Donald Luther Garland, a 65 year Skagit County resident, went home to The Lord on November 26, 2013, surrounded by his family.
The youngest of three sons, Don was born on December 17, 1947, in Sedro- Woolley, WA, to James L. and Naomi (Aldridge) Garland. Don graduated from Concrete High School in 1966 and went to work mostly in construction and operating equipment.
Don was united in marriage his “darling Pam” on February 3, 1989.
More than anything Don enjoyed time spent with h
is family who he loved dearly. He made daily calls to his sons, Daniel James, Justin Donald, and Jeffrey Lee, just to make sure they were okay and to see how their day was going. He also enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, sports, playing music, gardening, cooking, and canning fresh jams and vegetables.
Don will be best remembered for his dedication to his family, his commitment to The Lord, his hospitality to anyone who entered his home, and his ability to voice his beliefs regardless of the audience. Some will remember Don as physically strong, athletic, a bit of a prankster, and tough, but the biggest part of him was his heart that was filled with love and compassion for others. He taught us the true meaning of unconditional love and putting others ahead of ourselves.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, James L. and Naomi, and brothers James E. and Vernon. Don leaves behind his loving wife of nearly 25 years, Pamela; three sons, Dan of Onalaska, WA, Justin of Concrete, WA and Jeffrey and wife, Amanda, of Bow, WA; two precious granddaughters, Dilyn Naomi and Jasmyne Marie, and his grandson, Jordan Donald Garland as well as many other family and friends.
The family suggests memorials to a charity of your choice.
Funeral Services for Don will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 11:00am at the Concrete Assembly of God Church. Graveside services will follow at Greenhills Memorial Cemetery in Burlington. Visitation will be available on Friday, November 29th from 9am to 5pm at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley.
I knew Pam because she was a friend of my niece, Lisa but I was not fortunate enough to have known Don very long. My husband Joe knew him from Perks coffee shop where they would go to have coffee before starting their day. Last year I broke my knee and was in bed for about 3 months. When Don heard about me he wanted to do something for me. Him and Pam made dinner and delivered it to our home. I can say it was delicious! Another day he sent his clam chowder and boy was it good!!
He never really knew me but his heart was big and he reached out to me like he did for many others. He seemed like a gentle giant with a heart of gold. My husband will miss his “coffee buddy” and I will miss a kind man.
May your hearts be comforted by your loving memories.
Don will be.missed greatly. His peanut butter fudge was the best.
I love my Uncle Don. He had the biggest laugh, like all of the Garland men. I remember visiting him as a child and him always poking fun at my city living. He always tried to feed you which was something he learned from his momma. He was a devoted son, supportive brother, loving husband and father. Love you Uncle Don, see you and my daddy in heaven one day soon. I swear I can almost hear you and my daddy laughing, that deep belly laughter. It’s not goodbye, it’s see ya later!
Don was such an amazing person. He loved his family so very much, they were his pride and joy. He was always so worried about taking care of others when they came to visit and always trying to feed you. He had the biggest heart. Don, we are all so blessed to of had you in our lives. Your memory lives in our hearts always. You will be so deeply missed.