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Stephen Joseph Garger

1949 - 2021

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Linda (Collins) Reynolds posted a condolence

Monday, May 30, 2022

Dr Garger was my professor at Central College in Pella, Iowa. He impacted my teaching more than anyone. I have been trying to find him to tell him how much he influenced me. Sadly, I can no longer. Yet, I hope his family will blessed in knowing his influence continues. He told my class, “I would rather teach you 3 key principles today and have you remember them forever than to give you a boatload of notes and have you remember nothing.” I still remember this key principle that he taught and use it as a foundation in my work of training adults. He was an outstanding teacher and I am forever grateful to have been mentored by him.

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John McAdam uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, January 13, 2022

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John McAdam Posted Jan 13, 2022 at 8:40 AM

Steve and Donna in Spokane in June of 2006. We always had good times and laughs with Steve, plus he taught us how to pronounce "Spo-can". Also, we will always think of Steve on Super Bowl Sunday, but that's a story for another day. It's a bonding story from whence we met.

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John McAdam posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

It was after the New Year began when our Christmas card to Steve was returned to us with a handwritten note “Deceased” with a sad face. It was a shock and disappointing message for Donna and me. We both enjoyed Steve whom we met at Marist College. Steve was the Director of Teacher Education when I was hired as a member of the faculty. A friendship among the three of us grew and we shared times and laughter together. When Steve moved to Spokane we visited and shared some time together. He gave each of us a Gonzaga hat, which we both still have. I wear my Gonzaga hat every day that I do my walk and jog and so I have remained connected to Steve on a very regular basis. That connection with Steve will remain with me via the once navy-blue hat – a hat that is now a sun-bleached light grey. The last time I spoke with Steve was just after Jasper died. We are so sorry that Steve didn’t get to visit with us and stay longer in this world. Our loss. Steve was a good guy, a good friend – and oh, his college students recognized Dr. Garger as a very special professor. John & Donna McAdam

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Charlie McIntyre uploaded photo(s)

Monday, December 27, 2021

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Charlie McIntyre Class of 1984 O'Dea High School I am truly sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Stephen Garger. I have thought about Steve over the many years since I last saw him at O'Dea High School in Seattle back in the early 1980's. I am sad that I didn't get a chance to sit down with him and tell him how much of a positive influence he had on my life. I know that other than myself, many of my classmates felt the same way about "Dr. Garger". Not only was he a great teacher, but he also managed to relate to us and understand us as young people. He made me want to be a psychologist, as he helped me to see the power of learning and for having compassion for others. I ended up getting into the medical field, not as a psychologist, but in a field where I had an immediate and positive impact on others. I know that part of me was encouraged and nurtured by his great teaching, and for that I am eternally grateful. Steve was the best kind of person, and those who knew him had better lives because of him. What a great guy he was!

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PatrickPatrick Freeman posted a symbolic gesture

Thursday, December 23, 2021

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I remember hanging out on 163rd street back in the day with Steve. R.I.P. Kathy McGuire-Freeman

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Robert Cecchi '78 posted a condolence

Sunday, November 21, 2021

Mr. Garger was, by far, my most favorite teacher while I attended O'Dea High School. He taught and impressed upon us (me) thoughts and concepts that I still use to this day. Thank you, Sir.

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John O’Leary posted a condolence

Saturday, November 20, 2021

I was a senior at O’Dea High School in Seattle when Mr Garger joined the faculty. What an amazing guy he was, I only regret he wasn’t there for all four of my years. He made a huge positive impact on the lives of many O’Dea students, and on the alum Facebook page many people posted their thanks and “best ever teacher” comments. It was heartwarming to read his obituary and see that he had continued and even improved on this gift in his life after O’Dea. Rest In Peace sir, and cheers for a life lived exceptionally well.

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Steven Balee posted a condolence

Thursday, November 18, 2021

Dr Garger was my favorite teacher I had while at O’Dea. My deepest condolences he had a significant impact on my and I am grateful I had him as a teacher.

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Jesse Engel posted a condolence

Monday, May 24, 2021

Stephen was a man to get to the heart of people. Bringing out the best in everyone he met. The day heaven's door opened, he walked through, knowing it would bring people together. I will see Stephen every time I see a dog, baseball, and have a good argument. till we met again. Shalom Jesse

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Art Lichte posted a condolence

Monday, May 24, 2021

Steve was my best friend growing up in the Bronx.....even though he was a Giants fan and not a Yankees fan. We stayed in touch over the many years and I was always impressed by all the things he had done in life. I knew his mom and dad, and sister, Liz. All wonderful people so no wonder Steve was known as a great and generous guy. The last time I saw him in person was about 12 years ago up in Spokane. Although we didn't see each other often, we stayed in touch. He sent me a birthday note just a month ago.....reminding me that I was still "older" than he was. Steve was a very good athlete...he could throw a football a long ways...and we played football on the streets of NY very often. Speaking of throwing....we were down by the Harlem river one day throwing rocks into the river. He was left handed....and he threw a rock into the river, but when he did, his wrist watch went flying into the river as well. He spent the rest of the day wondering how he was going to tell his parents what happened to his watch. I'm not sure to this day whether he really told them or not. I am sure he is up in heaven now shuffling his feet and telling his mom and dad the truth. I have so many pleasant memories of Steve. He is in our prayers as well as his whole family. May he Rest in Peace.

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Rick Devitte Posted Dec 11, 2023 at 6:07 AM

I was just discussing Mr. Garger with a good friend and classmate from O’Dea Highschool but was sad to find out he passed away. I always thought I would be able to see him and express love and appreciation for what he brought to my life. He commanded respect from his classes with integrity and caring but not bullying. His journey left a trail of better people for having known him and a stroke of luck for me. Maybe we will meet again but until then you are often in my thoughts and my heart.

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