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David Garden Obituary
He was born Oct. 6, 1953, in Salzburg, Austria, and passed away May 4, 2013, at his home in Perry surrounded by his loving wife, daughter, family and friends.
A native of Fairport Harbor, and a graduate of Fairport Harding High School in 1972, Mr. Garden was a four-year football letterman in high school where he was an All-Ohio linebacker and MVP of the East Suburban Conference as both a junior and senior. He was also a four-year letterman in track and field, where he was the 1971 low hurdle state champion as a junior, and then won both the low and high hurdle state crowns en route to the Class ""A"" MVP award the following season as a senior.
A 1976 graduate of Youngstown State University where he earned a BSAS in law enforcement administration, he had been employed with the Lake County Sheriff's office where he retired as a lieutenant in 2003. He then returned to work in the court services division of the Sheriff's office. Dave was the SWAT team leader for several years and he was also a training officer for the Lake County Sheriff's office.
While at YSU, his senior season in 1975 was played under first-year head coach Bill Narduzzi, and he responded by helping the new-look Penguins to a 5-5-0 overall mark. He rushed for a team high 523 yards on 112 carries (an average of 4.3 per carry) and four touchdowns, finishing his four-year career with 20 touchdowns, and 2,521 rushing yards (on 540 carries, an average of 4.67 per tote). That total is still sixth on the school's all-time rushing legend.
Dave enjoyed golfing, running and weightlifting. He was a member of St. Cyprian Catholic Church in Perry.
He is survived by his wife, Kathryn (Kobus) Garden, whom he married March 3, 1990; daughter, Michaela Garden of Perry; mother, Barbara (Mattern) Garden of Fairport Harbor; sisters, Rhonda (Frank) Trader and Jill (Keith) Backus, both of Fairport Harbor; and brothers- in-law, Chris Kobus of Cuyahoga Falls, Steven Kobus of Warren and Geno (Cheryl) Kobus of Aurora.
Mr. Garden was preceded in death by his father, Nelson.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Garden
Loretta bleggi
October 13, 2024
You were a kind gentleman. May God look kindly on your soul and bless you with the riches of heaven
Sheila Hullihen
April 28, 2019
a life stopped too soon, - prayers his family has found peace. i was trying to imagine how old his daughter must be and where her life went... peace of soul and spirit to all
April 28, 2014
My love...how I continue to miss you each and everyday. My heart is broken and my soul is empty without you. I will forever love and miss you...life will never be the same...keep an eye us on from heaven and help guide us through this journey...love you forever my darling! K
February 8, 2014
Deepest regards to the Garden family.
I did not know Dave personally but played sports against him in H.S.
Aside from Dave's obvious talents I was impressed by his sportsmanship. I liked him without knowing him and subsequently followed his career at Y.S.U. My favorite memory was watching Dave warm up at a sectional track meet where he placed quarters on top of a series of hurdles then proceeded to knock them off as he skimmed over.
Rest in peace Dave.
Ron Burba Madison
Sheila Hullihen
August 3, 2013
I was surprised when i came across this, i had not heard of Mr. Garden's passing. I met the Garden family when his daughter was taking karate in Madison, while i was teaching there. what a wonderful family - i always enjoyed talking to them and admired what a tight family unit they were...my condolences and sympathies to the family. Hats off heart flag salute sir, it was an honor to have known you.
Scott Pruter
July 17, 2013
Just thinkin of u, as I do everyday, miss your daily call "Hey Prute-Man whatcha doin Prute-Man??" haha tell my dad hello and keep him off the Scotch and on the golf course, haha, keep on smiling Lt, cuz God knows you make me smile every day.
Allan Young
May 10, 2013
My condolences to the Garden Family ...you were a hero my old friend .... May your family find peace and strength in all the memories they for sure have ..RIP
Debbie Argo
May 8, 2013
I have such great memories of us growing up in Fairport from riding bikes in town, watching your Little League games and all through your high school sports. I will truly miss your laugh and smile friend. My deepest sympathy to all of your family. He was the best
Douglas Suhre
May 8, 2013
Our very deepest sympathy to Dave's family. He was a good friend and a great park officer. We all enjoyed that warm great smile. He will be greatly missed. From the Suhre family, Autumn,Lori, and Doug.
Diane Rowe
May 8, 2013
Kay and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you and give you strength to get through this difficult time.
Paul Fiorilli
May 7, 2013
We saved each others lives. God bless you brother. You'll always be in my heart and God by your side.
Bobbi Pete
May 7, 2013
Dave, you and that wonderful smile will be forever missed, I am so happy I had the honor to have known you, you were truely a Wonderful Person, May You Rest In Peace
Larry Curry
May 7, 2013
Dear Michaela, We unfortunately have never met, but your grandma may recall, my heart goes out to you in particular. Your Dad had so many friends, you probably will never meet them all, the parking lot there this evening is far to small. We teammates loved your Dad like a brother, forever and always.
Condolences to the entire Garden family.
Kitty Langley
May 7, 2013
In his private & professional life Dave showed all people respect & dignity. He was able to deal with life's challenges head on without loosing that contagious smile. See you on the other side. Condolences to Mom Garden, Rhonda, Jill, Kay & Michaella RIP Dave.
Cierra Stanko
May 7, 2013
You will be grealty missed Uncle David!! I love you, you will forever be in my heart! You were my Dad's best friend, like a brother and you always will be. RIP.
May 7, 2013
He was the best. What a good guy. Certainly the best all around athelete from Fairport. Always enthusiastic and great personality. He will be missed. Look at that smile. My deepest condolences to the Garden family.
Mike Thomas Leroy Twp.
Pentti Maki
May 7, 2013
Dave was a gentle giant of man, with a kind heart, and friend to all. I have lots of wonderful memories of Dave as a classmate. I always looked forward to seeing Dave at class reunions. Now we can look forward to that heavenly reunion where our Lord Jesus promises to "make all things new." Condolences to the entire Garden family.
Jody & Chuck Kapsandy
May 7, 2013
Kay and Family, Our deepest sympathy on your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
May 7, 2013
What a loss of light to this world - his smile, his compassion, his goodness. He is inspiration for everyone to be a better person. Deepest sympathies, Linda (Karako) Mackov & Family
Tara McEndree
May 6, 2013
David will be missed each and every day. He will forever be thought of and talk about as a an amazing friend, father, and husband, a man all men should strive to be.
Al & Marylou DiLiberto
May 6, 2013
Our sympathy to the Garden Family on the loss of Dave. We are both happy that we had the chance to know him. Al & Marylou DiLiberto Grand River Ohio
Patty & Greg Bevan
May 6, 2013
Dear Kay & Family, So very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was a great guy. Our deepest sympathy to you and your entire family. God Bless.
Debbie Wayman
May 6, 2013
My deepest condolences to the Garden family. That smile will be one of the many wonderful memories I will cherish. May God bless you at this very difficult time
Kevin Wagner
May 6, 2013
Kay,
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband David. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May David rest in peace.
Cindy & Pete Roberts
May 6, 2013
Kay, Michaela and Family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. David exemplified respect and kindness for everyone that he touched. We are better for knowing him. Truly the nicest guy ever. He will be missed.
Frank Leonbruno
May 6, 2013
Words seem inadequate, and certainly trying to make sense of it all seems impossible. I pray that God will give all of Dave's family courage in this time of loss. Dave was a loving husband, an exceptional dad, a loving son, tremendous brother, and a great friend to so many. I can't help but picture that the other day in the back room of a special flower shop Rock, John, Max, Kenny and the whole gang grew big smiles in that cigar filled room when Dave walked through the door! Til we meet again Dave!
Tom Stoss Sr.
May 6, 2013
Rest in peace Dave. It is a sad day indeed but your pain is gone and all is well. I am saddened to know that I will never see you running down Call Rd anymore, sending me on my way with that smile and friendly wave of your hand (not to mention, you trying to convince me to get out and run myself!) Get them Angels running my friend! Till we meet again. Prayers and in my thoughts to Kay and Michaela.
Marie (Van Jura) Bodak
May 6, 2013
My deepest sympathy and prayers to the Garden Family. David always had a smile and a hug for everyone. I am so proud to have known him and to have him as a classmate and friend.
Mike Baker
May 6, 2013
May David be at peace in the arms of angels. God bless Barb and the entire Garden family.
May 6, 2013
How blessed we were to have had David in our lives. You are so missed already my friend. Rest in peace.
The Magnusson's
The Magnusson's
Melvin Michelson
May 6, 2013
A sad day to learn of the passing of Dave. Dave and I played on the same Senior Little League team. All these years later I remember Dave not only because he was by far our best player but because of who he was. He seemed mature beyound his years, humble natured, and kind to all. Lasting impression.
John Summers
May 6, 2013
I don't know the words to express how I feel for the loss your family are experiencing.
Dave was a great neighbor and a great person and I will personally miss him.
I regret that I cannot attend services due to being out of town but my thoughts will be with all of you.
Kristen Berg
May 6, 2013
May all the warm memories and kind words from all he knew and touched throughout his life help you through this difficult time and always. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God Bless.
Candace Smith
May 6, 2013
God Bless you and your family!! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Scott Pruter
May 6, 2013
God blessed me and my family for placing David in our life. I love you Sheriff 28.
Frank Bodi
May 6, 2013
Very sad to hear about Dave, one of the best law enforcement officers I ever met, they don't come much better than Dave, he will be greatly missed.
David Liggett
May 6, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Garden family
John Perttu
May 6, 2013
My prayers go out to the entire Garden family. I went to school with his sister Jill. The entire family was a role model to many citizens of Fairport. May God bless all the family members and know that he is in peace in Heaven.
TJ
May 5, 2013
Rest in peace my friend rest in piece...
God speed SO 028
Rita Batuski Combs
May 5, 2013
Deepest sympathy and prayers for your family at this difficult time.
John Wiemero
May 5, 2013
Dave always greeted me with a warm smile and a "Hey Augs." He was always respectful and a man that carried himself with great dignity! For the family remember that The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those that are crushed in spirit. God bless the Garden family. John Cher Wiemero
Margaret Campbell
May 5, 2013
In memory of a true gentleman.
Michael Quinn
May 5, 2013
So sorry to hear about Dave. Wonderful childhood friend.I'll never forget him. RIP
May 5, 2013
Our condolences to the Garden Family.
Dave will be sorely missed. Had alot of good times in the pass, and in football years.Had the pleasure of working with Dave on several occation.
He was and inspiration in everything he did. See you on the other side Dave.
Russ and Martha Sekki
Angela (Castello) Serota
May 5, 2013
Dear Garden Family, Anyone fortunate enough to meet and spend time with David knows how special he was. He was the son my Dad never had and a great friend to my family.My thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate a good life that made a wonderful difference to so many. My deepest sympathy.
May 5, 2013
May the peace that comes from the memories of David comfort you now and in the days ahead. Thinking of you Jill, Keith and the Garden Family.
With heartfelt condolences
Tammy & Leonard
Paradise, NL
Ken Hulett
May 5, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Garden family. It was a pleasure to have known such a wonderful person!
John Southall
May 5, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Garden Family. I had the distinct honor and pleasure working with David when he first started his law enforcement career as a patrolman with the Fairport Harbor Police Department prior to his career with the LCSO. He taught me a lot on how to respect people, even those who broke the law. You will be truly missed David by everyone you came in contact with.
Linda Bernay
May 5, 2013
Growing up in Fairport Dave was one of the "Cool" guys, even when he put sun-in in his hair and it turned orange! He was still so cool! Our family sends our deepest sympathy and prayers. He was so loved.
Lisa Budny (Kirk)
May 5, 2013
Love and prayers to the Garden family. I will always remember David for his smile and amazing personality. A true leader and generous man. I was very lucky to have known him.
Drenda
May 5, 2013
Dave was a wonderful person ~ Always had a smile and good things to say ! Thoughts and prayers to his family ~ be at peace Dave ~
Rita (Curtis) Harrington
May 5, 2013
Smiles, smiles and more smiles...that was Dave. He was a "gentle"man, a good friend and loyal kind of guy. He was a rare commodity. My sympathies to his wife, daughter and Dave's family. My prayers are with you all.
Kristine Young
May 5, 2013
My condolences to the Garden family. K.E.Young
Rhonda (Rogers) Johnston
May 5, 2013
Deepest sympathies to all of Dave's family. Growing up in Fairport "back in the day" we all knew each other, and Dave and his family were well loved even then. He was a good man and will certainly be missed.
Bill Lukshaw
May 5, 2013
My symapthies to Dave's family. He will be missed.
Lynn Mitchell
May 5, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to Dave's family. It was a pleasure to have known him for years--truly a great person. He will be missed.
Rhonda Kinch
May 5, 2013
Garden Family, So very sorry to hear about Dave's passing. He will be missed. My prayers go out to all of you.
Barbara Baldwin
May 5, 2013
As a Native of Fairport Harbor and the Fiancee of the late (Deputy) Melvin Mosley, I remember the stories/ memories Melvin told of the days that he and David worked together whether on "Road Patrol" or in "Court Services". On behalf of our family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy's and condolences to David's family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers~ RIP Dave!!!!
Ron Graham
May 5, 2013
My life was better for having known Dave Garden.
Ken Beach
May 5, 2013
I will never forget ours times growing up together and High School sports.My prayers are with you all.
Ken Beach
Susan Kish
May 5, 2013
Dave was a fine man and a great friend. I relied on him as both while we worked together in Juvenile Court. My sincere condolences.
Marilyn & Howard Eckert
May 4, 2013
5-4-13
How sad we feel on the loss of David.
Our memories will always remain with
wonderful thoughts of such a great family that we admired. We return
from Florida May 14th so our attendance
at Mass will include prayers for all
of you.
Marilyn and Howard Eckert
Gene Lutz
May 4, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Kay, Michaela, and Dave's family, he was a good man with a kind soul. May God help you through this most difficult time.
Carol Maglich
May 4, 2013
Dear Kay, Michaela and family,
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved David. May you find peace in your loving memories of him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kellee
May 4, 2013
Sadness fills my heart with the loss of a great man. Prayers and hope for healing to Kay and family. See you on the other side...
brenda harvey
May 4, 2013
So very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He will be greatly missed. The worst Er case wasn't so bad as long as Dave was there to help out. God bless your family, BJ Harvey, RN.
Eric & Jo Anne Higham
May 4, 2013
I can't put into words how grateful I am to have known David. He truly is one the greatest people that I have ever met. It was an honor and a privilege to have worked with him. May God be with the Garden family & friends during this time. David will be missed by all those who were fortunate enough to have met him.
Mary Ann Feathers
May 4, 2013
My deepest sympathies to all of Dave's family and friends. May God help you through this most difficult time.
Joseph Hooper
May 4, 2013
Dave was a very good person whom it was my honor to have met almost 25 years ago. He will be missed.
Kim
May 4, 2013
Dave was a great guy! Always had a smile on his face when I saw him at the courthouse where I worked also. My sympathies to his family. God Bless.
Roy Rich
May 4, 2013
You will be missed, old friend. My sympathies to the family.
Roy and Mary Infalvi
May 4, 2013
What a wonderful, kind and loving person. Dave you will be missed so much. You and your wonderful family will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
cindy manley
May 4, 2013
Dave was a great neighbor, who I grew up next to. He was a great man my condolences to the family on their loss. He will be greatly missed.
Carolyn Kucharski
May 4, 2013
Dave was a wonderful guy. I enjoyed working with him in Lake County. I will remember him fondly. Prayers for his family at this difficult time.
Maureen
May 4, 2013
Rest in peace Dave... You will be missed
Sara Lloyd Newpher
May 4, 2013
Kay, Michaela, and family- there are no words that can express how sorry I am. David was one of the greatest people I had the pleasure and honor of knowing. The world was a better place with him in it. Lots of love to you Kay.
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