Garry David (Waldo) Waldner
June 16, 1948 – August 3, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Garry Waldner (Waldo) on August 3, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer.
Garry will be remembered by his loving wife, Deb and daughter Lindsay, as well as many extended family members and friends. Garry was predeceased by his mother, Helen and his father, Jack.
Garry was born and raised in Saskatoon. His passion for cars started at a young age and continued throughout his life. Garry began racing at Southwinds Dragway in 1967 with a 1956 Pontiac. Garry became a member of NHRA in 1972 and travelled extensively while racing Super Stock in Division 6. Southwinds Dragway became Saskatchewan International Raceway (SIR) in 1986, and Garry remained a loyal SIR member.
Garry won many events in NHRA categories of Sportsman and Pro, often racing in both classes all weekend with his 1985 Firebird Trans Am.
Garry won the Golden Wally for Land of the Leaders ET Challenge Sportsman Championship NHRA Northwest Division in 2016.
Garry spent many years working at Action Auto on Broadway before he and his partner, Robert, opened their speed shop, AutoTrends. He was later employed at SMP in Saskatoon for a few years before he really retired!
Garry was known as the “carburetor” man in Saskatoon and the surrounding area. He spent many hours rebuilding carbs and motors while advising fellow racers and friends about car problems.
For 60 years, Garry’s passion was cars and racing. A few years ago, he obtained his dream car: a 1967 Camaro SS, which he called his baby.
He had a love for animals, especially dogs and was always handing out treats! He loved to feed all the birds and rabbits, and even a gopher. No animal ever went hungry.
Garry was well-liked by all who knew him. Naturally quiet and thoughtful, Garry will be remembered as a friendly, kind, patient and knowledgeable man who always had time for a chat and a drink in the garage.
Today, with heavy hearts and gratitude for Garry’s life, we remember the joy he brought, the laughter he shared, the advice and wisdom he offered, and most of all, the love he gave. May his memory continue to inspire us, and may we find strength in the bonds of family and friendship that he fostered. I love you forever, my Garry, Love always, Deb.
Our family extends a heartfelt thank you to Glendgarda Hospice in Saskatoon for their compassion and wonderful care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Saskatoon SPCA and Hospice at Glengarda, 301 Hilliard St E, Saskatoon.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 2:00 pm, at Prairieland Park in Hall B. As Garry was a devoted Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan, you are encouraged to wear sports, racing, car clothing in honour of Garry.
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM LINK OF MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE GARRY WALDNER
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SLIDESHOW FOR GARRY WALDNER
(A copy of the live stream will also be available to view after the service at the link above. The copy will be available for approximately 6 months.)
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
Garry was the oldest cousin on his mother’s side and a great role model for all of us, hard working, and very compassionate. We will truly miss him!condolences to family and friends he will truly be missed.
Gary worked for me when I owned Action Auto on Broadway Ave in Saskatoon. He also raced against me in the Mr Magoo Chevy Nova and was a great driver and mechanic will miss him greatly
RIP Wally we will meet again at the lord’s drag strip in the sky
A great childhood friend.
Good memories, super guy.
Rest in peace Gary.
No better a friend one could find .
Spent many miles with Gary going to races in Seattle,Portland, wordburn, and lots of nights in his garage talking racing and working on his car. I bought his first Mr Magoo car 1964 Chevrolet wagon can’t remember what that year was. I hope I can get there for his funeral and respect for a long time friend
Those we love do not go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear. I know the sky seems very dark right now, just know that eventually the clouds will part and the sun will shine again. Sending you and your family the biggest of hugs.
Cheryle and Cam Tennent
Garrys’ parents lived across the street from us in Saskatoon. As a “car-crazy” adolescent, Garrys Super Stock Chevy Il was parked in front of my childhood home on many occasions. When I was able to drive, I became a frequent hang-around at Action Auto on Broadway. Introduced to many fine folks, like Vic H, Gord G., ZK, David C. and of course, Waldo!
Garry will be missed by many. Thanks for the memories, Waldo!
My condolences on the passing of Garry Waldner. I was a friend of Wayne Gilbert, who always brought up Garry’s name and how great his Trans Am was (I spent a Saturday afternoon with Wayne the day before he passed away, he worked on my Stingray). I finally met Garry a few years ago, a nice fellow! Car guys like Ron Lee who I had coffee with today remember Garry fondly. So sorry Garry has passed away, so many memories of SIR, Kenny Achs, Vic ( watched his ’66 Fairlane crash, I had a GTA).
Lucky to have visited Wally before his passing, I was honoured to be his friend 😔and they’ll only be one Waldo!!
Garry was a true gentleman. A mentor to many who enjoyed classic cars. He will be missed.
My thoughts are with you Deb. Sorry for your loss. Garry will be missed!
A dear friend and gentleman will be sadly missed by all in our condo
Have known Garry for a very long time, since we were kids. We shared the same neighborhood but had different interests. Yet we still managed a relationship. We both knew what we could do for each other if needed. As you grow older you start to lose people from your life this was unexpected and very difficult. We will miss your smiling face and what a great guy you were.
Ray & Shirley Pfeil
Rest in peace. I haven’t met Gary but I’ve heard a lot about him from his daughter Lindsay. I hope he is in a better place watching over the people who love him.