Surrounded by family, Garry George Lefebvre passed into the loving arms of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on March 16, 2016. He was an amazing husband, father and grandfather whose passion for Jesus, leadership, fatherhood and marriage defined his life.
#11 For The Green And Gold
Garry Lefebvre served as an elder at North Pointe, a sacred role filled by only a handful of men and women in our 99 year history.
As a former pastor said, “He wore #11 on the field but he was #1 in our hearts.” Garry started out with #10 on the Esks and then he got saved so it was Jesus and him. #11
Garry was a brother,
a mentor,
a hero,
a friend,
a two-time Grey Cup winner,
the visionary leader of Athletes in Action and Circle Square Ranch, and
an avid golfer.
Authentic Manhood
He was a man’s man,
a great guy,
resilient,
fearless,
likeable, and
available.
He was the salt of the earth.
Did I mention avid golfer? And patient. He never tired of giving me lessons on the golf course to improve my swing.
Peacemaker
Garry held strong convictions but he didn’t let them divide him from people holding contrary ones.
He brought people together.
He was a peacemaker not a pacifist.
Garry mesmerized our church family with his memorization of Scripture.
He could put a smile on your face and make you feel better even when he felt lousy.
He set the standard as the first professional athlete to give glory publicly to Jesus in celebrating a major sports achievement. Named Canadian Player of the 1973 Grey Cup when he punted, played cornerback and widereceiver, scoring a touchdown, intercepting two passes and recovering a fumble.
The following is an insight into Garry’s heart and a tribute to Jesus, to whom he was fully devoted.
Produced by Boe Lefebvre of 3HAUS PHOTOGRAPHICS.
Read Garry’s obituary here
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What a great story about Garry Lefebvre. I have a special connection with the Edmonton Eskimos. (That’s the name that I grew up knowing. I belonged to the “Knothole Gang” too.). My Uncle Tommy Pon worked for the organization. My brother received old Jerseys & footballs that were going to be trashed. I learned how to throw a “spiral” with one of those balls, playing catch with my brothers. My Dad owned a restaurant called “Ly Chee Gardens” which used to be in the old Chinatown. (Where Canada Place now sits.). Whenever the Eskimos made it to the semi-finals, the Eskimos were invited to a free dinner. The feast would be laid down, dish after dish…& all you could see, were furious hands…& the food would disappear in a matter of minutes. Those men could eat. My brother brought his autograph book & would get their signatures. It was a great dynasty in those days, with the Eskimos winning many Grey Cups. We saw all the all the commenters from the radio stations too. Brian Hall would always accompany them too. Of course, my Uncle Tommy Pon was always there too. He was my Mom’s cousin. My Mom’s maiden name was Pon. That was the connection. I still love watching football to this day. I love it even more than Hockey. I appreciate the Oilers too. But, football will always be my favourite sport to watch. Thank you for sharing this story with us Pastor Bob.
Great story about Garry Lefebvre! I am a total Football Fanatic…since I was a little girl. My Uncle Tommy Pon worked for the organization for many years. My brother got many jerseys and footballs that were going to be trashed. My Dad owned a restaurant in old Chinatown called “Ly Chee Gardens” and every year if the Eskimos made it to the semi-finals…they would be treated to a free dinner at my Dad’s restaurant. (My Dad’s restaurant was located right where Canada Place sits now.) The connection lies with my Mom & Tommy Pon. They were cousins…as my Mom’s maiden name was Pon. I love football & belonged to “The Knothole Gang” …it was one of the affordable venues to send kids to in those days. I actually prefer watching football over hockey. I enjoy Hockey…but, really love to watch a Football Game. I used to see the whole team come to the restaurant…the food would come out one dish at a time…and all you could see were hands…and the food would be gone in mere minutes. Those men could eat…& they were large men. My brother would have his autograph book out & get it signed by everyone. It was the days of the “Grey Cup Champions” …the Dynasty years. Thank you for sharing this blog with us this morning.
Thanks for sharing this tribute about Garry. I wasn’t aware of his strong Christian faith and influence on the CFL!
Julie, you have lived an incredible life in your short years. You are so well connected in Edmonton. I never knew your dad owned a restaurant. I was at Canada Place earlier this week. Or your love for and connection to Edmonton football. That’s fantastic. Garry was an amazing man. Greatly missed.
Thank-you Bob for your kind words and remembrance of Garry. As the 8th anniversary of his passing approaches; I also am reflecting on the impact of his life and testimony upon so many players on the Eskimo team and throughout the CFL. After he retired from football , his greatest desire was to serve in full-time ministry. Sharing Jesus with young people at Circle Square Ranch became his passion and God opened so many other doors for him to share the good news of the gospel. His greatest legacy of course, was leading all of his children and immediate family members to a saving knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ … to God be all the glory !
To God to be the glory. That was Garry’s heart and he was never shy about it. Think of all the people he influenced for God at the Ranch, through his book, the 100 Huntley Street programs, and by his speaking/preaching. Praying for Sandy and his children and grandchildren.