Russell H. Garrett. 79 years of age, resident of Hollister, and most recently, Morgan Hill, CA, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2009.
Mr. Garrett was born in Racine, WI, on June 22, 1930 to the late Evelyn and Russell Garrett. He was the brother of Nancy (Garrett) Sheriff and brother-in-law of Bill of Silver Spring, Maryland. He graduated in 1948 from Central High School, in Washington, D.C., and entered the U.S. Navy. Upon his military discharge, he received his Bachelor’s Degree, in Physical Education, from Utah State University, in 1958 and a Master of Science Degree, in Recreation, from Indiana University, in 1959.
Arriving in Hollister, in the Fall of 1960, Mr. Garrett taught at R.O. Hardin School for ten years, and, at Rancho San Justo School, until his retirement, in 1995.
He loved to sing, as evidenced by his membership in the Hollister United Methodist Church’s Choir, over a span of 40 years.
He was also a member of the Oriana Chorale and thoroughly enjoyed performing religious songs and pieces from the world of the Theatre.
Mr. Garrett taught Physical Education in the manner of his “personal hero”, Amos Alonso Stagg: ” I pray not for victory, but to do my best.” “To me, the coaching profession is one of the noblest and most far-reaching in building manhood . ”
This philosophy served Mr. Garrett and the parents and children of San Benito County, well, as he became the first Executive Director of the Hollister City Recreation Department. He was particularly honored to have had the opportunity to initiate an adaptive recreation program, for those individuals who were developmentally challenged.
The consummate “team player”, he participated in extra-curricular sports programs, all of his life – beginning in grade school, the Service, in College and throughout his life, in Hollister.
When he wasn’t chaperoning an event or dance, at his schools, he was planning events and participating in the Hollister Dance Club and City Recreation.
The love of teamwork and philanthropy became ever-evident, during his 25 year membership, in the Hollister Lions’ Club, serving many terms as an Officer, including President.
Mr. Garrett was also a member of SIRS, receiving a Certificate of Service in 1997, and the California Retired Teachers San Benito County, once serving as President.
One member of his family, his daughter, Laura, became an extraordinary “teammate” for him for many, many years, serving in the loving capacity of daughter and caregiver.
Other family members, her mother, Joan, the sons, Robert and Greg, whom he adopted in 1970 and, his friends, are deeply grateful to Laura for her never-faltering devotion and infectious optimism which sustained us all, for so very, very long.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 24th 2009, at 2:00 P.M., at the Johnson Funeral Home, in Morgan Hill, 17720 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill, California 95037. (The Funeral Home’s telephone number is (408) 779-8456).
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, that unrestricted donations may be sent directly to the Johnson Funeral Home c/o the Family of Russell Garrett.
Designated donations may be made to:
Rancho San Justo School, 1201 Rancho Drive (attn: Don Knapp, Principal), which will support an innovative Student Leadership Program, – currently being developed.
Donations contributed to the Hollister United Methodist Church (521 Monterey Street – telephone: (831)637.4240), will afford the Choir – a choir Russ Garrett sang in – since arriving in Hollister, new and much needed Hymnals.
Donations to the Oriana Chorale, in Russ’ name, will go towards new risers, so important for the Oriana’s performances.
Please call (831) 637-8188 for details.
