Contributions to the tribute of Thomas G. Gartland

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Charlie Silver posted a symbolic gesture

Sunday, June 23, 2024

I knew Tom Gartland at Rockford College, where we were two persons far removed from the middle west (our having both grown up on the East Coast) We bonded at Rockford, both of us from the East Coast. We both became dormitory counselors at Rodkford, where we shared experlences. Tom was super smart, which made conversing with him a pleasure. I will miss his keen intelligence and remarkable insights. Pat Farrant, Tom's wife, was also very smart, and I miss her too. Tom and I spoke regularly by phone, which I will very much miss. His conversation was sprinkled with insights about the world, and I will miss his valuable insights. Sincerely, Charlie Silver

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Michael Oberdorfer posted a condolence

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Tom and I were good friends at Rockford College back in the 1960s along with his wife Pat. We became re-acquainted when he contacted me unexpectedly a few years ago. We had a number of pleasant phone conversations since then. I learned of his passing from a mutual friend, Charles Silver, just today. I had been thinking of calling him just this week when I learned of his death. I regret not calling him earlier. We had many interests in common. He was a good friend who I benefited from knowing and I will now miss. Mike Oberdorfer, 6/20/24

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Nellie Crenshaw posted a condolence

Sunday, June 16, 2024

Tom and I were friends since probably 1977 when we both worked at Kirkwood Community College. He encouraged me to ride RAGBRAI in 1982 and broke down my bike for loading on the bus that would take us to the west side of Iowa to begin the ride. We remained friends til his death and spoke by phone at least once a month in the last several years, more often when he was caring so devotedly for his wife, Pat. A great memory is when he, former colleague Pat Otis and I met at the Dallas airport, probably 1997 or 1998, where I picked them up to continue our journey to Texas A&M. We took a side trip to Archer City to visit Larry McMurtry's bookstore. Later, when we stopped for a late lunch at the Green Frog Cafe, Tom asked me about my conversation with "Larry." I looked at him in disbelief as I had not realized I was asking Larry McMurtry, there in person, if the bookstore carried one of Cormac McCarthy's books. What a moment!! The three of us relived it fondly whenever we were together. Christy Crenshaw

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Phil Michel posted a condolence

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Sorry for your loss. Tom was my welding instructor at Kirkwood. He was a great teacher and friend, always wanting the best for you.

A Memorial Tree was planted for Thomas Gartland

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Henderson Barker Funeral Home West Branch Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

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The family of Thomas G. Gartland uploaded a photo

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Thomas G. Gartland

1941 - 2024

Plant a tree in memory of Thomas