Ronald Garst Obituary

Ronald David Garst passed away on June 15, 2023, in the Mercy Hospice House, following a major stroke, complicated by Parkinson's Disease. He was 81 years old, and had been a resident of Durango since 2005. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, on November 28, 1941 to Harold and Sabina Garst.

Ron received his B.S. degree from Arizona State University in 1963, where he majored in Geography, with a minor in Urban Studies. He then became a Peace Corps volunteer in Nigeria. There Ron taught in a boys high school for a year, then he took over a small hand weaving program designed to empower women. He returned to the states and earned his M.A. degree in 1966 from Arizona State University. Ron met Marilyn Mangold in Pittsburg, Kansas, where they were both on the faculty at Pittsburg State University. They were married in 1966 in Bakersfield, California. Three years later they moved to East Lansing, Michigan, to pursue PhD's in geography and music, respectively.

In 1970 Ron was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to be applied towards his doctoral research in Kenya, where their daughter Kimberly was born. He was a Visiting Research Associate at the Institute for Development Studies at the University of Nairobi in Nairobi, Kenya. Following that Ron worked as an Instructor of Geography at Michigan State University from 1971-72. Then he accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Geography at the University of Kentucky, in Lexington, from 1972-74. In 1974 the family moved to Maryland, where he taught as Assistant Professor of Geography at the University of Maryland, College Park. His next position was as an Intelligence Research Analyst at the CIA, where he worked until 1984. Following that, he held various positions at the National Intelligence University, including Instructor, Department Chair, Associate Dean, and Provost. He was named Provost Emeritus upon his retirement in 2005. His greatest love was the art of teaching.

Ron, an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango, held positions as Treasurer, Finance Chair, and President. Volunteer work included Manna Soup Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, and Big Brothers. All who knew him experienced his brilliance, giving nature, and gentleness.

Ron is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughter Kimberly Hawryluk, son-in-law Steve Hawryluk, granddaughters Darrian and Danika Hawryluk, brother Ken Garst, and sister-in-law Bonnie Mangold.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson's Foundation, Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation for Research, or Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later time.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald on Jun. 19, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Garst

7 Entries

Mimi Marylon Moore Routh

December 17, 2023

Marilyn, I am so sorry! My own marriage was late, stormy and rather short. You two had a good long run. Now only you can walk in your moccasins, but many send love and prayers.

Giles A Light, Colonel, USAF (Ret)

November 1, 2023

I have just learned of Dr Garst's passing and was saddened by the news. I was a student at the then Defense Intelligence College (now NIU) in 1991-92 and had many opportunities to interact with him. He was an amazing individual and I am glad I had the privilege to know him.

Mark Hoffman JMIC 1997-2001

July 30, 2023

Dr. Garst was a guiding influence for me and my colleagues at the Joint Military Intelligence College. I remember his great sense of humor, his ready smile, and his willingness to talk about any issues and to offer sensible suggestions. He will be missed!

James K. Williams

July 21, 2023

Ron was the provost when I taught at the Defense Intelligence College from 1999 until 2001, and what a great mentor he was! This was the first time I had taught at the college level, and Ron was amazingly helpful and so full of great tips. Tom Van Wagner's comment below reminds me also of my great end-of-the-day conversations with Ron. He and I tended to stay a bit later than everybody else, so we frequently rehashed the day, and those conversations covered everything under the sun. His interests were broad and deep. RIP, Ron.

Tom Van Wagner

July 14, 2023

Marilyn - I first met Ron in 1992 when I was a graduate student in his intelligence analysis course at the (then) Defense Intelligence College. I
then had the privilege of his mentorship, wisdom, and friendship for the next 20 years as he served as the Chief Academic Officer/Provost while I progressed through a series of roles in the College administration. Ron was a sage and calming influence amid the occasional academic drama that no campus is immune from. And although he was the senior academic officer, he maintained his passion for teaching and his love of students by staying active in the classroom and as a thesis advisor. I miss his unflappable good humor, and our late afternoon one-on-one discussions. We have grown into the National Intelligence University thanks in no small way to Ron's steady hand over the years.

I offer my condolences for your loss and thank you for sharing Ron with us for 21 good years.

Tom Van Wagner '94, Director of Alumni Relations, National Intelligence University.

Eliane Viner, formerly of Durango, CO

July 6, 2023

Dear Marilyn,
Times when we lose our partner are indescribable and may in fact paralyze us emotionally and even slow us down physically. Given time, this too will pass if we allow ourselves to grieve the passing, the loss, the emotions we feel, what ever they are. A warm hug, Eliane (May your music allow you comfort).

Katherine Reynolds

June 25, 2023

Marilyn, I am so saddened to hear about your husband..many of us knew him as a supporter of your music...I pray that good memories of your life together bring you peace and comfort..

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