New Brunswick. Garth was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal for his work with the Canadian Cancer Society. In recognition of his relentless work with so many committees, boards, projects, charitable causes and campaigns within his community, and beyond, until he was well into his 80's, in 2007 he received a Merit Award from the Province of New Brunswick on the recommendation of the Village of Rexton. Throughout his extremely active business and family life, he especially enjoyed his horses, fishing, hunting, boating, travelling, motorcycling and snowmobiling. He is survived by his wife Janet (Potter); sons John (Paulette) and Rodney (Margo), both of Rexton; daughters Brenda MacKenzie (Alan) of Moncton and Beverley (Jamie Irving) of Middle LaHave, NS; grandchildren Errol Girvan of Moncton, Bryce Girvan (Gloria) of Bathurst, Kaylin MacKenzie and Duncan MacKenzie, both of Moncton; great-grandchildren Samuel and Jessica Girvan of Bathurst and Euan Girvan of Sackville. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his "special" uncle and aunt James and Jessie Girvan; and by his "family" of special cousins Arthur, Kenneth, Rae, and Lloyd Girvan, and Alfreda Warren and Laurina Marks. Resting at Thompson's Funeral Home, Richibucto with visitation on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9. A Masonic Service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 2:00 pm at St. Andrew's United Church, Rexton with Rev. Galen Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to any charity would be appreciated by Janet and family. Arrangements are in care of Thompson's Funeral Home, Richibucto (523-4252). www.thompsonsfuneralhome.com