Dr. Stanley E. Garrison

Garrison, Dr. Stanley BURNT HILLS, N.Y. Stanley E. Garrison, 90, of Burnt Hills, N.Y., died Thursday, October 9, 2008 at Maplewood Manor in Ballston Spa. Born in 1918 in Burnt Hills, he lived there all his life until recently moving to Saratoga Springs at Woodlawn Commons. He was the son of the late Katherine (Goodman) and David C. Garrison of Burnt Hills. Stanley was predeceased by his brother, Melvin Garrison; and four sisters, Edith Bigi, Anna Mae Pashley, Laura Garrison, and Mabel Rogers. Stanley graduated from Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Schools in 1937. In 1938, he attended the winter course at the NYS College of Agriculture at Cornell. He later attended Siena College for pre-med. He operated the home farm and worked as a machinist at GE during World War II. In May 1942, Stanley married Shirley Miller of East Glenville and they resided at the Garrison family farm on Goode Street in Burnt Hills. After the war, Stanley went to the NYS College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, graduating in 1950 with a degree in veterinary medicine. Dr. Garrison established the Burnt Hills Veterinary Hospital in the fall of 1950, practicing both large and small animal medicine. Stanley was a member of the NYS Veterinary Medicine Society, serving as president in 1971. He also held membership in the American Veterinary Medicine Association, American Animal Hospital Association and the Capital District Veterinary Medicine Society. Stanley was one of the founding members who organized the Burnt Hills Ballston Lake Rotary Club in the spring of 1951. He was very involved in the club activities, serving as president, district governor and starting the famous Apple Pie Festival in 1970. Dr. Garrison was awarded his 54-year perfect attendance pin in 2005. For 40 years, he was on the board for the Charlton School for Girls, serving as president for one term. He rented acreage from the school for many years and used it for part of his farming operation. Dr. Garrison was a dairy farmer all his life, besides being a busy veterinarian. He was involved with 4H, Farm Bureau and county fairs. His spare time was spent raising Belgian Draft Horses, judging them at local fairs and being an active member of the Eastern Regional Draft Horse Association. Dr. Garrison was a member of the Burnt Hills United Methodist Church. Always an active community leader, he was proud to be a lifelong resident of the Burnt Hills area. In 2005, he and his wife published a book, authored by Penny Heritage, called "Burnt Hills Veterinary Tails." It is filled with family history and tells the story of his full life and years of serving the community he loved. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Shirley, who resides at Prestwick Chase in Saratoga Springs; three daughters, Diane (Robert) Condit of Glenburnie on Lake George, Linda (Jay) Walter of Sauquoit, N.Y., Dr. Laurel (Brian) Harms of La Quinta, Calif,; grandchildren, Garry Prentiss, Darlene (Rod) Bower, Mike Walter, Amy Clemons, Matthew Ellis and Derek Harms; great-grandchildren, DeWitt Noxon Prentiss and Evan Bickford; as well as several nieces and nephews. "Doc" was beloved by his family and community. His generosity and commitment to the Burnt Hills area touched individuals and organizations alike. Friends may call between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, October 13 at the Town of Ballston Town Hall at 323 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa. A funeral service will be held at the Burnt Hills United Methodist Church on Tuesday, October 14 at 1 p.m. with Pastor Ed Hackett Jr. officiating. Refreshments will follow in the Knight Hall and the family will receive callers in the fireside room. The burial service will be private at the Sweetman Cemetery in Charlton, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Garrison's memory to the Saratoga County 4H Cooperative Extension at 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or the Community Hospice of Saratoga County at 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. The family wishes to thank the Maplewood Manor staff, especially the caregivers on A2 Floor, for the excellent care they gave to "Doc" while he was a patient there. Arrangements by Townley and Wheeler Funeral Home at 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, NY 12019.