(Written by Dale Garrett)
I was born Nov. 24, 1934 to Jack and Violet Garrett in Mosca, Colorado. I was the third of four children. I attended schools at Mosca, Coaldale, Cotopaxi, Colorado and West Plains, Missouri, where I graduated in 1952 as Salutatorian in a class of 120. I received a scholastic scholarship to the University of Missouri. I couldn't afford to attend as my family moved back to Colorado in Gunnison. I applied to Western State College and received a scholarship there. While attending Western I met my beloved wife and best friend for 70 years, Donna Hostetler. We had three children, Roxanna J., Karen K. and Robert W. Garrett.
After getting married I worked for a local building contractor (Jess Summers) and learned the construction trade. In 1961, I ventured into business, started a building construction company, and acquired Building Logs, Inc., the manufacturers of Lok-Log cabins and homes, which my wife and children help run for 30-plus years. As a sideline to the Lok-Log business in 1976, Western Lumber was started and soon became a major retail building supply business in Gunnison and is still in operation today under the management of my daughter Roxie and her sons, Christopher, Preston and Steven.
I was preceded in death by my parents Jack and Violet, brothers Marvin and Jack, sister Norma Jean Curley and my son Robert. I am survived by my wife of 70-plus years, Donna; daughter Roxie Rule, children Christopher, Preston and Steven; granddaughter Marra; daughter Karen Garrett, Shelby (Nick) Lorimor; grandchildren Wiley, Braxton and Brooklynn; Robert's children, Heather (Nate) Scavezze, Brandi (Rebecca) Garrett, Alyson Garrett; grandchildren Avery and Aiden Scavezze.
I played basketball and ran track in high school and college, enjoyed hunting with my son and grandchildren. I also played golf and bowled with my wife and so many friends for many years, and for a short time had a pilot license. I had some artistic ability and majored in art and industrial arts at Western.
I left this life on Aug. 16 surrounded by my family. What a great journey.
A celebration of life will be held on Aug. 29 from 3-5 p.m. at the Gunnison Elks Lodge,123 South Main Street, Gunnison. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.
