Harry Garrett

Harry Garrett, 88, passed away peacefully at his beloved family home, “Thyme,” on Mount Washington, surrounded by the people and place he cherished most. Harry was predeceased by his parents, Thomas C. Garrett and Adelaide J. Garrett, and by his eldest brother, Thomas C. Garrett, Jr. He is survived by his brother, Alfred C. Garrett.

Harry is survived by his devoted wife, Elizabeth “Betsy” Whitbeck Garrett, just days shy of celebrating 65 years of marriage. Together they raised three children Vicki Torrico and her husband James, Orvie Garrett and his wife Gail, and Laddie Garrett and her husband Craig Kerns and built a legacy that continues through seven grandchildren: Chelsea Torrico, Garrett, Torrico, Taylor Garrett, Ava Garrett, Parker Kerns, Carson Kerns, and John Kerns; and three great-grandchildren: Antonio Torrico, Marlo Torrico, and Everly Kerns.

Harry was a man of deep roots and strong convictions. Known for his stoic presence and unmatched work ethic, he became a respected leader in both his profession and his community. After serving his country in the United States Army, he was honorably discharged on May 31st, 1962. A logger at heart, he was happiest among the trees whether working the woods or tending the land and his life’s work in the arborist field carried him well into his late eighties, officially retiring only a year before his passing. On Mount Washington, he served in many  positions of local politics. While never without strong opinions, his dedication to the town was unwavering, and his influence shaped its course for decades.

His love story with Betsy began through his admiration for her father, Merve Whitbeck, whom Harry called “the mountain man.” As a boy visiting the mountain in the 1940s, Harry would run to greet Merve with a Coca-Cola in hand, eager for long tractor rides and stories about the land. He later captured those memories in a poem, The Boy and the Mountain Man, recalling the scents of grass, mint, sweet fern, cigarette smoke, and sweat that felt like tonic. “Now the boy is growing old, mowing some of the fields the mountain man mowed long ago. Maybe the boy, now older, has moved some young boy to become a mountain man.” In 1960, the boy married the mountain man’s daughter, beginning a partnership of nearly 65 years.

Harry’s life, like the trees he cared for, was defined by strong roots and enduring growth. Though his branches reached far through family, friends, and community, his foundation was always the mountain. His roots now nourish the generations that follow, and his presence endures in the family and community he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that contributions be made in Harry’s memory to one of the following organizations that cared for him and touched his life: HospiceCare in the Berkshires, with deepest gratitude for their phenomenal support in providing Harry with comfort, dignity, and peace, and surrounding the family with compassion in his final days; Fairview Hospital; Mount Washington Church of Christ; St. John in the Wilderness; or the South Egremont Fire Department.

A service celebrating Harry’s life will be held at St. John’s in the Wilderness, Copake Falls, on Thursday, September 25th, 2025 at 11 AM.