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Robert Garrison Obituary

Robert Grady (Bob) Garrison, long-time Manitou Springs resident, died Monday, March 3, 2008 of complications of diabetes and congestive heart failure. He was 90. Garrison was born December 9, 1917 in Childress, Texas, the only son of four children born to Henry Grady and Nell Garrison. He grew up in the Rio Grande Valley town of Mercedes, Texas. He married Ruby (Bette) Covington in 1940. Garrison was a pre-med student and graduated with two degrees in Chemistry from the University of Texas (Austin) in 1942. He and Bette moved to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to join General Electric, where like many of his peers he contributed to the World War II effort. He remains a "chemist in the lab" at heart to the end, donating his body to the Colorado Anatomical Board for medical research. After the end of the war, in 1946 Garrison with his family moved to Coshocton, Ohio and in 1951 to Denver, where he was a chemist with Gates Rubber Company. Bette died in 1958, leaving Garrison the sole parent of 4 young children, Anita, Mary Ann, Nancy and Jim. His daughter, Brenda was born in 1961. In 1962, Garrison started his second successful career as a real estate broker in Littleton, Colorado. His firm, Garrison and Company, became one of the leading Realtors in the Southwest Denver area for many years. Garrison served as president of the South Suburban Board of Realtors in Littleton and operated his own real estate school, graduating numerous agents and brokers. In 1978, he married Joanne (Meury) Eflin and moved again, this time to Manitou Springs. He spent the last 30 years as an extremely active and enthusiastic supporter of Manitou Springs, serving terms on the Manitou Springs Board of Directors of the Manitou Springs Public Library and the Chamber of Commerce, and as a City Councilman. Known affectionately as "Grandpa Bob" to the community, he was a fixture at The Woodshed, a popular store in downtown Manitou Springs for more than a decade. Bob was an avid reader. The Memorial Service will be held at Manitou Springs City Hall, 606 Manitou Ave., on Monday, March 17th at 11:00am, followed by a Potluck and Visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Robert G. Garrison to The Friends of the Manitou Springs Library, Building Expansion Fund for Handicap Accessibility, PO Box 865 Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829; or to a charity of your choice. Garrison is survived by his wife, Joanne, one sister, Virginia Austin, of Liberty Hill, Texas, five children, Anita (Ed) Gillard, Mary Ann (Dan) Shirbroun, Nancy (Dan) Vandermyde, Jim (Kathleen) Garrison, Brenda (Steve) Ribbens, and three step-children, Roxanne (Mike Alvino) Eflin, Jennifer (Denis) Willuhn and Brian (Jaime Steffes) Eflin. He leaves 19 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. His wife and family express their deep gratitude to his final caregivers at Mountain View Care Center, and Evercare Hospice, all of whom became like Extended Family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette from Mar. 9 to Mar. 14, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Garrison

Not sure what to say?





Jeanette Briggs

October 2, 2020

Hello,
A few years ago I acquired a well loved book of Robert’s at an estate sale. I found a letter in the book from Joanne to Anita. I asked the people doing the sale if they wanted it but they said I would probably appreciate it more. Today while talking with my sister about our own grandpa who passed years ago I got to thinking about how precious this book is. If anyone is interested in getting it back please contact me. I am happy to ship it.

Paulla Elmore

March 16, 2008

I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers as they gather to remember Bob.
I remember he was often working on writing short stories on the computer, which I think is admirable. He seemed to be very proud of his family and he was very friendly whenever I visited. Love and peace, Paulla Elmore

Barbara & Jim Nichols

March 15, 2008

Bob, how much we enjoyed you since 1975, the Country Dinner Playhouse, the fun jokes, sharing our vegetable garden with you, (how you loved the tomatoes), the ponderosa seeds you always collected from our yard, our hike on the Ute Indian Trail, reading ALL our books while you stayed with us after the flood....so many fond memories. Thanks for taking care of our sister and for coming into our lives.
Barb and Jim Nichols

Mimi Meury-Robidoux

March 10, 2008

You came into my life when you met and married your beautiful wife Joanne. My best memories of you are singing songs of Texas when we would come visit. From birth you came so far, in passing you are going even further. What a noble gesture from a genius, to give the gift of your body to science and medical research. That will always be the action that speaks to me of who you are and what you are all about. Actions speak louder than words. Thank you because You Cared to take this action. I am glad we shared a mutual respect of one another. I will keep a close eye on your precious little Mary Joanne, all the way from down here in Arizona.

Lisa Moran

March 10, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with the many family members and friends of Bob's.

Roxanne Eflin

March 9, 2008

Bob was a profound influence on the lives of his three step-children. He taught us to drive and did so with patience and unflustered understanding. He loved our mother's home town which he observed, daily, from the Minnehaha's front porch. Be one with the stars, Bob, and be at peace. Thank you for cheering us on for the last 33 years.

Jennifer Willuhn

March 9, 2008

My whole family loves and misses you so much Bob, you taught us so many things and showed us by example, so many more. I'm blessed to have been part of the last 40 years of your time on earth, thank you for every minute you gave us. We may not share DNA but I'm proud to have been counted among your daughters. My favorite saying is "it's not what you got, it's what you give" and I just want to say thank you for all the love you gave each of us. (the fudge was great too!)

Anita Gillard

March 9, 2008

We Gillards will miss you, Daddy. We have so many memories of such happy times with you.
Your oldest child, Anita

Brian Eflin

March 9, 2008

Bob, ("Mr. G")
You were like a father to me for most of my life. I learned more from you than I could ever say. That learning continues as you taught me "how to think" how to problem solve. I use that in my daily life and career with General Electric Company. Your presence in my life could never be replaced. You will be missed more than you will ever know. Jaime and I are at the Minnehaha taking care of things Mom needs. Love, Brian

Mary Ann and Dan Shirbroun

March 9, 2008

We miss our Papa. We are proud of your life, and all of your contributions to ours.

Shelly (Loudermilk) Wadman

March 9, 2008

My parents owned The Woodshed and I have lots of fond memories of our time with "Grandpa Bob". He always had a smile and a hug ready to give. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Nancy and Dan Vandermyde

March 9, 2008

We love you Daddy and miss you very much. We were proud to call you Daddy, Grandpa and "Big Grandpa"!

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

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