Garret Hawk Sasyniuk
Feb. 5, 1994 – January 6, 2009
Garret Hawk Sasyniuk, age 14, began a new adventure on January 6, 2009. He will be sadly missed by the many people he inspired to think outside the box. Garret embraced life unconditionally and lived with his heart wide open. He taught more people about caring, respect and integrity by example than he could have ever realized. He saw life and experienced true joy as he “danced like no one was watching”. Garret would latch onto a new passion and explore it full tilt. He would leave no stone unturned in his relentless exploration of his new fascination. Garret loved his family more than anything and their tireless love and support provided him with the anchor he needed to explore his world. Jan, Randy, Jason and Harley enjoyed many great adventures together with Garret that filled his heart with the love and exuberance he shared with others. He always made sure that he got a card for everyone for each special occasion. He would spend months from the occasion that just past until the next occasion occurred planning the event in its entirety. Garret started school at Centennial Public School. It was during the time he was at Centennial that he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He started a new journey at JW Trusler before spending a brief time at Marshall Park P.S. then at Sunset Park P.S. before returning to his original school Centennial. Garret’s gentle kindness made him a sought after friend as he made his way through his educational journey. Garret always knew he was different but did not know why. As he struggled with his own challenges he developed empathy for others who were in similar situations. Students who were touched by Garret while he was at Centennial this time spoke of his caring ways to ensure no one was bullied, everyone was included, and that everyone had a friend. From the day he visited Centennial and met “Smith” wearing his special shoes, Garret knew he had met a friend that he could trust.
As if looking through the lens of his father’s camera Garret saw things that often in life we miss. Garret became that lens that enabled everyone who met him to see the world full of wonder. To honour his memory we need to look for that joy as we struggle in our grief. He is watching over us with his grandmother and saying “I’ll be okay”. When we think of Garret we picture him with a smile on his face, his headphones and his turquoise shirt.
Garret will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by his family and many friends.
“Miigwech” to All!
Honoured by his family and many friends