ELMO GARFF

It's interesting this email came to me as for some reason I have been thinking about Bishop Garff lately. I have a photo of him in my office and often look at that photo for inspiration and love, which I am so grateful. I was reminded of a situation with Elmo at this recent General Conference. Bishop Garff conducted, presided and spoke at my father, Robert (Bob) Flygare's funeral. The song was played during the service by Frank Sinatra "I did it my way" which exemplified my dad. Right...

The other day, a friend asked me what I remembered about Elmo Garff. I thought long and hard and realized that although he was the father of my friends, Patty and Suzanne, I didn't know him personally. Rather, I admired him from afar as a member of the leadership of our ward and stake. He was a shining example of priesthood leadership in the home and one of the examples on which as a teenaged girl, I based my dreams for the kind of husband I would look for. His obituary expressed very...

President Garff was a real inspiration to me while I served under him on my mission. He loved his wife and showed it daily, he loved the missionaries and he loved the people he came into contact. A great example of what a man should become. Always a kind word and always thought the best of everyone. He will always be in my memories and his example will always be a part of my life. Until we meet again.

No one has had a greater influence for good with my family and me than Bishop Garff. There are not many hero's in life, but Elmo was my biggest hero and example of what a man should be like and how to honor the priesthood. Elmo spoke at my Missionary Farewell, as well as my dad's funeral, which I will never forget either occasion. He loved and served as the Savior would do and his laugh and smile was infectious! I had the privledge of introducing him at a Utah State basketball game...

Dear Garff Family,

Thank you for the wonderful memories of your whole family. Growing up across the street from your family was indeed a fun experience. Elmo was a wonderful person who was a great example to an impressionable boy who loved to play in his pool and dig holes in his back yard and throw dirt clods at anything that moved. Never once did I see Elmo get angry. I guess it was more like just getting irritated at Richard and I.

Elmo thank you for the memories.

Celebrating a life well lived. He was a great mission President. I love Pres. and sister Garff they both had a influence on my life and the things they taught me. He sealed my family together we will cherish the memories forever. May the Lord bless the Graff family with his comfort and peace. Elder Thomson

I will always be grateful for Uncle Elmo, so like my own dad. When I had a serious accident he was there to give me a blessing that sounded so much like my own father. He was a dear man with a ready smile and also stern advice when needed. We will all miss him, the last of his generation of Garffs. I look forward to the day when we will have that family reunion in Heaven and I'm sure he will furnish the ice cream treats.

Kathlyn (Kathi) Garff Thayne

Dear Garff Family:
Our deepest sympathies to you as you mourn the loss of your great Dad. This picture of Bishop Garff and Dale Wagstaff was taken in 1968 when a group of ten scouts received their Eagle Awards. Bernice Andrus had this picture in the Holladay 4th Ward Library with the Caption, "Bishop Interviewing Eagle Scout." She gave it to me years ago and it is one of my cherished possessions.

With love and support.

A great and good gentleman has passed. With that passing goes a wonderful connection to our family, the Deamers. Although not really a "blood" uncle, he was nontheless our Uncle Elmo. our lives were most definitly improved by having known Elmo Garff. I am sure the reunion with Marvin, Elna, Kay and now Elmo will be quite the party! Our love and condolences to the family at this time.
Jody Deamer