Memories of Joseph Ernest Garrett

In memory of

Joseph Ernest Garrett

Toronto, ON, Canada

August 14, 1923 - February 15, 2020

Aug 14, 1923 - Feb 15, 2020

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Laura Garrett

Grandpa, Laura, Rose, Grandma

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Laura Garrett

Joseph, his daughter-in-law Sandy, and his granddaughter Laura

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Laura Garrett

Kegs and Cases

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Laura Garrett

The master knot-tier, my grandpa used his skills for some of the most important things. When I was little, whenever I needed someone to tie together one of home-made necklaces, he was always there. He built a beautiful swing in the backyard under the trees. He helped my grandma teach me how to braid my hair. Grandma chose the prettiest hair barrettes and grandpa did the braiding. He may have looked intimidating, but my grandpa was a teddy bear when it came to his grandkids. I remember he always had his favourite chair and we were always afraid to sit in it, but one day, I did. When he came into the room I jumped up to give his chair back, but he just smiled and told me to sit and he went to another, less comfortable chair. And he had the coolest hat collection I’d ever seen.

He had a mischievous side too. I remember leaving grandpa and my dog Molly in the living room, then hearing the sounds of a kerfuffle, and running back in only to find him and Molly sitting on the couch together looking innocent as can be, but having clearly just play fought over who got which part of the couch. Always a fan of dogs, another time, we brought Cosmo and Sabrina to visit him, he was sitting in his chair with a bowl of macaroni and cheese and Sabrina sat at his feet sniffing that mystery bowl. Grandpa let her finish off his lunch, and even spoon-fed her some of the macaronis she was having trouble getting. She was one happy puppy.

Grandma’s and grandpa’s relationship was a beautiful portrayal of true love. As they got older and grandma was sometimes confused, grandpa’s priority was always to make sure she was happy. When she was being a picky eater, he’d keep bringing her food options - fresh cut strawberries, a glass of chocolate milk, a call to my dad to bring more options - whatever would make her smile. Whenever anything happened, grandma was the first person grandpa would tell. On his 95th birthday, he sat by her in his favourite chair, with a cupcake and a beer. On her 95th birthday (just a few days ago) he was still sitting beside her, although without the cupcake and beer this time. They were together and that was happiness.

His favourite blue chair may have been replaced by a chair made of clouds, but I know he’s still with us.

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Laura Garrett

Joseph and garden

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Laura Garrett

Joseph and garden

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Laura Garrett

Little Me (Laura), Grandpa, Grandma

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Laura Garrett

Joseph

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Laura Garrett

Family

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Rose Garrett

My grandpa was one of the coolest people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing- a WWII vet with an unfalteringly strong handshake, a suspenders and cowboy hat enthusiast, a quiet and shy guy who would surprise you with his great sense of humour and penchant for practical jokes. It always seemed like he was indestructible- he would mow the lawn in his bare feet and I could have sworn he was aging backwards. Gramps passed down to us an appreciation for nature- a love of trees and the moon and the stars, a high propensity for sun burns and subsequent freckling (especially Scotty, my little pale ghost brother), and an interest in math and problem-solving. We miss you grandpa but we hope you're having a great time up there riding your motorcycle into the sunset, with all the beers and chocolate milk and tomato sandwiches you could dream of

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