July 1, 1947-Nov. 21, 2011
San Martin, California
March 9, 2012
I was a neighbor to gary in San martin. I would often stop by his great shop to chat with him while he was building one of his airplanes. he was a guy who could do almost anything! he will be missed Eric
Nov. 29, 2011
Nov. 29, 2011
I met Gary in 1990 through his son, Tyler, while coaching the Alpine Senior baseball team. Tyler was an excellent baseball player and outstanding competitor. Gary was very supportive of Tyler and the team concept. He had a way of supporting Tyler on the bad days (few that they were) and sharing in the good days which bonds a father and his son. After the season, Gary invited me to go helicopter skiing with him and Jenny in Canada. I was an intermediate skier at best. It was one of the most thrilling trips of my life. Gary babysat me on the slopes to make sure I had a great time. It was a lifetime experience for me. Over the years I have lost track of Gary and I am saddened to hear that this fine man is no longer with us. My thoughts and prayers go out to Tyler and Jenny and all the family.
Nov. 28, 2011
First, I pass on my condolences and heartfelt sympathy to Gary's extended family. I was shocked to hear of his passing at such an early age. We were close classmates at Holderness School because our families were from so far away (mine were in Indonesia at the time). He was quite a natural athlete. I remember playing hockey after hours and on weekends with him and Earle Holsapple, another of his close classmates. I was new to hockey so played on junior varsity teams while he was on varsity. The same was true with lacrosse. After college, Uncle Sam brought me to San Diego, California to fly F-4 Phamtoms from Aircraft Carriers. Flying was in my blood and still is as it was in Gary?s. Unless you?ve been there it?s hard to describe the passion he had for airplanes and the special bond that we shared. I know. During one of the 5-year school reunions, he told me about flying into Baja, landing on a beach, surfing and flying back home. I never could get him to pick me up and tag along. He loved sports, airplanes, and had a very adventurous spirit which showed. He was a kind and gentle man and he will be missed by family, friends, co-workers, and classmates. Maybe I'll meet him again at the big airport in the sky someday and we?ll do some turns in the sky for old time sake. I?ll miss you Gary, God speed.
Nov. 27, 2011
Gary came into the life of my late husband Jim and me on wings bringing my daughter, Rhonda and granddaughter Gillian for a special birthday celebration for me. He and JimÕs shared a love affair with the air, even though never close friends, was a bond between the two of them. The kindness, generosity and love shown to my family by this truly exceptional man will never be forgotten nor will he. Whether at the top of a snow covered mountain or high above one there is no tribute for me more appropriate for Gary than the most famous of all aviatorÕs poems. So to Gary Garratt and all who loved him may he soar forever in the memory of all. "High Flight" for Gary Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long delirious, burning blue, I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew - And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod The high untresspassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand and touched the face of God.
