Obituary of John F. Garden

John F. Garden, a retired owner of several air freight companies passed away at his home with his family by his side on Tuesday afternoon, July 22, 2014. He was 73 years old. John was born and raised in Woburn. He was the youngest of 9 children born to Nova Scotia immigrants the late Earl and Elizabeth “Trixie” Garden. John was a 1959 graduate of Woburn High School. He was a Sergeant in the United States Army Signal Corps, serving his country during the Vietnam War. John and his wife Jan lived in San Francisco from 1964-1979. He was extremely knowledgeable in the field of Domestic and International Shipping of Hazardous Materials and had worked in the Freight industry his entire career. John co-owned Nimitz Air Cargo in California for 15 years. They had 20 employees, a fleet of trucks and a warehouse. He then decided to come back home and settled in Burlington in 1979. He then founded and managed Beyond Express, a freight business for 20 years. He was very knowledgeable and shared his expertise in the industry by lecturing at numerous colleges throughout the state. John had a big heart with a large circle of family and friends whom he enjoyed sharing his time with. John was kind and generous and was the type of man was always there to lend a helping hand. He was the type of friend who always had your back and never needed to be asked for a assistance. He was simply there for those he loved. He was not a great golfer, but enjoyed the game. He played weekly with old High School friends and new friends as well. He was an active member of the Burlington American Legion, Post 273. He enjoyed yard work and maintaining his home. He spent ten years restoring his 1966 Ford Mustang. He dabbled in Stamp collecting. He enjoyed his annual winter trips to Arizona to visit his sister, Judy, golf and escape the snow. He was a proud father and father-in-law and an adoring grandfather. John will always remembered for his kindness and love he showered over his many family and friends. John was the beloved husband of 50 years of Janet “Jan” E. (Ciampo). He was the proud and loving father of Nicole & her husband SFC Stephen Dupuis, Jr. US Army of Burlington. He was the brother of Edmund of Woburn, Pauline Stuart of Woburn, Judith Fiorilla of Mesa, AZ and the late Eleanor “Sally” Golden, Diane Barry and Douglas, Donald and Elizabeth “Betty” Garden. He was the adoring grandfather of Mason and Ava. John was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, July 26 from 2-5 p.m. Concluding with Funeral Services and Military Honors at 5:00 p.m. A celebration of John’s life will follow at the Café Escadrille, 26 Cambridge St., Burlington at 6 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial’s in John’s name may be made to the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court Street, Boston, MA 02108 For directions, obituary & online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net