Garth Atherly Obituary

ATHERLY , Garth
Moorpark, California-
Garth Atherly lost his battle to cancer on Friday, January 5, 2007, at home in Moorpark, California, with his wife Joyce, daughters Nancy and Noelle beside him.
He was born Februar y 19, 1923, in Santa Monica, California, to Horace Atherley and Gertrude Georgi Atherley. Garth was a first genera tion Californian, as his father was from England and his mother from Germany. Their families were converted by the Mormon Church in Europe and both immigrated to the United States, meeting and marrying in Salt Lake City.
Garth spent his earlier years in Santa Monica and attended Samohi, Class of 1940. After high school, he worked as a draftsman in aeronautical design at Douglas Aircraft not far from his parents' home and attended Santa Monica Junior College from 1940-1942. During World War II, Garth joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and graduated from Navigation School as an Aviation Cadet in June 1944. Shortly after he married Lorna Kathryne Brown, he was sent to Italy as a Navigator with the 465th Bomb Group, 782nd Squadron, 15th Air Force. On his fifteenth mission, the plane was shot down over Vienna and Garth had to bail out. He was taken prisoner of war on March 22, 1945, and was held in different prisoner of war camps in Germany until May 1945 when liberated by U.S. forces. He was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant in October 1945, having received several medals including the Purple Heart.
Upon returning to Santa Monica , Garth went to work for McMahan's Furniture Stores and remained with them for forty-six years, retiring in 1992. He was the consummate merchandising manager (buyer) and was very well known and respected in the furniture industry.
He and his former wife had seven children: Carole Marie, William Scott, Susan Lynn, Nancy Ann, Janet Kay, Jon Stephen and Lisa Mae, all of whom attended Santa Monica High School.
In June 1983, Garth met Joyce Me ador and they were married in September 1987. They traveled the world over and truly enjoyed life together.
Garth is survived by his sons an d daughters: Scott and wife Peggy of Vacaville, CA; Dr. Susan Atherly of Switzerland; Nancy Littlefield, Idaho; Janet, Hemet, CA; Jon and wife Roslyn, Bakersfield, CA; Lisa of Menifee, CA; Judy Brown, Lincoln, CA; Gregory Meador, Ventura, CA; Noelle and husband Mike Segura, Westminster, CA. He is also survived by seventeen (17) grandchild ren and twelve (12) great- grandchildren.
Garth was predeceased by his parents, Gertrude and Horace Atherley, and daughter Carole Atherly Messmer.
Friends may call Monday, 4 -8 p.m. and attend the funeral Tuesday, 1 p.m., both at the mortuary located at 1925 Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica. Interment will follow immediately at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1847 14th St. (at Pico), Santa Monica, CA 90404, 310/450-0781.
In lieu of flowers, plea se make donations to your favorite charity in Garth's name.
Gates Kingsley Gates Moeller
Murphy, Directors (310) 395-9988

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

Published by Los Angeles Times from Jan. 12 to Jan. 15, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Garth Atherly

14 Entries

Marilyn Petersen

January 24, 2007

I worked with Joyce for many years and had the great fortune of meeting and becoming friends with Garth through our association. One of my most favorite memories is when Garth would call the office looking for Joyce and her greeting, without fail was "Hello, Sweetheart" and she always meant it. We had many enjoyable times at their home as they hosted CNS work parties and get togethers. He was so welcoming to our children, showing off his tropical fish and playing a tune on the piano. Plus, he was great at mixing up a "Parrot Bay and Pineapple Juice" for us gals.
You will be missed.

Jo Dey

January 16, 2007

Joyce,
My deepest sympathy at this difficult time. Please know I'm here for you in any way I can help. Love you so much.

Frieda Hyton

January 15, 2007

I met Garth in Missouri when my sis Joyce came back for our mother's memorial service. He seemed to stand like a stoic tree amidst the amish country of Missouri, with his cane in hand. My husband, Lin thought he was a wonderful conversationalist and enjoyed him so much. I just couldn't stop glaring at him because I thought he was so handsome! I remember him nudging a couple of wooden barstools with his cane and commenting on what fine pieces of furniture they were. He appreciated quality, but ofcourse, that's why Garth married my beautiful sister. She will miss him so very much. I want to believe dear Garth will soon be playing piano concertos for the angels. Heaven will have the best music now. "Lay down my dear brother, lay down and take your rest." "I want to lay your head upon the saviour's breast" We'll see you soon. You are with the ONE who loves us best. SHALOM

Noelle Segura

January 15, 2007

I will miss you as deeply as I loved you. Thank you ftor sharing your wisdom with me throughout the years, it has made me a better person. I promised you I would take care of my Mom and make sure she always feels loved and I plan to keep that promise forever. Love, Noelle

me and my grandpa (and his pal!)

January 15, 2007

Katie Atherly

January 15, 2007

Grandpa, I love and admire you. I thank you for the wisdom you have shared- I will hold it within me forever and will never forget.

Pieter and Alta Broodryk

January 15, 2007

Joyce:

May God grant you rest and peace in this difficult time. Garth was a special man.

Jamon Peariso

January 14, 2007

Love you Grandpa!

Judy Brown

January 14, 2007

I will miss Garth very much. He was a kind and wonderful person, someone that I always looked up to with great respect. I look forward to seeing him in heaven. He will be forever in my heart.
Much love always, Judy

NANCY LITTLEFIELD

January 14, 2007

DAD,
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU...
NANCY

Wendy Blackman

January 13, 2007

Grandpa-

I will always love you and miss you.

Love, Wendy (and Tom and the boys)

Robert Meek

January 13, 2007

Garth will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him,and see what a truely top notch man should be. The world is a better place because of him.
We both will miss you, and are blessed to have spent time with you.
Robert & Joanne Meek

January 13, 2007

ANITA J YANCEY
GARTH WAS A TALENTED AND VERY NICE AND INTELLIGENT MAN THAT THOUGHT OF AND DONE FOR OTHERS IN THIS LIFE AND HAS GONE ON TO A BETTER ADVENTURE NEXT.

Joyce Atherly

January 12, 2007

To my wonderful husband,
I couldn't have picked a better man to share all those wonderful years with. We had so much fun and so many great trips all over the world. I'll always love you, miss you forever and think of you always.
Love, Joyce

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