I sat in many meetings with Rich and he was always passionate about the children and current topics of the time.  His insight and enthusiasm will be missed.  My deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones.


You will be missed.  I will always cherish your friendship.

My Dear Friend

When I heard that you had left us
 It was shocking to accept
 The news was unexpected
 Upset inside, I wept
 
Oh how I enjoyed your presence
 And seeing your kind face
 You made work at O.E.S.
 A truly better place
 
You were always there for everyone
 So dependable and sincere
 So kind, gentle and caring
 It felt good to have you near
 
So, my dear friend Mr. Garber
 I’ll remember you each day
 Until then, just rest - my friend
 We’ll meet again someday

I always knew that you meant a lot to me and I considered you like family.  Even so, in this last day, I have found in your absence that you have meant more to me than I even realized.  I will miss you - a lot.  I admired the way you cared for not just me but everyone around you.  You were a rock for many, including myself at times and for that I thank you.  The world was a better place because you were in it.  You touched so many lives beyond what you ever knew.  You had a bigger heart than anyone could see.  You were always willing to care about others before yourself.  Thank you for touching my life.  I will remember you always.

I was blessed to have Rich as a friend.  Many times we would talk about our faith and I can't help but share the words to a favorite hymn...

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies;
Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Until we meet again in Heaven.

As a former student of South Pekin Grade School, I knew him as "Coach." It wasn't until after I grew up and had children of my own that I even knew his real name. I, unfortunately, haven't spoken to him in a few years, however anytime I have ever seen him, whether it be in passing or a scheduled meeting, he always had a smile on his face. He never let anyone see the problems in his own life (we all have them). I recall a time in my life that I was having problems and "Coach" was there for me, offering his wisdom and encouraging words to help improve my life. He offered to come get me and my kids and take us to church with him so that we could hear the Word of God.
Coach will be greatly missed by a lot of people. 
My condolences to his siblings, may his Faith as well as your own, help you all find peace and comfort in this time of sympathy.


What a sad day for so many of us.  Many of my students shared the simplicity of Rich's compassion; "He tied my shoe when I couldn't." 

"He helped me find my way when I was scared and lost," and so many other wonderful tributes that many adults could not match. 

And that, Mr. Garber, speaks volumes about you as a counselor and friend to so many children.  On behalf of my students and myself, thank you. You will be missed.

I took Rich's death a little hard.  I have know him since our college days at ISU.  Rich was our Resident Assistant on a floor of 50 freshman.  His guiding hand get the majority of us through that difficult first year and we were successful in college and later in life.  He encouraged us to get involved with University, help each other, be yourself, and follow your dreams.  I still remember after all these years and I know he was the best counselor as that is what he did for us.  He will be missed.

Dianne,  My deepest sympathy.  I remember Rich as being a wonderful guy.  

So, sorry to hear of Rich's passing.  I always enjoyed our visits.  Rich was a kind and loving man who will always remain in my heart.  You are now in your Eternal Home with all the angels.  

My sincere sympathy to Rich's family and closes friends. I am so sad to read about Rich's passing. I had the opportunity to become better acquainted with Rich when several us car-pooled to classes for a graduate class at ISU. I also have great memories of him while we were at dear old Pekin High School.  Rich will be missed by many. many people.

I had the pleasure of working with Rich for 5 years.  Rich supported me during some pretty tough leadership times.  He lended me his ear, empathy, and support.  I sought advice from him.  I respected him both as a professional and man. I am saddened to learn of his passing, and send to his family sincere condolences.

Dear Family and Friends of Rich,

I was deeply saddened to learn of Rich's death. He was a very caring counselor who positively impacted those he worked with.  His expertise and caring will be greatly missed by everyone he worked with. My prayers and sympathy to you all.

Sincerely,
Beth Hall

I met Rich when we first moved to Oregon and I was homesick for Morton, IL. When I found out he was from Pekin - we shared a common link.  We worked together for a short time at the school before I took another job.  We saw each other at football games and other places in town.  It was like no time had passed between us and we talked about what was going on in our lives.  He was a great friend to myself and my family.  He will be sorely missed.  

My sympathy to Rich's family. I have been priviledged to call him my friend for the past few years. His gentle, caring spirit will be sadly missed in the halls of Oregon Elementary. All of us who had the opportunity to work with him, knew he was dedicated to the welfare of the students he served. He will be remembered for his dedication and professionalism. May God comfort all of us until that day when we are reunited in heaven.

We were deeply saddened to learn of Rich's passing.  We greatly enjoyed Rich's company on the too few occasions in the last several years we had the pleasure to share time.  Our memories of those good times will be with Rich forever.  

Ron, Jr, and Diane we will unfortunately not return home from our trip in time to make the funeral.  Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and the rest of our family.

I was so saddened by this new.  Rich and I worked together many years ago at the high school in Oregon and remained friends after that.  We had a unique bond in our beliefs in the counseling office.  Words aren't enough to describe Rich's passion for his work.  He was honest, kind, compassionate and a great friend.  He will be truly missed by many.  I am honored to know him, and honored to call him friend.  God Bless you all, and I pray for your peace and strength.

I met Rich when I started here at school in November of 2012.  I had many conversations with him but the one I truly remember is about 6 weeks ago when he sat in the office here and told me about his parents and how long he has been a counselor and how he enjoyed his work.  He will truly be missed by me and lots of others here at OES.  Rest in Peace Rich.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Ron, and Junior.  May you always be at peace.

Rich and I have known each other for over 40 some years.  Through the years our paths crossed and separated many times but never forgotten each other.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this most difficult time because Rich is truly in a better place.  God bless all of you

Rich has been friends with my father since high school.  I had the pleasure on many occasions to have wonderful conversations over great meals with lots of laughter.  Rich had a warm personality and caring spirit. His passion for his work and his love of God were always present.  I for one will miss his laugh as I know many will.  Rest in peace Rich.

I feel sorry for your loss and mr.Garber was my counselor and he helped me with my work. I will miss him too.

My son James(2ND grade) said he will really miss Mr Garber..even just saying hi in the hall..he was a great man

Mr. Garber was my guidance councelor in high school, and my friend later on.  As a guidance councelor I was difficult to give guidance to, to put it nicely.  After high school, I had not seen him in some years. Over the last year or year and a half he started coming in to my restaurant and we would have lively chats over politics and other issues of the day.  We quickly became friends.  I am very glad I got to know him on a personal level and will miss him and our talks very much.

I am so sorry for your loss! Rich was such a great person to work with. I first met him as my children's school counselor and got to know him better when I started working for the district. In the past 8 years since working together I have watched him grow and find his place working with the younger kids. He always wanted to help a child succeed and would always be there to cheer them on. Once I changed positions in the district, we didn't get to see much of each other except at the school district lunches or if we ran into each other at the elementary school.  At the last luncheon he looked so good and I was so proud of him for making some healthy life changes. We had a chance to talk and to catch up with each other. I will miss his smile he always had when he first sees a person or one of the kids. 

My two boys worked with Mr. Garber for multiple reasons. He was an amazing counselor; caring, generous, full of life, always had a smile on his face. He will be missed...Oregon Elementary lost a special man and he will forever be remembered!

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Richard D Garber

12 janvier 1948 – 2 avril 2013

Preston-Hanley Funeral Home & Crematory

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