Garth Atherly

1923 - 2007

Garth Atherly, 83, lost his battle with cancer on Friday, Jan. 5, 2007, at home in Moorpark with his wife, Joyce, and daughters Nancy and Noelle beside him.

Garth was born Feb. 19, 1923, in Santa Monica, Calif., to Horace Atherley and Gertrude Georgi Atherley. Garth was a first-generation 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 Santa Monica High School, "Samohi," graduating in the 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 to 1942. During World War II, Garth joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and graduated for 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 15th 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 he was liberated by United States forces. He was honorably discharged as a second lieutenant in October 1945, having received several medals, including the Purple Heart.

After returning to Santa Monica, Garth went to work for McMahan's Furniture Stores and remained with them for 46 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 Meador and they were married in September 1987. They traveled the world over and truly enjoyed life together.

Garth is survived by his sons and daughters Scott and his wife Peggy of Vacaville, Calif., Dr. Susan Atherly of Switzerland, Nancy Littlefield of Idaho, Janet of Hemet, Calif., Jon and his wife, Roslyn, of Bakersfield, Calif., Lisa of Menifee, Calif., Judy Brown of Lincoln, Calif., Gregory Meador of Ventura and Noelle and her husband, Mike Segura, of Westminster, Calif.; 17 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Garth was predeceased by his parents, Gertrude and Horace Atherley, and daughter Carole Atherly Messmer.

There will be a viewing from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15, at Gates Kingsley & Gates Moeller Murphy Funeral Directors, 1925 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90404; phone 310-395-9988. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, at the same location. Interment will follow immediately at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1847 14th St. (at Pico Boulevard), Santa Monica, CA 90404; phone 310-450-0781.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity in Garth's name.