David Garst

I was deeply saddened to hear about David´s passing. He was such a wonderful friend to my father, and I know how much that friendship meant to him-it was something I always admired. From the tiny brook trout streams deep in the hollows to the reindeer-lichen covered ridges, the kindness and loyalty David exemplified were clear to everyone. Sending my thoughts and strength to the Garst family during this difficult time. I wish you all peace and comfort as you remember David´s remarkable life.

I was deeply saddened to hear about David´s passing. He was such a wonderful friend to my father, and I know how much that friendship meant to him-it was something I always admired. From the tiny brook trout streams deep in the hollows to the reindeer-lichen covered ridges, the kindness and loyalty David exemplified were clear to everyone. Sending my thoughts and strength to the Garst family during this difficult time. I wish you all peace and comfort as you remember David´s remarkable life.

David and I met more than 20 years-ago through our mutual interest in the conservation of Timber Rattlesnakes. He was an skilled herpetologist and a true friend. David practiced good friendship, always willing to lend an expert hand. I have great memories from our times together.

Greatest angler in Virginia history. Absolute legend.

I met David years ago while fishing on Virginia's Jackson River. I'm not sure that David even had a driver's license at that time, and I believe his mother had dropped him off to go fishing. At any rate I was immediately impressed by this young man's enthusiasm and desire to learn everything he could concerning fly fishing. To make long story short David was rapidly welcomed into a small group of avid fly fishermen (myself included). Over the ensuing years David became an expert fly caster...

David was one of finest biologists I ever had the pleasure of meeting. He had the rarest of gifts...an understanding of complex subject matter combined with an ability to explain those complex topics to anyone and everyone. Throw on top of all that the fact that he was also one of the nicest people you will ever meet and you quickly realize the tragedy of this loss for not just his family, but the conservation community as a whole. We will miss you David!

I first met a very young David while working at VT and he was a student at Salem High. It was on a trout stream. After a long, slow introduction and pleasantries, he asked to see the trout flies in my boxes. Now, anyone familiar with David knows that any conversation with David was slow and methodical. He positioned my open boxes on a log, removed a small notebook and pencil, and proceeded to pen notes on all the flies I used. Immediately I was attracted to this young man. He was...

I worked with David many moons ago doing stream conservation in SW VA. Respected his intellect and really enjoyed his sense of humor and hearing his unique perspectives on everything. The last time I saw him he was laughing and that’s the memory I will hold of him. Very sorry that his children weren’t able to have him in their lives longer. He was a unique guy!

I'll always remember the good times we shared exploring the rivers of southwest Virginia with Rachel and the crew from VT. Dave cared greatly for our native ecosystems and worked hard to preserve and conserve Virginia's natural resources. He will always be a gentleman and a scholar.