Name: Visitation for David Garrand
Start: 2025-03-21T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-03-21T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home - Schuylerville

David Garrand

August 11, 1945 - March 15, 2025

David Garrand, 79, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, March 15, 2025, while doing what he loved most, tending to his land under the warm sun on his cherished Kubota tractor.

He was born August 11, 1945, in Plattsburgh, N.Y., to the late Carson and Helen (Garrow) Garrand.

David was a resilient man whose life was a testament to hard work, tenacity, and unwavering ambition. His journey began on a family farm in Moores Forks, where from the tender age of four, he learned the value of grit and persistence. Often known for his temper and intelligence in his school years, David found enjoyment in wrestling, showcasing his strength and determination early in life.

David was a talented man with zero fear, his life was a colorful tapestry of accomplishments born out of his dedication and determination. Proudly serving his country in the United States Navy as a SEAL during the Vietnam War, he was a true testament of bravery and commitment. His ambition led him to become the owner and operator of DJ & Sons trucking, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. After retiring from trucking, David was involved in his lawn care/snow plowing business for many years, where his customers became family.

His love for life was infectious, and he had a zest for adventure. From stock car racing, motorcycle rides with his beloved wife, Bonnie, to nurturing his vegetable gardens and basking in the sun, working on his tan, "Making his bones feel better". David lived life to the fullest and he was always on the go, if something needed to be done, he could do it.

He had a knack for making people laugh but only if he liked you. He loved to dance the Jitterbug and found solace in old country music. His love for NASCAR and Sci-Fi was only surpassed by his love for his family and his relentless pursuit of providing for them.

David's love story began in an unusual, yet heartwarming way. Hitchhiking one day, he met his future wife, Bonnie, on a ride to the grocery store that would forever change his life.

His family was his world, he is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Bonnie (Bailey) Garrand of Saratoga; his children, David Jr. (Jeff) of Florida, Adam (Noelle) of Illinois, Michele (Tom) of Malta, Michael of Texas, Karen of Rensselaer; and his grandchildren, who were his greatest pride and joy, Franky Caroline, Joshua, Christopher, Sophia, Brittneey, Hunter "Buckaroo" and Anthony; great-grandson who he adored, Asher; sister, Carolyn Babbie; sister-in-law, Loretta Garrand; several nieces, nephews and cousins; beloved grand pups, Bailey, Clyde, Charlie and Rocky as well as cat, Jasmine.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Carson and Helen Garrand; siblings, Carson, Bernice, Carlton "Buzz", and Sidney; and his in laws, Ernest and Florence Bailey.

The legacy of his resilient spirit, love for life and the hard work it requires as well as his dedication to his family lives on through his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Family and friends may pay their respects to the family from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Flynn Bros, Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Avenue, Schuylerville, NY, 12871. His memorial service will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

In honor of David Garrand, we invite you to leave your memories and upload photos of him on his memorial page at www.flynnbrosinc.com.

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

Published by Post-Star on Mar. 20, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for David Garrand

Sponsored by Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home - Schuylerville.

5 Entries

John E Reid

March 21, 2025

David was a frequent visitor/ customer at Emerichs in So Glens Falls. It was always nice to talk to David. My Condolences to his family and friends.

Rosita Juul

March 21, 2025

I met David in 2004, the very day we finalized the purchase of rental property in Burnt Hills. David was cutting grass nearby, saw us and pulled in with his tractor in tow (I don't think he owned his beloved Kubota at that time.)

David introduced himself and asked how to get into contact with the owner; it was a shame that no one had cut the grass yet. He wanted to talk with the owner to see if they needed help with the lawn care. It was late in June and the front yard area looked like an overgrown abandoned field. He stayed awhile, walked through some of the town homes as we talked and discussed the work to be done on the outside grounds. I started talking about what I'd like done and David finished my sentences; we were on the same page. We agreed on everything that was needed and in what order. Our handshake was the basis of the next 21-year relationship. He came back day after day for that 1st job, until he though the job was completed to his satisfaction. I thought it was perfectly done. And this continued for 21+ years

He cared about what he did; took pride in doing a good job. He did what he thought needed to be done; always with the same care and attention. He didn´t need my approval to address something else he thought needed to be done; he wasn´t adding on things to do to pad his packets. He was the steward of my property and was taking care of it as though it was his own. Yes, David could be both stubborn and uncompromising - about those things he felt were important. What came through time and again was his innate integrity - a Navy Seal through and through - tough as nails; but always kind and helpful.

Last year David worked like a 25yo when he single-handedly cleared away a downed tree on a 90-degree day with high humidity. He did this after spending the previous year battling another bout of cancer and then almost dying in the ICU due to an infection he acquired from exposure to dog fecal material. But once again, he pulled through, just before Christmas. As I said above, a tough as nails Navy Seal through and though.

David the person - husband, dad and granddad - talked of his family frequently and had a special softness in his tone when he talked about grandchildren.... This led to talking about many of the things we did as kids growing up and how different today is. Milking cows at 4:30am was one of them. David hated it; I loved it. We completely agreed on one thing, our love of driving fast - whether it was a stock car on a track or a powerful, fast, bike.

I always wanted a brother, having a brother like David would have been a bonus. And it´s a bonus I enjoyed having for the past 21 years. David touched many peoples' lives. I know I will not be the only one who will miss him.

Rosita Juul

Pat&Mark Overholt

March 21, 2025

Mark&I have known David&Bonnie for many years. David loved being out doors he was always working on his yard and his lawn business. David will be missed very dearly. God Bless you David. Lots of love to all your family& Friends.

Love Mark&PAT Overholt

Den

March 21, 2025

A heartfelt thank you for your service.
Rest In Peace.

JJK MSCS, USN Retired

March 20, 2025

Thank you for your service you Cold War Warrior, it is appreciated. Your accomplishments in the Navy and afterwards are a testament to who you are. You are relived, rest in peace. Wishing you Fair Winds and Following Seas.

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