Preface

This book was inspired by the authors’ brother, Staff Sergeant Pete Garvey, who dedicated his life to helping others. He died at 54 years of age as he lived, with gratitude and grace, from an incurable brain cancer in June 2017.

They say, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. Staff Sergeant Garvey was raised in a tiny Saskatchewan village where he learned the importance of family, community, humility and service. He dedicated his life to serve and protect others. He was a kind man who always had the good nature to help others and ‘pay-it-forward’. The authors and their families are so proud that this humble man discovered early in life what matters most is concern for, and service to others. He lived his life knowing that sincerity and integrity are not bought or measured with money. He understood that every person had an important story and deserved respect. Always the optimist, he recognized the good in people.

From childhood, he adored dogs and easily bonded with many dogs he owned throughout his life. All of his dogs knew who the good people were and recognized that he was indeed ‘one of the good ones’.

For 30 years, Staff Sergeant Garvey proudly served as an RCMP member in many urban and rural communities in Eastern Canada, the prairies and Nunavut. Over the years, the RCMP became his family. He built meaningful friendships with many people and police members across Canada that would last until his death. Throughout his career, he held numerous positions, was repeatedly promoted and received extensive recognition. However, for him it was never about the recognition or awards. Staff Sergeant Garvey was always focused on serving others and making a positive difference, both in his professional and personal life.

Beyond his regular RCMP duties, he proudly developed deep bonds with Search And Rescue Saskatchewan Association of Volunteers (SARSAV). As a dedicated Search and Rescue member, he helped train volunteers and search for missing people. Staff Sergeant Garvey was instrumental in initiating the integration of volunteers’ certified search and rescue dogs to work during police-led searches. His generosity, strong work ethic, devotion to service and selfless spirit were recognized by SARSAV. A memorial ribbon was designed by a SARSAV member to honour Staff Sergeant Garvey after his death.

Staff Sergeant Garvey is affectionately remembered for his tireless work to make Saskatchewan a safer place. This writing is a reminder for his grandchildren, no matter where your life begins, every person can make a positive difference in the world and, captures the invaluable lessons Staff Sergeant Garvey learned from many people he encountered throughout his life. He deeply loved his daughters, Megan, Michelle and Ashley, and their children. They are his most important legacy. His values, advice and lessons are preserved in this book to serve as a compass for these grandchildren.

The life of Staff Sergeant Pete Garvey teaches us many important lessons. While some Lessons might seem simple; often the simplest can be the most difficult to follow. Perhaps these lessons will help you or someone you know.