Daniel Garver

Daniel G. Garver

Died peacefully on November 29, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. He will be remembered as a caring, genuine, and generous person.  Dan always saw the best in people, and enjoyed many lasting friendships.  He lived life to the fullest, whether he was traveling in Europe or watching birds at the feeder outside his window. He was an avid M.S.U. Spartan, and a loyal fan of many athletes, especially his grandchildren.  He had a wonderful sense of humor, even on the last day of his life.  Most of all, he was proud of his family; supporting his wife, children, and grandchildren in any endeavors they chose to pursue.

He was born in Lansing in 1931 to Carl and Mary Garver and spent his youth in Mason, Michigan where he excelled at football, basketball and baseball and student government.  He graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in Accounting and Economics in 1957 and a B.A. in Business Education in 1958. Dan served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps from 1951-1954 before teaching Social Studies and coaching football and basketball at Haslett High School. Dan became a stockbroker in 1959 and enjoyed a successful 35-year career in Lansing. Dan was a Vice President at Merrill Lynch from 1959 to 1983 and Senior Vice President at Prudential-Bache from 1983-1995, making the Chairman's Council during several of those years. He derived great pleasure from helping others, both financially and otherwise, especially young people.

Dan dedicated time and energy to civic and community organizations. He served twelve years on the Meridian Township Elected Officials Commission and four years on the Tri County Bicycle Paths and Recreation Planning Commission.  He was an active member of Haslett Community Church, serving on the church finance committee for 40 years. He served on the Haslett Public School's Board of Education from 1967-1979 and was President from 1977-1979. He was an avid skier and bicyclist, riding in the first DALMAC in 1971 and each successive tour through 1985.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Peggy Garver, his daughters Amy Kilbridge and Lori Garver, his sons-in-law Bob Kilbridge and David Brandt,  four grandchildren: Dan and Mary Kilbridge and Wesley and Mitchell Garver Brandt, and many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of Dan's life will be held at Haslett Community Church on Saturday, December 27th at 11:00 a.m.  The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to The Foundation for Haslett Schools, Hagenbuch Memorial Scholarship Fund at www.haslett.k12.mi.us/foundation.