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ROBERT CRAIG GARLETT
March 13, 1945 ˜ May 25, 2022
Robert Craig Garlett, beloved husband, father and educator passed away May 25, 2022, at the age of 77.
Born in Fairfax, OK, he resided in Ralston, OK. Robert attended Ralston schools through high school. He excelled in basketball, FFA, and academics becoming Valedictorian of his senior class and editor of the Ralston Tiger, his senior yearbook. After graduation he traveled to WA state eventually enrolling at the University of Puget Sound where he obtained a BA in 1967 and a Master of Education in 1972.
Robert’s first teaching job was in 6th grade in Tacoma Public Schools. With Robert’s specialty in Field Biology he played a vital role in the development of the Outdoor Education Program. In 1968, Robert and Sherry Eby would marry and would have two children David and Tami.
After obtaining his administrative credential Robert took a principalship at a private school in OK. In 1972, the family returned to Washington and Robert became Vice Principal of Zellerback Middle School in Camas. Subsequent positions were Principal of Sifton Elementary, 1980; Burnt Bridge Creek Elementary, 1988, Evergreen; Dorothy Fox Elementary, Camas, then back to Zellerback when it became an elementary school. Robert retired from Camas School District in 1998 and the same year accepted a one year interim Principal position at View Ridge Elementary in Ridgefield.
In retirement Robert and wife Pamela (married 1985) would move to Ocean Park for 3 years then back to Vancouver. They traveled to National Parks, Wildlife Refuges and places where they could camp, hike and bird watch. For 10 years they traveled with the RV Care-A-Vanners building homes with Habitat for Humanity.
When at home time was devoted to friends and family as well as hiking, birding, golfing and crafts like chair weaving, pine needle basket weaving, and loom knitting Each winter Robert made stocking caps for shelters to distribute.
As an organ donor Robert continues to make a difference today. His tissues were donated through the Lion’s Vision Gift program.
Robert is survived by his wife, Pam Garlett of Vancouver, WA; his son David and wife Tamara Garlett of Beaverton, OR; daughter Tami and husband Daniel Platt, of Sherwood, OR; and siblings, Joseph Garlett, Norman, OK, Sharon Ray of Tulsa, OK, and Gary Garlett of Stillwater, OK.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2022, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. with reception following at Evergreen Memorial Gardens 1101 NE 112th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684.
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits
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3 Entries
Robert Garlett was my 6th grade teacher at Jefferson elementary school in Tacoma, in 1968-9. He was, bar none, the best educator I´ve ever known with a positive and permanent twinkle in his eye. We all loved him, including parents. He made us feel as if we could conquer anything, and when it was time to laugh, he would lead the way: he also knew how to teach very difficult ideas with truth and openness to ideas and thoughts none of us had ever imagined.
His death is a loss to the world, his family and friends. Every child who was privileged to know him is the better person for it.
Deborah Anderson Barnard
Friend
September 28, 2022
Robert was a good friend and a man I respected and from whom I learned a lot . He was always friendly and had a great dry sense of humor. He was taken from us at too early an age but he is now with friends and loved ones that have gone before us. (I'll bet Diane is already pestering him with questions) I will miss you my friend!
In lieu of flowers a donation has been made to HFH.
TOM HINKLE
Other
June 29, 2022
Dave & Martha Shehorn
June 8, 2022
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Evergreen Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel1101 NE 112th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98684
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