Thomas Wayne Garretson

"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen." Thomas was a U.S. Navy man who served on the U.S.S. Yorktown as a cook, in the years 1958-1962. He then became a Bend businessman creating his own TV repair company, and later created his own carpet cleaning business. After 10 years of business for self, Thomas then began working his 25 year long career in the Bend-LaPine School District as a custodian, retiring in 2001. Thomas was a wonderful and loving husband and father, and a great friend to many, very charismatic and carried a huge heart, always enjoying time spent with his family, leading them on many camping trips and family vacations across the western United States. He raised 6 wonderful children with his wife Jeanette, 3 sons, and 3 daughters, often making time to attend choir concerts, athletic events, religious celebrations, many birthdays, and holiday gatherings, always being there for his children and wife, whom he supported. He also enjoyed coin-collecting, gold-panning, black powder rifle events, and visiting various historical museums and monuments, especially involving U.S. history. A parishioner of St. Francis Catholic Church for 49 years, Thomas was an Honorary Life member of the Knights of Columbus Catholic Order, serving over 30 years and 2 years as a Grand Knight at a local parish council. He supported various charities such as Central Oregon Right to Life, the youth of our Central Oregon communities and the Catholic Church. Thomas is survived by his children Cheryl(Caleb/Clare), Ray(Pamela/Elizabeth/Rebecca/Abigail/Madeline/Thomas/Maximilian/Katharine), June(Joseph/Michael/Cydney), Sister Maximilian Marie, O.P., Greg(MacKenzie), and Andrew(Veronica/Liliana/Emilia), as well as his brothers Richard and Robert, and his sister Joan. The Garretson Family is holding a rosary vigil on Thursday, September 8th from 5-7pm at Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home in downtown Bend, during which the Rosary (5:30pm), Compline (chanted Night Prayer) and a candlelight Salve Regina Chant will be led by the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. The Funeral Mass will be held at the downtown Bend historic St. Francis Of Assisi Catholic Church on Friday, September 9th at 10am (599 NW Lava Rd.). The Funeral Mass will be preceded by the recitation of the Rosary & viewing at 9:30am. The Rite of Internment and Burial will follow the funeral services at Deschutes Memorial Gardens, (63875 N Highway 97) with Military Honors and a farewell Irish ballad. There will be a funeral reception at Hollinshead Park Barn in Bend, from noon-5pm to celebrate the remarkable life of Thomas Garretson. On Saturday morning, there will be a Softball Game in honor of Tom at Stover Park in Bend. Details forthcoming. Please check to confirm exact updated times of services in the updated obituary on 9/7/22, in case of any unexpected time change. The entire Garretson Family invite you to join in the celebration of Thomas W. Garretson's long and fulfilling life of love, laughter, faith, family, and friendship. We welcome you to attend any of the scheduled ceremonies/events. Above all, your presence is most appreciated, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made towards the "Dominican Sisters Of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist"(www.sistersofmary.org/give ) or the "St. Francis Historic Catholic Church Renovation Fund"(www.giving.parishsoft.com/App/Giving/sain2450195 ).

Tributes

Thomas Wayne Garretson

March 14, 1939 - September 1, 2022