1973 - 2026
1973
2026
Funeral services provided by:
Vincent Funeral Home - Providence Forge9923 Pocahontas Trail, Providence Forge, VA 23140
Sponsored by Vincent Funeral Home - Providence Forge.
12 Entries

Mike Bednarski
March 3, 2026
Greatest angler in Virginia history. Absolute legend.
harrison steeves
March 3, 2026
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 and fly tyer, as well as a master at reading the subtle nuances of trout waters. He accompanied us to streams all over Virginia, to the classic waters of Pennsylvania and to the mystical waters of New York's Catskill mountains. His enthusiasm and love for the sport endeared him to all that he met. He will be sorely missed by those of us who knew him and fished with him. It was a great privilege to know this man and to have spent time with him.
Matthew Patterson
March 2, 2026
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!
Stephen Hiner
March 2, 2026
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 unique, different, in a good way. He possessed what I call an angularity of character, a trait that allowed a fledging David to fit in with the VT flyfishing circle. He became a wonderful friend to me and several others at VT. David became one of the `gang´ with trips to fly fishing shows and multiple fishing trips. After I retired from VT and moved back to the mountains of Bath, he and I talked at least once a month --- fishing, his work, our families, water levels, politics, etc. --- and the phone chats were always long, deliberate, enjoyable, and unhurried, as they should be when conversing with David Garst. So many memories! I dearly loved the man. My condolences to David´s family and friends.
Bridgett Costanzo
March 2, 2026
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!
Brett Ostby
March 2, 2026
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.
Sharon O´Neal
March 2, 2026
Such a wonderful soul gone too soon.
Being a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, David & I´s paths finally crossed years ago. Over the last few years, I´m thankful to have earned the title of "David´s raccoon rehabber". He told me numerous times how he shared with his coworkers that he preferred to call me (Maleena´s Wildlife Rescue) for those "crazy coons" - he knew he & the raccoons could count on me. I cherished his respect & confidence and enjoyed every story he shared, every conversation we had. Rest easy, my friend.
My deepest prayers and sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, and coworkers as I know, undoubtedly, his presence will be greatly missed.
Anna White
March 2, 2026
I was able to get to know David over the last two months as he taught me some proper techniques on using a chainsaw. He was extremely knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. He will be missed. Keeping his family and friends in my thoughts.
JD
March 2, 2026
David was a friend and colleague. I´m going to miss seeing him around the office and share stories. He was a good soul.
Donna L Harris
March 1, 2026
Dave was a very sweet guy and one of my son Mathew Harris best friend
He is a real lost to this world
Ginny McLelland
March 1, 2026
I was sorry to hear about David. My thoughts and prayers are with ya´ll.
Jason Ayers
March 1, 2026
I will always cherish my friendship with David and remain forever grateful for his guidance with helping my daughter achieve her academic goals. David was always eager to teach and generously share his experiences with others. I will miss our lengthy conversations about our favorite scaly subjects, his colorful stories delivered in his distinct cadence, and his humorous, easy-going nature. The southern slopes won´t be the same this spring. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and to all who loved him. Rest easy, my friend.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Roanoke, VA

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