SHARING MY MEMORIES OF JOHN E. GARLAND by Alma Garland

Dear Ruth,

I have been struggling during Johnnie’s final illness to find the memory of my first meeting or seeing Johnnie. No images or story surfaces as being the first. Maybe I was intimated by meeting Walter’s entire family at one time; or I had been told so much about the family I knew them and the meeting was secondary; or maybe I was “just so in love.” I will share my fondest memories of John.

The Friday evenings I spent at Herkimer Street with John, you, Denise and Nina are among my fondest memories, and John is central to all. I have felt welcomed and a part of the “Garland Family” long before I became a Garland.

John was a great man. My first memories of him are of a hustling, bustling man. Always on the move. Bringing clothes into 500 Herkimer Street or leaving to deliver the dry cleaning.

His VW bus full of clothes and the dogs at the window, Sherry in the house are all part of the picture of the life John lived to the fullest.

John was a business man and took no “stuff” from anyone. He said when he went into business for himself, “Al, I have so many safety nets in place in case something doesn’t work out, they are killing me, I need to reconsider.” He was proud of his business, “The Garland Valet,” proud of the quality of the end product of his labor and of his employees. His motto: “The difficult we do right away. The impossible will take a little longer.”

My memories of him in the kitchen at 511 Herkimer cooking delicious meals leave the image of a happy, smiling person, full of lie, love and giving, with a cigarette always in hand, a glass of something nearby to sip on.

John always seemed relaxed but always in control. The weeks of camping at Fish Creek Pond left a tone of cherished memories. With John, Walter, Ritchie and Wally setting the pace, keeping the activities going, especially the camp fires at night with all sitting around, telling stories and the kids roasting marshmallows.

Our weekend out at Montauk Point with John leading the caravan of cars, leaving just enough space for Walter to make the pass John had made. What a laugh the two brothers had at our destination. John: “I thought you could make it.” Walt: “I did, but just barely.” During the same weekend their debate over who owned the Army blanket was hilarious. “It is mine.” “No, it is mine. I brought it home from the service. And on and on it went.

How surprised I was when I learned John decorated the Easter eggs at Easter time. I thought only “women the mothers” did Easter eggs.

John’s concern for the appearance and well being of his children was always apparent. “Al, I came home and hem in coats that were too small. I had to do something. I bought material and Sadie made the coats.

John’s taste for beauty, quality and fit has left a lasting impression on me. I will always remember him no matter the day of the week, or time of day or night with his creased pressed shirts, collars standing just so, sleeves creased and not a spot anywhere. And yet, he was the picture of comfortableness.

John was comfortable with who he was – a kind, generous man who loved hife, his life, and the people in his life.

John took pleasure and pride in his family and his home. He was able to give credit where credit was due. “Alma, I am not going anywhere without Sadie.” Said, when he was in the process of buying a new home at 930 Linden BV. I had asked if Sadie was going home.

He loved the city he loved the country, and he made each more beautiful and pleasing t the eye by the care, love and attention he gave to his surroundings. He said, “I don’t care what goes on ‘out there,’ this is my ‘home’ in here.” He made “in here” a home for all who entered.

John cared for his family and gave them the best he had – both material and the tools to make their lives productive.

His generosity and love sent Sadie to England. What a surprise it was for her.

Walter sent his family to you and John for a vacation without sufficient funds, knowing they would be taken care of. Walt: I’ll pay you back.” Thanks John and Ruth.

One more memory: “Denise, I feel like eating ice cream tonight. Bring me some.” Denise brought a normal size dish. John, “I said, I feel like eating ice cream.” Denise understood and brought a dish quadrupled in size. “That’s more like it.”

I have many pictures of John and they tell of a man who loved family, food, drink and he pleasures of life. He laughed as he told me the story of you and him deciding to play tennis. “We had our rackets and our “cute outfits on” but “didn’t have a clue as to how to hit the ball. We gave up.”

My family always boasted about “Uncle Johnnie’s place – summer home in the Catskills.” He explored the surrounding areas. He expanded his knowledge of the world by traveling. I know of – Alaska, Hawaii, Aruba, Puerto Rico and other Caribbean ports of call.

He was a planner. His love and skills at camping have made for wonderful memories for his family. “How else, Al, could I take five children for a two week vacation with $400.00.”

Yes, he is missed but his legacy will live on in the lives and accomplishments of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and the beautiful faithful wife, you, Ruth, who has stood beside him all the way.

We all miss his laughter, his sense of humor, his ability to cut to the chase with his intelligence. His true Garland trait to have an answer for everything. His smile, his moustache, his hair with its permanent inherited waves, his facial moles, are the outward dressings of the man inside – “A Good Man” “Me Tarzan – You Jane.”

Written with love,
Alma E. Garland
November 27, 2002