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David Garrett Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for David Garrett
67 Entries
Patricia Scheuer
May 13, 2024
David Garrett was so great and very respectful to all!!! This is hard for so many of us who worked with him.
God bless you all...
Susan Delmotte
March 27, 2024
I started working for Delta in 1977 in DTW Reservations and transferred to ATL In-Flight in 1980. I had the distinct pleasure of having Mr. Garrett on several of my flights from ATL-DCA. He was so kind, gracious and sweet. In my opinion, he was the best CEO we´ve ever had as he loved Delta and cared so deeply about every employee, always making you feel like you were an integral part of our company. He was so respected, adored and admired by so many. Delta was so lucky and fortunate to have him at our helm!!!
March 12, 2018
Thru the years you resonate about Delta Airlines and what a wonderful company we had. Dave Garrett as we called him was an very caring person to all of his Delta family as he called it. I was a res agent in Miami from 1969 to 1994. A lot of wonderful memories.
Myself and my family will always cherish our travels with Delta. Especially our first ride on a brand new 747 in the upstairs first class.
God speed Dave Garrett.
Pat Sheaks red agent Miami
Judy Charles
February 3, 2013
David Garrett was one of the greatest CEO'S Delta Airlines ever had, because he knew the airline from the ground up!
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Ed Roberge
June 15, 2012
Mr Garrett and I flew in First Class together from LaGuardia to Bradley Field in Hartford when I had been less then six months with Delta. I worked in Cabin Service cleaning airplanes which was an entry level with the company while Mr. Garrett was running Delta Air Lines. I do not recall the content of our conversation but I do remember the way this gentleman treated a young man new to Delta and of the genuine interest he took in me. I am convinced that at the end of our lives it is not accomplishment, tiles, or prestige that is remembered. It is the heart of the individual that stays with us. I suspect that Mr. Garrett will be remembered by all for a very long time. It was my pleasure to have had a brief encounter with this gentleman.
Carol Koberlein Case
June 13, 2012
I was a Delta stewardess from Jan.1963-2000 and had the pleasure of knowing Mr Woolman and Mr Garrett. Mr. Garrett always remembered your name and made you feel "special." His great love for Delta showed from the inside out. He played an important part in the making & history of his beloved airline. Blessings & prayers to the entire family.
Melody T
June 12, 2012
We are truly blessed to have had such an incredible leader for our company. The world needs more Mr. Garretts. Keep your memories close at heart.
Kathy F
June 11, 2012
I was hired by Delta in the late 70's and it was an honor to be part of a team led by Mr. Garrett. I daily saw Delta's deep commitment to people and safety. Directly and indirectly Mr. Garret touched so many lives. May this wonderful legacy be a comfort to his family.
George Berry
June 9, 2012
Dave Garrett epitomized the Delta spirit. I was the airport manager during part of his time as head of Delta. He recognized the unique partnership that Delta had with the Atlanta community. Many, many people in the Atlanta area are living a better life because of Dave Garrett.
George Berry
June 9, 2012
I was at a service station quite a few years ago and up walked Mr. Garrett! He said, "Here, let me do that for you!" taking the gas hose from me. He continued the conversation asking how I was and how things were and thanks for working for Delta. Thank you, Mr. Garrett, for your leadership for Delta and your caring ways for your employees...your Delta family. What an exemplary man to walk this Earth! Peace and sympathy to your family and may you, Mr. Garrett, rest in peace. Sincerely, SuSu Davis FA Oct. 1968
B O
June 9, 2012
My condolences to the Garrett family. May you all find comfort in Gods word.(1cor.15:22).
June 8, 2012
My condolences to the family. May your fond memories bring you peace as well as the comfort that our heavenly father gives.
Tena Tucker
June 8, 2012
I began my career at Delta in 1976 as a Flight Attendant retireing after 32 years. Dave Garret was one of the finest leaders in The United States. It was because of his genuine care,leadership,concern and open door policy to his employees that wanted us as a family to do more than just what was required. Delta was a true family .When my Mother passed away in 1988 Delta sent flowers ! Customer service was number one. The employees pitched in and helped other employees as a team. Delta Airlines was one of the finest Airlines in the World. I met Dave and his wife in the 80s on a flight and he shook my hand and his wife was so sweet. He treated all employees with dignity and respect. He touched the lives in a positive way to thousands. I am so blessed to have been under the leadership of such an outstanding man. God Bless the Garett Family.
Rhonda Blockcolski
June 7, 2012
How blessed I was to have Mr. Garrett on several flights. He was the REAL DEAL... THE REAL DELTA FAMILY. He was proud of his airline and even more proud of every single employee. I participated in the purchase of the 767. What excitement to have my poster & a small part of the ribbon. He will never be forgotten. He was such a SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN and he was a great leader. He will be missed by so many but NEVER FORGOTTEN! I have wonderful memories of days gone by.
Vincent Terrazzino
June 7, 2012
I had the honor of meeting Mr. Garrett at O'Hare Air Cargo, many years ago.
He was kind and easy too talk with, a real southern gentleman. He will be remembered and missed by all.
Mark Benveniste
June 7, 2012
I did not get a chance to meet Mr. Garrett, but I know his son Dave very well. After reading numerous articles and the loving messages from friends, family and fellow employees I understand that we have lost a great man. The angels are awaiting his arrival.
Dianna Bernsen
June 7, 2012
Mr. Garrett was the "best of the best." I was in the airport gift shop between flights one day. He walked up to me and asked, "How's it going?" It meant the world to me to know that Delta had such a great man at the helm who took the time to speak to all of the employees he encountered. When he retired from Delta he left a huge void which has never been quite filled since.
Nat Harwell
June 7, 2012
The last of the "promote from within" leaders of the Delta Air Lines created by Mr. C. E. Woolman. Dave Garrett - solid leadership anchored in loyalty to the legacy of those who preceded him, always with an eye to leaving things better than when he found them. Heaven, I think, was ready when you were, Mr. Garrett.
June 6, 2012
Mr Garrett was a real gentleman and genuine good man. Barry Noggle, Dunwoody, Ga.
J. H. Caubo
June 6, 2012
Mr. Garrett; thank you for your leadership.
My 33 working years at Delta were the happiest of my life...
Harold Achtziger
June 6, 2012
A great leader.
Jere Randall
June 6, 2012
Dave was Delta's finest CEO after Mr. Woolman passed on. Delta will never again be the air line that it was under Dave's leadership.
Faith Coomes
June 6, 2012
Mr Garrett was a man of integrity who inspired all who worked at Delta. I had the privilege of meeting him several times and was always impressed by his kindness. We need more leaders like him.
Roger and Pat Ward
June 6, 2012
A role model, a friend, a gentleman, and a caring leader. There has been no other like him.
Wayne & Donna & Leigh Ellen Merrill
June 6, 2012
The last time I saw Mr. Garrett was on a flight to Athens. He was with his wife and they were going on a cruise. I was the captain of the flight and he visited the flight deck before we pushed back. The next morning at the Hotel in Athens he came down to see our crew as we prepared to return to JFK. He told us a story about how one of his employees in Shreveport had died (some years ago) and he put a DC-9 on an employee only flight so friends could attend the funeral. One of HIS employees! It showed how much the man loved Delta and its family of employees. All leaders could learn a lesson from this wise and humble man. What would Delta be if he had not been CEO? As a Delta family we honor him on his final flight West.
Bridgett Cook
June 6, 2012
I am so saddened by the news of this death. Mr. Garrett was loved by his employees. He was a man of absolute integrity. My prayers are for his family. I have the priveledge to know his daughter and one of his grandaughters and he remains alive in their display of the same selfless hard work and compassion for all. He was truly a remarkable man.
Frank Craft
June 6, 2012
I joined Delta in 1970 in the Finance Area and had the pleasure of shaking Mr. Garrett's hand on more than occasion. The entire HQ staff were in the old quonset huts and everybody pretty much knew each other. He was a first class gentleman and leader. Other CEO's could have learned a lot from this man.
June 6, 2012
Mr Garrett was a great leader and a fine gentleman. My deepest condolences to his family.
Deborah Vollert
DFWRES
Cheryl Strayer
June 6, 2012
My husband was a Delta employee for 36 years and we had met Mr. Garret several times at the Delta offices or on airplanes. He was always very nice, friendly, and made us proud to be associated with Delta. He was missed when he retired and he will be missed more now. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.
John Strickland
June 6, 2012
My brother Van and I went to Kathleen Mitchell Elementary School and Lakeshore High School. Van was a student of Mrs. Garrett's and I was a classmate of Virgnia's. Our deepest sympathy is with the family. This is a great loss. Our prayers are with you.
Lenda Gaillard-Randle
June 6, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Garrett family. Mr. Garrett was on my flight several times during my thirty plus years at Delta. Once he sat in coach because no first class seats were available. He did that as CEO of Delta. He was a first class gentleman. May he rest in peace.
June 6, 2012
I was hired as a flight attendant with Delta in 1973. Mr. Garrett will always be remembered for his genuine concern for the employees that truly made us feel like "family." He was dearly loved and respected by all. My sincere sympathy for your loss. We were blessed to have him at the helm for so many years. Godspeed, Mr. Garrett.
Jan Steinwedel, retired f/a DFW/ATL
June 5, 2012
Mr. Garrett hired me. I will be forever grateful for the wonderful career I had at Delta.
Tina Christianson
June 5, 2012
Mr Garrett was the heart and soul of Delta during the 70's. While I was lucky enough to have him on several flights during my career,his kindness towards my family when my Dad died was amazing. And he remembered me 30 years later! May he rest in peace. My deepest sympathy to the entire Garret family.
Debbie Ellis
June 5, 2012
Mr. Garrett was truly the reason Delta was such a great company to work for.
I was hired in 1971 as a stewardess and had the truly honorable position of having him on several of my flights.
My 30 year career with Delta was such a grand experience, thanks mostly to Mr. Garrett -his leadership and work ethic he passed on to all of us.
Mr. Garrett treated us all like family, we were family back in the day and it showed.
Thank you Mr. Garrett for the honor, respect and friendliness you showed all your employees.
My deepest sympathies to the family.
Please know he will be remembered by all that he touched.
Brenda Caldwell Daly
June 5, 2012
Sincere condolences to family and friends of Mr. Garrett.
In 1975, Mr. Garrett and I crossed paths in the hall of the general office. We had never met personally and I was astounded when he called me by name. His was the face of Delta Air Lines to me. Everyone I worked with or ever knew at Delta had only the best to say of him. His influence on the lives of many will never be forgotten.
Charlotte Butts
June 5, 2012
Dave was the first person to welcome me to the Delta "family" when I started with the company in 1952. He maintained that same family friendly attitude all the years that he was at Delta. All of us who were privileged to know and work with him realize how truly special he was. A dear friend who will truly be missed. My heartfelt sympathy to each member of the family.
Pat Patterson
June 5, 2012
Dave Garrett was not only a great man, he was a good man! His leadership style was one of humility, grace and integrity. He was a great example of what a leader should be.
Georganne (Chatham) Murdock
June 5, 2012
Dear Dave & Vickie,
I have fond memories of our days at Headland High School (and music lessons with Doc, Vickie). My husband's father has been retired from Delta for several years; he admired and respected your father. We're saddened to hear of his passing. My husband Curtis & I send you our deepest sympathy.
Darin Simpson
June 5, 2012
I started my career at Delta Air Lines in 1984, under the leadership of Mr. Garrett. Every employee I encountered held him in high regard. He was a man of character and compassion. This was evident in the genuine concern he showed to the employees he called "family". Thanks for your Leadership, Mr. Garrett. You will be missed; and remembered fondly.
June 5, 2012
I truly felt part of an extended family at Delta when Mr. Garrett was CEO. I left the company in 1990, but will always remember the Delta family that he led. My condolences to his family. Cherish the memories. Sharon Kyle, Portland, OR
Susie Kutchi
June 5, 2012
The Delta family has lost a great gentleman and friend to us all. I will never forget Mr. Garrett's arrival as we were opening the Denver station and CTO in July of 1977. How many CEO's take the time to learn the names of their employees before they meet them in person? Mr. Garrett certainly did and with great warmth greeted me as he walked in to our CTO with, "Hi, Susie, I'm Dave Garrett." He will be missed. My sympathy and love to all his family.
Susie Kutchi, retired, 1999
John/Kristi Handley
June 5, 2012
As a dual Delta employee household we are saddened by Mr Garrett's passing. He was a wonderful CEO/ President and the "patriarch" of the Delta family who lead us with integrity,passion and always kindness. We feel privilaged to have both been with Delta under his leadership. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
June 5, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Garrett Jr. family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
June 5, 2012
Dave Garrett was the finest leader Delta Air Lines ever had period. It is because of him so many employees wanted to do their very best at work to honor his leadership. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Jimmie Tunnell
C G
June 5, 2012
Mr. Garrett was always a pleasure to work with and was a magnificent leader. He made the employees feel special and appreciated. His name will always be synonymous with Delta in my mind.
June 5, 2012
I worked at Delta in Atlanta as a Mechanic at TOC from 1977 until I retired in 2006. I can remember every Christmas Mr.Garrett walking around shaking hands and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. He was truly a gentleman and a great leader. One of the last true "Aviators" to run a Major airline. He will be missed.
Larry Kilgore, Douglasville Georgia
Bob & Cathy Rambo, Capt/F/A
June 5, 2012
Mr Garrett embodied the DELTA that was family and we all loved. Delta was always at or near the top of companies to work for under his leadership. All who worked for him have personal memories when he even knew our name.
Judy Graham
June 5, 2012
I was a Delta Flight Attendant for 32 years, and my best memories of Delta were during his leadership. I am so glad I knew him, and I am proud and honored to be a part of the Delta family that he fostered so well. Prayers and condolences are no doubt coming to the Garrett family from every one who ever worked with him or knew him. Judy Graham
Edward Taman
June 4, 2012
He was a man of vision.
June 4, 2012
Mr. Garrett was a friend to us, I worked at DFW at the gates and he would come by and call me by my first name and stop and talk to me, wanted to know how I was doing.
He was a great man. My condolences to the Garrett family. You are in my prayers.
Jerry Smith, DFW retied.
Joe Rey
June 4, 2012
My condolences to the Garrett Family. While I did not have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Garrett in person, my employment with Delta started during his tenure as CEO in the very same department where he himself started (Reservations). Working at Delta for nearly 32 years (including its ventures into Worldspan and Travelport), has made me the kind of person I am today influencing those around me in a positive way and doing the right things. The things I learned at Delta and were no doubt the embodiment of what Mr. Garrett stood for. Delta has and continues to be very good to me and my family and well into the career I've extended overseas beyond Delta. Rest in peace Mr. Garrett, you will be missed and I thank you for all you have done for me!
Sal Salyers
June 4, 2012
Great man to work for. I loved his gentle leadership and example.
Sal Salyers - DCA
Janice Barfield
June 4, 2012
Mr. Garrett, thank you for your unwavering trust and loyalty to all of us at Delta. I knew you from my start at Delta as a stewardess in 1963 and last saw you as a Flight Attendant at the Atlanta airport for our reinstatement on Wall Street on May 3, 2007. How blessed I was to have my picture taken with you . You remembered my name! Thank you for being a wonderful example of a servant/leader. I was a better flight attendant and a better person because of you, God bless you memory and God bless your dear wife and family.
Robert Fulkerson
June 4, 2012
I met Mr. Garrett while I was on a layover in Atlanta. I recognized him and introduced myself as a Delta pilot. I did that without hesitation because of his reputation as being down to earth. He was a gracious person, approachable, and, in my mind, the epitome of what a CEO should be. He was an honorable man and will be sorely missed.
ret Capt Mark Sztanyo
June 4, 2012
On behalf of the PCN, which represents over 2600 retired pilots and Delta employees, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family upon Mr Garrett's passing. He led our company well and cared for our employee group. David's legacy will long be remembered. God Bless!
Ann D'Agostino
June 4, 2012
Mr. Garrett was instrumental in my career at Delta and he always looked kindly on In-Flight Service. He will be missed by so many of us. He will forever be a legend of good manners and good business practices.
Donna Smathers
June 4, 2012
I was employed by Delta in 1972 and shortly thereafter lost my mother while on a layover in DC. Mr. Garrett personally saw to it I was on the next plane to Atlanta to attend her funeral. A more generous and loving individual to all Delta employees we could not have been blessed to have as our "leader". Comfort and peace to his family.
June 4, 2012
Mr. Garrett was a lifelong friend of my Dad, Norman Topshe, a Delta pilot hired in 1941. My Dad always spoke so highly of Mr.Garrett. So many memories of the growth of Delta..he truly helped shape this airline. God bless his family. The Topshe Family
June 4, 2012
One of my most prized possessions on my "Delta Wall" at home is a personal letter from Mr. Garrett in 1978. What a gentleman, a great leader and a wonderful head of our Delta "family." My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Duff O'Dell, Grapevine, Texas
Fran Benson
June 4, 2012
It was my privilege to be employed by Delta during both Mr. Woolman and Mr.Garrett's terms as CEO. The true leaders of Delta's family. No one since come even close to their leadership. He was and will be missed
James West
June 4, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of David Garrett Jr. Though I never met the man, his actions and advice as Delta's CEO had a profound effect on my career and life. He will always be remembered.
Damon and Jackie Frost
June 4, 2012
As former "Delta family" members my wife and I will keep the family in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Garrett was a great CEO. God Bless!
Carol Willoughby
June 4, 2012
I began my career at Delta November 12, 1979 in In-Flight. I would not trade the last 33 years for anything. The "Delta family" and Mr. Garrett's contributions to our company is why we are No. 1 today. He will be missed terribly and my heart feels heavy at the news. It is because of him that we feel so connected to our jobs and our great company! He was one classy and spunky individual with a genuine heart of gold. I thank his family for sharing him with us for so many years. I know you will miss him terribly, as will all of us.
Mike McBride
June 4, 2012
Condolences to the Garrett family and thank you Mr. Garrett for all of your contributions to aviation, Delta, and Atlanta. Rest in peace.
Ron Gwynn
June 4, 2012
Mr. Garrett was about the finest man I've ever met. I first met he and Mr. Beebe in 1976 in Atlanta where I had transfered from Miami. I was invited up to Atlanta for Delta's re-opening on Wall street after the Banruptcy and was on my way from the hotel to the General offices and Mr. Garrett got on the hotel bus and sat next to me. I shook his hand and he promply showed me his 50 year pin. I said I won't get that one Mr. Garrett but the 40 year one is not to far down the road for me. He so loved Delta and I'm thankful to have met him and it's a sad day for every DELTA family member. I give my deepest respect to his wife and family.
Todd Hussong
June 4, 2012
I always had the love of commercial aviation growing up and on several occasions I wrote letters to you and you would always reply and send me 'Delta stuff' to which I still have and is part of a huge collection. Your kindness, work ethic and overall love of Delta is the reason I joined Delta back in 1989. You can be proud of your achievements and getting Delta on its way to being what it is today - a Global Airline. You will be missed. Todd Hussong
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