Bill Elliott Garrett

OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, in Bloomington, Illinois; aged 86. Born on April 9th, 1939 in

Paris, Arkansas; Bill moved with his parents to the South Side of Chicago at just three years old.

Growing up he gained a love for the city but his time on his grandparents’ farm in Arkansas gave

him a deep appreciation for nature. Bill struggled with alcoholism but his unyielding love for his

wife and children pushed him to quit and he spent his final four decades of life as a recovered

alcoholic. A dedicated family man and supportive friend, he is survived by his wife Sharon; his

daughter Jennifer and her husband Jim, his daughter Kathryn; his grandchildren Colin, Adilyn,

and Grant, as well as many brother in laws, sister in laws, nieces, nephews, and loving friends.

He is preceded by his parents William “Bill” & Florine “Flo” Garrett as well as two infant

sisters.

Bill played football in high school and was the editor of the school's newspaper. After

graduating in 1957 he pursued this love of the news and began taking journalism classes. His

first job was at the Chicago City News Bureau starting in the mail room. He worked his way up

to becoming a reporter and eventual editor. He then moved to the defunct Chicago Today

newspaper before joining the Chicago Tribune in the early 1970s where he worked as an editor

in the City News office until his retirement in 1999. At the Tribune he was deeply appreciated

and regarded as an intelligent editor who could make quick decisions.

Jim Squires, a longtime top executive at the paper, told Bill Sluis, a dear friend and

coworker that “Bill Garrett is a no nonsense editor who everyone respects.” As well as being an

Associate City Editor, Bill headed up the Tribune Hinsdale office for part of his career.

Bill spent his retirement doing what he loved most: golfing, watching the news and being

with his grandchildren. Bill was a lover of all kinds of music from Bluegrass to the Rolling

Stones. He was known to say, “Millions of bands play Rock & Roll, only one band IS Rock &

Roll: The Rolling Stones.” A lifelong fan of sports particularly the Bears, Cubs and Razorbacks;

one of his happiest days was spent playing catch on Wrigley Field with his grandson. For two

years Bill served as “Coach Grandpa” for his grandson's Pony League Team. Bill moved from

the suburb of Frankfort to Bloomington, with his wife in 2014 to be closer with family though

was always quick to return to the city to visit friends. A man of undying support and strength,

Bill's words of warmth were always a comfort to whoever heard them and whether it was a

sarcastic crack or an absurd saying Bill never failed to make his friends and loved ones laugh.

His wisdom, strength and smile will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held TBD at TBD