Tri-Cities Chamber Board Governor Les Garrison with son Greg.
(TRI-CITIES) September 10, 2024 — Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Board Governor Les Garrison passed away on August 27 at age 89. Garrison was a member of the Chamber for decades, serving on the Board of Directors for years, including as President (Board Chair) in 1990. He was also a long serving elected Alderman (Councillor) for the City of Coquitlam.
"I do know he was always very fond of the Chamber, as am I," says Greg Garrison, Les' son and business partner. "Along with the wonderful connections and business growth we received as a result of his involvement, he cultivated lifelong friendships that to this day, still exist, as evidenced by those that have reached out to me [since his passing]."
"He was always a people person, and that was never more evident than when he was a part of the meetings, networking and such. He always seemed to draw a crowd in a good way, smiling, quick on his feet and never pulled any punches," adds Greg.
Tri-Cities Chamber Presidents Les Garrison (1990) and Maureen Dixon (1993) lip sync Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton's Islands in the Stream at a Chamber event.
During his time as President, Les and the board hired the Chamber's first Executive Director, Elizabeth Model, propelling the Chamber's evolution and growth. Garrison's leadership set the stage for the Chamber to become what is now one of the largest chambers and boards of trade in the province.
Through the hard work and dedication, there was also plenty of humour and fun. Les Garrison's term as President followed Tony Zipp's. So as the joke went, Greg explains, "First we had zip, then we had les(s)."
The Garrison family's support of the Chamber continues through their membership, and Greg's wife Jennifer McKinnon is serving as this year's Vice Chair of the Board.
Les Garrison's obituary, including details on his Celebration of Life, is shared below with permission.
Leslie Garrison, May 27, 1935 - August 27, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Les, who died peacefully in his sleep with Marion by his side, after a brief bout of pneumonia and congestive heart failure. Predeceased by his first wife Norma (2009), daughter Laurie (1996), and mother Sadie Dougan (2010), Les leaves behind his wife Marion, sons Greg (Jennifer) and Paul (Danielle), granddaughter Morgan, and extended family, Nancy and Tracey Rayson.
Les flourished in his work in life insurance in both Alberta & Manitoba before moving to B.C. in 1968 to continue his distinguished career in the life insurance sector. After many years, he emerged as owner/president of his general insurance office, Les Garrison Agencies Ltd., which commenced operations in 1979. The office was located in Coquitlam, first on Austin Avenue, and migrated to Westwood Mall in 1981, where it thrived for many decades.
With a spirit for service, Les served as a member with the Rotary Club of Coquitlam, and on Coquitlam council as alderman in the late 1970s and early 1980s, eventually stepping out of politics to resume work in insurance. The rigours of political life ultimately helped him train for a couple of marathons. Les also showed a strong commitment to his faith, attending services at CCV East Valley, Mesa and at Coquitlam's Northside Foursquare Church.
A die-hard BC Lions and Vancouver Canucks fan, Les also had a deep passion for golf, both as a spectator and player. He loved the challenging rounds as a member at Vancouver Golf Club and on courses at his second home in Mesa, Arizona, enjoying life as a snowbird. He relished travel and adventures in Arizona and Europe with Norma, and cruises to Hawaii, Alaska and Mexico with Marion. Over the years, when he was home in Port Moody, he favoured family time working the grill, appreciated a full-bodied red, and savoured celebratory steak dinners at The Keg, along with his favourite, mud pie.
Les will be remembered fondly for his good humour and generous nature, and missed dearly by those who loved him and the many lives he touched.
With gratitude to Big Hearts Homecare, Qualicare Home Care, Fraser Health home support professionals, and Eagle Ridge Hospital medical practitioners who provided care, compassion and comfort. A private graveside service for family will be held on September 21. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 22, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Vancouver Golf Club, 771 Austin Ave., Coquitlam. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, should you desire, kindly make a charitable donation in Les' name to the Heart & Stroke foundation.
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Since 1971, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has been the largest business association serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, and Belcarra, now representing 1,300+ organizations from every sector. The Chamber works to foster economic development, provide connections and benefits, and influence public policy at all levels of government to ensure strong business and strong communities. The Tri-Cities Chamber is an active member of the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce.
For more information, contact:
Leslie Courchesne, Chief Executive Officer
Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
ceo@tricitieschamber.com
604.468.6870