Harold Douglas Garnett

Harold Douglas Garnett was born on February 9, 1924 in Hill City, Kansas to Charles and Winnie (Clark) Hildebrand. Following his mother’s death, Harold was adopted and raised by Robert and Ola (Clark) Garnett. He graduated from Hill City High School in 1942.

Harold served as a Technical Sergeant in the Army Air Corps during World War II and was stationed in Brazil. He married Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Ohman on April 17, 1943 in Henrietta, Texas. They moved to Gresham, Oregon in 1949 and he worked for Petersen Plumbing for 21 years. Later, he worked as a Chief Plumbing Inspector for Multnomah County for 17 years before retiring in 1988 and continued working part-time for the City of Gresham. In earlier years, Harold was a volunteer for the Gresham Fire Department. RV’ing, boating, drawing house plans for others and going for Sunday drives were activities he enjoyed when not working.

The great love of his life, his wife of 67 years, died on September 17, 2010. Betty had struggled for several years with dementia. Harold visited her daily; so much so that at the home where Betty lived, his knock at the front door became recognizable. Harold taught his family the greatest lessons of all during this time – what true love means!

Harold is survived by sons John Garnett of Boring OR and Robert Garnett of Welches OR; daughters Shirley Geisler of Gresham OR and Gloria Driscoll of Boring OR; sister Betilu Lundbom of Gresham OR and several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. All miss him greatly but rejoice that he and Betty are together once again … forever!

Visitation hours will be from 9:00am to 5:00pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, 520 W. Powell Blvd in Gresham, Oregon. A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 2:00pm at Willamette National Cemetery. A Celebration of his life will be at 11:00am on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at First Baptist Church of Gresham, 224 W. Powell Blvd. Memorial donations can be made to Kaiser Hospice, 2701 NW Vaughn Street, Suite 140, Portland OR 97210.