David L. Garrison

1948 - 2024

David L Garrison, 76, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Dave was born June 16, 1948, in Waynesburg, a son of the late Ralph and Betty Garrison. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cynthia Patterson Garrison; his sons: Michael, wife Sarah and grandsons lan and Aidan; Jeffrey, wife Aura and grandsons Xavier and Demitri; and Eric and partner Melaine and children Tyler, Andrew and Kristiana, Julian and Mallory. He is also survived by his sister, Janet; and brother, Brian. He was preceded in death by his brother, Randy. Dave and Cindy met as juniors in high school and were a couple from the start. They were married May 11, 1968, and were side by side for the next 56 years, their love deepening with every day. They were both graduates from West Virginia University, Dave graduating with degrees in biology and aquatic ecology. Dave supported his grandmother's farm and worked in the Osage coal mine while in school. Together they raised three terrific sons. As a family, they began attending the Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church in the mid-'70s and that community became a cornerstone of their lives. Over the years, many children enjoyed getting a ladybug sticker from Dave. When he couldn't find those stickers anymore, friends, both little and grownup, would look forward to getting a Werther's candy on Sunday. After college, Dave was an environmental consultant until health issues caused him to be permanently disabled. He turned his disabled status into a lifetime of service for others. He served for many years as an elder and a deacon at CUPC. He helped initiate, facilitate, and lead the "Grief Share" program, which helps others as they struggle with the loss of a loved one. He co-led the Prayer Team with Cindy. Dave's heart for service also led him to the Pastoral Care Program at Canonsburg Hospital, where for many years he would visit patients, share positive stories with them, encourage them, and pray with them. Dave enjoyed sports, music, and hunting. When the boys began playing baseball, Dave volunteered as an assistant coach and then served on the Board of the Canonsburg Baseball Association. He truly enjoyed helping plan the Pinto Classic Baseball Tournament for many years. He also enjoyed golf outings with his buddy, Jerry, and assorted friends, children and/or grandchildren and sometimes even their wives joining them. He enjoyed playing guitar, and music as varied as the Rolling Stones, Waylon Jennings, bluegrass and gospel. Dave was also an avid hunter and sportsman. He loved hunting deer, turkey, grouse, and especially groundhogs. He was a meticulous student of the craft, reloading his own ammunition, and often sighting in rifles for others in preparation for each season. Heaven has gained a marksman. One of Dave's greatest joys was having the grandchildren come in the summer (a gift to their sons and daughters-in-law) to spend time going to parks, museums and, best of all, to a different ice cream place every night for dessert. His love for them was unconditional and he was their biggest supporter, always encouraging them that they could do anything they wanted to and overcome any obstacle. Plagued by health issues, starting with a heart attack at age 30, and enduring four others, Dave was a walking miracle for 46 years. Dave received the gift of a heart transplant in 2002 and was forever grateful to the mother who allowed her child's heart to be donated to him. A kidney transplant in 2018 was possible with son, Michael, being the donor. Again, in service, Dave was active in speaking with transplant families to help them as they went through their process. Always one to persevere through adversity, Dave's wishes were that people would not mourn his death, but would celebrate life. The family encourages friends and extended family to join them at Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 112 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, August 17, for light refreshments and to view pictures encompassing his 76 years and to share stories, pictures, and fond memories of Dave in celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Canonsburg U.P. Church for the Grief Share program, which he helped lead; or to the Pastoral Care program at Canonsburg Hospital. Arrangements are entrusted to Sollon Funeral and Cremation Services, LTD, 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, PA 15317, Phillip L. Sollon, supervisor, 724-746-1000. Condolences can be given to the family at www.sollon.com.