Robert Garrett Obituary

Robert Garrett,
1934 - 2014
Robert Buyse Garrett, born September 18, 1934, passed away May 21, 2014, after a short illness. Bob was a native Houstonian, graduated Reagan High School Class of 1953 and Texas A&M University Class of 1957. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves and went on to a 30 year career with IBM, retiring in 1992. He loved and was loved by a large family of nieces and nephews, cousins, sister Betty and brother Tom, and above all his wife of 45 years, Rubye. Perhaps Bob is best defined by his host of friends. He was a 41 year member of Lakewood Yacht Club and he had boating, card playing, and traveling friends, and in recent years, the "R.O.M.E.O.s" (Retired Old Men Eating Out) lunch group, and the "boys" coffee group which met daily to discuss and solve the problems of the world with highly creative solutions.
Bob had a life-long love of sailing which began with the Sea Scouts. Over the years he owned, raced and cruised on sail and power boats, and campaigned with many sailing friends all over the world. After retiring he and Rubye moved permanently to the condos of LYC where he served on many committees, the Board of Directors, and as Fleet Captain. He was named Yachtsman of the Year in 1983 and was commissioned a Texas Navy Admiral by Gov. Dolph Briscoe. Bob belonged to the Masonic Lodge and participated in many charitable activities, especially as a member of the Seabrook Rotary, where his Oyster Rockefeller Soup was famous at the annual Men Who Cook event benefitting the Seabrook Police Dept. Bob was known for his great sense of humor and dry wit and was passionate about Aggie football, world history, and many beloved pets over the years including dogs Coors, Adolph, Brutus and Gracy, and cats T.C., Lapis and Willie.
Bob is predeceased by his parents Robert Buyse Garrett, Sr. and Gladys Opocensky Garrett, brother-in-law, Glenn Mapes, nephew Rodney Rubick, and step-niece Susan Rubick. He is survived by his beloved wife Rubye Etheredge Garrett; sister Betty Mapes of Estes Park, CO; brother Thomas Garrett and wife Ginny of La Porte; cousins Vienda Hill and Loris Garrett and wife Karen all of Houston; nephew's widow, Betty Dolman of Estes Park, CO., nephews David Rubick and wife Cindy of Denver, NC; Jack Strickland and wife Jeanine of Virginia Beach, VA; nieces Patty Luttrell and husband Kent of Flagstaff, AZ; Jacqueline Ledbetter and husband Chris of Houston; Donna Collins and husband Charles of Pensacola, FL; Brandy Herndon and husband Kevin of Summerville, SC; and step-niece Kim Lee and husband Chris of Seabrook; as well as step nephews Martin, Stuart and Paul Schleuse and numerous great nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held June 5, 5 - 8 p.m. at Lakewood Yacht Club, 2425 NASA Parkway, Seabrook, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Galveston Historical Foundation for the "Keep Elissa Sailing" fund and mailed to: Texas Seaport Museum, Attn: John Schaumburg, Pier 21, #8, Galveston, Texas 77550.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Jun. 1, 2014.
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To the Garrett Family,
So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May Our Lord give you the strength you need to see you through this time of sadness. Steve & Mary Urban Davenport

Mary & Steve Davenport

June 7, 2014

Even though Bob was an Aggie - he was still a true gentlemen & one of the most humorous people I have ever met. His dry wit / constant smile & laugh / and his full enjoyment of life is what I will always remember about Bob. My love goes out to all the "Garrett Clan" but especially Rubye, Tommy & Ginny, & Betty.
Love to you all
Marion

Marion & Mike DeHart

June 1, 2014

I MET BOB IN THE SUMMER OF 1952 AT LYNNSIDE RANCH WERE WE WERE COUNSELORS. BOB AND I WERE INSTANT FRIENDS AND I HAVE OFTEN WONDER ABOUT HIS LIFE AFTER THAT SUMMER. HE WAS A TRUE AGGIE THEN AND HAD BEEN A SEA SCOUT UNDER BATEMAN HARDCASTLE FOR SEVERAL YEARS. THOSE MONTHS AT CAMP ARE STIL FRESH IN MY MEMORY AND BOB WAS A BIG PART OF THEM. HIS LAUGHTER AND UPBEAT MANNER KEPT US IN HIGH SPIRITS DURING THOSE 11 LONG WEEKS. FOR THAT SHORT TIME HE WAS A TRUE FRIEND I SHALL NEVER FORGET!

MAURICE PATTERSON

June 1, 2014

Rubye, Tom, Betty, and all of Bob's family and friends. I was saddened to read of Bob's passing. Bob was a dear friend and will be missed. He once saved me from drowning on a cruise on the Jolly Roger. May God be with all of you during these hours. Celebrate his life as I know he would like for you to do. I wish I could be there with you. - Jim Z

Jim Zarnow

June 1, 2014

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