Hugh Wilson Garrity

Hugh Wilson Garrity passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on January 3, 2026 in Homer, Alaska. He was 75 years old. Throughout that day, a brilliant supermoon illuminated the sky and comforted the family as a quiet and beautiful symbol of his presence and of his passing.

Hugh was born into a large, loving and joyful family in January of 1950, in McKeesport, PA. He was the fifth of eleven born to Frank and Betty Garrity. Hugh had the privilege of being both a younger brother, with four older siblings to look up to, and a trusted older brother who led by example.

Beginning in his childhood as an altar boy, paper boy, and by working along his siblings assisting the customers at the family-owned Dairy Queen, he learned the values of responsibility, service and commitment. The strong foundation of family surrounded by support and love formed the structure from which Hugh operated. His impeccable work ethic, learned from his father, and generosity of spirit, learned from his mother, continued throughout his life.

Early in his adult life, Hugh's strength of character and curiosity for adventure put him on the open road to traverse the country and travel North to Alaska. Juneau was the first place Hugh landed, meeting lifelong friends and beginning what would become a 50-year career as a laborer in the construction trades. In 1975 Hugh married Karen Israel of San Francisco, California in Yakutat, Alaska. Later that year, they traveled to Fairbanks to set down roots and start their family.

In the early 1980s, Hugh and Karen formed Garrity Builders. Together, along with Hugh's brothers John and Ray, they built 10 sturdy homes in Fairbanks, leaving their signature on the early development of College Hills. Michael, Hugh's youngest brother, joined the team to construct an especially unique and innovative home in Hawaii. Hugh continued his work with Fairbanks Laborer's Union, Local 942. As a loyal and committed laborer, he left a lasting mark on the infrastructure of Alaska.

In addition to Hugh's strong presence and influence in his professional life, his most treasured time was at home, being a dedicated and nurturing husband and father. If ever there was a committed family man, Hugh was the superstar. He coached softball teams, made sack lunches, and patiently taught his two daughters, Julia and Emily, how to fish, ride bikes, bake the time-honored family scone recipe, rebuild an engine, weld a car back together, and to build a house. His gentle and encouraging approach created a safe and steady learning environment for anyone that was fortunate to study under his wing.

Hugh loved sharing and engaging with children, including his large and multi-generational extended family and all the neighbor kids. From a young boy, he developed a passion for Lionel trains that grew into a large collection of engines, cars, and train displays. Each Christmas, he would make a miniature village come alive in the family living room and invite all the kids to come and take turns at running the engines. Scones would be on hand, and Nat King Cole's Christmas album would echo through the house. Traditions ran deep in the Garrity household, with Hugh at the helm.

Hugh remained active and adventurous throughout his life. He learned how to cross-country ski as an adult, then went on to compete in ski-joring, earning him a position on the US team to compete in the World Championships alongside two of his beloved sled dogs. After initially retiring from the Laborer's Union at age 50, he pedaled his bicycle from Alaska to Maryland to visit his parents, a testament to his zest for life, endurance, and devotion.

Upon returning to Fairbanks, Hugh accepted the role of Apprentice Training Coordinator at the Alaska Laborer's Training School. During his tenure in this role, from 2000 to 2009, he helped train more than 200 apprentices, many of whom credit him for their learned work ethic and dedication to building Alaska. In recognition of Hugh's commitment and leadership, the Lauinger-Garrity Alaska Laborers Training School was co-named in his honor in 2017.

Hugh never cowered at diving in and getting his hands dirty. He was a doer, a skilled craftsman, wood worker, and life-long learner. Hugh once wrote "wood is in part the soul of me." In his second retirement Hugh attended luthier school in Georgia and founded Garrity Craft Guitars. Handcrafting 42 acoustic and electric guitars, many which were distributed to his family members across the country and continue to be played today. A gifted, self-taught musician, music was always integral in Hugh's life. Whether strumming his guitar or singing with a voice as warm as his heart, his music was a gift that touched those lucky enough to hear it.

At age 65, Hugh was diagnosed with early-onset frontotemporal dementia. His health was nurtured by his loving family and wonderful care companions. Emily and her husband Colin provided farm fresh vegetables and wild caught salmon, Julia paid special attention to his comfort and gentle care, and Karen immersed herself in all things Hughie, ensuring his environment was kept simple, centered and calm.

By 2023 Hugh and Karen comfortably settled into their Homer home, which Hugh began building with brother Johnnie in 2014. Construction was caringly completed by several of Homer's skilled craftsmen. Friends from near and far, family, lovely neighbors and care helpers enjoyed walks, listening to Hugh's cherished album collection with him, and shared lunches and stories on the deck where he could view the magnificent Grewingk Glacier from his wheelchair. This gave Hugh great comfort. Hugh's outings to Homer beaches with family bring lasting happiness they will cherish forever.

All who were with him understood his silence as quiet contemplation and found his smile a welcome gift. During his last decade of life, Hugh faced life as he always had, centered, kind and gracious, meeting each day with patience, humility, and quiet strength. The kind sparkle in his eyes and his way of being left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He leaves a legacy not just of skill and achievement, but of love, patience, and a deep respect for life's simple pleasures.

Hugh is survived by his wife Karen, daughters Julia and Emily Garrity (Colin McGovern), sisters Liz (Tony) Boario, Sara (Kevin) Manning, Rita Garrity, and Rosemary (Jimmy) Allen, brothers John Garrity (Karen H.) and Michael (Nerissa) Garrity, mother in law Grand-mere Anne Marie Thiry Israel, sisters in law Dee Flaugherty, Jennifer King, Kathleen Israel (Philipp Jurgen M.), Yvonne (Dave) O'hare, France Israel (Reto T.) along with two more generations of beloved family members.

Hugh is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Elizabeth Garrity, brothers Frank and Raymond Garrity, and sisters Marcella and Anne Marie Garrity.

Celebrations of Hugh's life will be held in Homer and Fairbanks, Alaska. All are welcome.

Homer Celebration of Life:
Sunday, May 24, 2026
3-6 pm with an ice cream sundae bar. Stories and tunes encouraged.
Alaska Seaplane Base Event Room, 1310 Lake Shore Drive Homer, AK 99603
Campfire at nearby Mariner Beach to follow.

Fairbanks Celebration of Life:
Summer, 2026
Date and location details will be provided on this Legacy.com page in late June.

In honor of Hugh's love of nature and family walks, a memorial bench will be installed at Creamer's Field in Fairbanks. For anyone interested in contributing to this or for more information, please contact the Garrity's at Danceajig.com.

Hugh's life has been rich with relationships that have meant a great deal to him. Thank you to all of his friends and family.