Karen Zondervan
So sorry to hear of Mr. Garth's passing. Made me so sad but brought a flood of memories.
I moved to Florida in highschool and we all became fast friends. The family always drove me to Church of Christ on Sundays and Wednesdays. Pointed me to Jesus. We'd do lunch or dinner afterwards while Mr. Garth listened to football games cheering for touchdowns while also listening to whatever his boys and friends were discussing at the table. We all had many LONG walks down Clearwater beach enjoying nature & talking about the good and hard of life. Changed my life and the trajectory of everything that followed. Gave me a reverence for our Creator that I didn't truly have or understand before. Taught me what family looked like.
Your family became my safe refuge during some tough times with your unique kindness with God as the core. From fishing to concerts to exploring cool new towns, finding horseshoe crabs at Caldesi island to learning to repair our cars. Mr. Garth always smiled and cheered us on even if our cars were in pieces in the yard! Thanks to each of you for your friendship and pointing me back to God! Thankful for your family's hospitality and inclusion and example of faith in action over the years.
So GRATEFUL for knowing your family and being included in a ton of things growing up. Kept me out of trouble. Don't know where I would've been without that influence and kindness. So many sweet and fun memories growing up with the Garth family with Mr. Garth at the helm. In his small, small house filled with Big joy and love!
I KNOW heaven cheered as he walked right on in with a "Well done!"
Love to ALL of you as you grieve this side of heaven. Sorry I wasn't able to fly down for the memorial. There in Spirit for sure until we can meet again. He was always so proud of his boys! Men of integrity!
Sending love to all of you, To the beautiful women that married in to the family and the children that followed. Such a full and beautiful legacy left.
So sorry for losing such a good man. Heaven cheered when he came home even though tears fell on earth.