Obituary of George E Garland

George E. Garland, a man dedicated to his family, his country and his community, passed away at the Lahey Hospital & Medical Center on Thursday evening, July 6, 2017. The beloved husband of Barbara (Teague) for 57 years, he was 80 years old. George was born in Wakefield. He was raised and educated in Malden and Melrose, eventually graduating from Melrose High School. He then served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. George was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Longevity Service Award. He later attended Northeastern University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. George met his future wife, Barbara, at a New Year’s Eve Party in 1959. They were engaged within a month, and married in May of 1960. When first married, they lived in Peabody and then, in 1964, moved to Burlington where he would become a fixture in the community. George worked for various companies in Burlington as a graphic artist in the 1960s, and in the 1970s, he owned his own business, Garland Graphics, on Skilton Lane. Later he became a Market Research Analyst for Polaroid in Waltham and Cambridge, retiring after over 25 years of service. When the children where young, the family enjoyed camping in Groton, Vermont, Hermit Island, Maine and Camp Calumet on Lake Ossipee in New Hampshire. In later years, George and Barbara became seasoned international travelers. They enjoyed river boat cruises throughout Europe and Russia, and visited friends in London. They also travelled throughout the United States, visiting family on both coasts. George loved the ocean and sailing throughout his life. On weekends, he could be found on his boat, the East Wind, in Salem Harbor. Friends and family frequently joined them during their day trips on the water. He was a frequent visitor to True North in Burlington where he could be seen chatting with his circle of friends. George was the type of person that once he got involved in something he gave it his all – and he was involved in many different organizations and activities throughout his life. When his boys where young they were involved with the Boy Scouts of America and so was George, as a troop leader and Commissioner for the Minuteman Council. As a Commissioner, George was responsible for developing the high standards of the organization in eastern Massachusetts. He was also Youth Group Director at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Woburn for many years. George loved music and was a lifelong musician. Starting in high school, he formed his own band with friends, and also toured Europe with the United States Air Force Band, playing the saxophone and the flute. He and Barbara were founding members of the Woburn Choral Society, now known as the Mishawum Choral Society. George also enjoyed painting in his spare time. Many of his paintings depict scenes from New England and his travels abroad. George was a prominent member of the Masons, Simonds Lodge AF.& AM., serving as Worshipful Master the year that the lodge celebrated their 50th anniversary. George was also a member and elected Commander of the Burlington DAV, William Hurley Chapter 113, an organization that was very dear to his heart. The Burlington DAV provides companionship, food, clothing and personal items for veterans in the Bedford VA Hospital, the Chelsea Soldier’s Home and the Lowell Veterans’ Community. As a member of the DAV, George was active at all the organization's events throughout the community of Burlington. He could be seen at Burlington High School selling ''Forget me Not's''; during the town elections , participating in Memorial Day and Veterans Day Celebrations and representing the organization at many other special events. The students of The Rotary Club of Burlington High School Interact program always looked forward to George and other members of the DAV coming to the club to accept sock donations. They also enjoyed listening to George and his peers talk about their wartime experiences. George will be remembered for his boundless energy, his generous, hardworking spirit, and his love for his wife and family. He was a man that touched many people’s lives and made a difference in the community he lived in. George was the beloved husband of Barbara (Teague). He was the loving father of Kenneth Garland & his wife Michelle of CO, Scott Garland & his wife Heidi of CA, and Bethany Anderson of Derry, NH. Proud grandfather of Shannon, Daniel, Anthony, Tyler & Christopher Garland and Casey & Sarah Anderson. Great grandfather of Makayla & Olivia Kamlan. Brother of William Garland of PA. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Monday, July 10 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the United Church of Christ Congregational, 6 Lexington St., Burlington on Tuesday, July 11 at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Puritan Lawn Cemetery in Peabody. In lieu of flowers, memorials in George’s name may be made to Burlington DAV William Hurley Chapter 113, 92 Bedford St, Burlington, MA 01803. The Little Coffee Shop in Heaven A Tribute to My Father By KENNETH E. GARLAND A friendly waitress met him sweetly at the open door. The smell of fresh ground coffee beans filled the ancient store. The sound of friendly chatter echoed softly off the walls. Smooth saxophone played “Take Five” lightly in the open hall. “Good morning, George”, the waitress said, “you certainly are slow”. We’ve been open here forever and we thought you’d never show. “We’ve got your coffee, good and hot, just the way you like it. The sugar’s in the bowl right there so make it to your liking”. “Then grab a chair and sit right down, you'll find your friends are here. They've been waiting for you patiently, so sit down anywhere”. “The Masons are at table four, just chatting about the game. The Red Sox never lose up here and games aren't called for rain”. “The Super Bowl begins today and the Patriots are in. We don't have Brady here yet, but we're sure they're going to win”. “The DAV’s at table five, planning the parade. They’re looking for another man to lead them with the flag”. “At table six you’ll know the guys from the U.S. Air Force Band. They’ll be playing for us all tonight and I’m sure they’d love a hand” George turned around and scanned the room as friends all waved him over . He smiled to see the friendly faces of so many his brothers. And then he spied a small man in the corner of the place. The shadows fell in such a way that you couldn't see his face. He asked the girl, “Who is that man alone at table seven?” “You shouldn't be without a friend, especially in Heaven”. “Oh, he's the owner” said the girl, lowering her tone. “He only comes in now and then, and mostly sits alone” George, undaunted, grabbed his cup and ambled to the corner. He said “Hello” and placed a hand so lightly on his shoulder. The man looked up at George and smiled, his eyes a deep sky blue. He said “Welcome, George, my name is God, I’ve been waiting here for you”. So he sat down at the Lord’s table and slowly drank his coffee, As they spoke of family, life and love throughout eternity. A Eulogy for George E. Garland 7/11/2017 Offered with much love by his daughter, Bethany J. Anderson I went for a walk on Friday morning with just birds and cars for music to keep me going. Thinking about how fortunate we all were to have my dad in our lives. He was a dad to all our friends, making his mark on all of them in some way. I received a message on Saturday from my very first boyfriend that read (quote), “He helped me become me” and that he even now channels Dad’s energy when he gets stressed. Another friend wrote how dad would talk to him, then 15 or 16 years old, about music and that he was the first adult to talk to him like they were equals. And still another friend wrote to Scott that Dad was a musical mentor to him and that dad was a straight shooting good man and the world is already a little colder without him. He saw us all, and connected with us all because to him we were all special. And dad was funny – a kind of mix between Robin Williams and George Carlin. We sat at the dinner table often in full out, milk through the nose laughter over the silliest things. He was a master of accents and impressions, making us laugh until our bellies hurt and we couldn’t breathe. My brothers and I have no doubt that he was proud of us and that pride continued to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was Papa, Grampy and Grandpa – the names reflecting the geographic divide between us as we grew up, moved away and started our own families and lives. But to all of them he was a fun, light-hearted, and caring grandfather, with jelly beans in his pocket, and they had no doubt he loved them and thrived on being loved by them. It’s a comfort to know that it wasn’t just us that appreciated and loved Dad. Everywhere he went he lit up the room and was a friend to everyone. He always was generous with his time and talents wherever they may be needed, whether feeding homeless veterans, picking up pastries and bagels from Panera for the senior center, or helping a new business get off the ground. Scott and I stopped at the True North coffee shop at 10am on Friday morning before going to the funeral home. The news had travelled quickly and they somehow knew who we were without us saying anything when I asked to speak to the manager or owner. Paula, the owner, and the staff were so kind to us and it was obvious that they were affected by the news. Paula told me that Dad would come in and ask how “his girls” were and brightened the shop whenever he came in. They were all touched by his love for life and support of the shop from the day that it opened, bringing his friends there to share this Burlington gem to make sure that it would be successful. My brothers and I had a pile of adopted aunts and uncles – friends of my parents from the time we were small. These aunts and uncles continued to be a part of our lives through our adulthood and to present day. When he made friends, he kept them close. Those friends have become a comforting blanket, covering and filling us with warmth and love. I have no doubt that his brother Masons and his Comrades with the Disabled American Veterans will miss his constant and supportive presence. At Dad’s celebration of 50 years as a Mason, members of the DAV, his masonic brothers and their families, and personal friends filled the room. He was able to bring the pieces of his life together in one place, all in celebration of him and his achievements. When my grandmother, Isobel/Mimi, could no longer live alone, my parents brought her to live with them and dad became a loving co-caretaker with my mom for 10 years, sharing the joy and the work that came with that role as though she were his own mother. But the love of his life was my mom, Barbara. Many people have told me over the years what a lovely couple they made. Of course, life is never perfect but they became perfect for each other. Their deep respect, love and commitment to each other became the foundations for our lives. But the glue was always laughter, fun, willingness to explore new places and experiences together and an endless supply of understanding and love. He considered her his “angel sent from heaven” and would tell everyone he met. Oscar Wilde once wrote: To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. My father didn’t just exist, he lived… and those who knew him, I believe, had better lives because of him. I can’t help feeling a bit diminished by his passing – that a bright star in my life has been extinguished, but I also know that that is not exactly the truth. I know that that star will continue to flicker and burn slowly and quietly around the edges of my own life and in the lives and hearts of those who knew and loved him. While looking for a quote to end this, I came upon some words from the great poet and philosopher… Dr. Seuss. He wrote: Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. Thank you all for crying and smiling with us today.