He was born in London in 1926[1][2] and, in 1940, was sent to Canada to live with his brother Herbert (who represented the Mackenzie district in the Legislature between 1941 and 1949) during the bombardment of London. Gargrave continued his education in Vancouver, British Columbia. In 1945, he went overseas with the Canadian Army. After the war, he worked in lumber camps in British Columbia.[2] He was defeated when he ran for reelection to the assembly in 1966.[3] While serving in the assembly, Gargrave studied at Victoria College and the University of British Columbia,[4] completing a law degree. After retiring from politics, he practised law in Vancouver and Gibson's Landing.[2] He died January 7, 1998.[5]