Memories of Dad

He was born in Virginia during a time of financial difficulty in the United States.

Lloyd Harden Garretson, July 1, 1924. In my opinion, the world became a better place upon his arrival.

As a youth, he had two paper routes each day to help his family survive — one before school and one after. With his bicycle, he faithfully rode through the hills of Roanoke delivering the daily news without complaint. He was strong, wiry and persistent.

Later, he worked in a custom furniture shop, where he learned the craft and discovered he had an almost uncanny ability to recognize fine wood. He remained a master woodworker throughout his life. I still have some of his creations, and when I touch them, I smile because I know his hands were on them.

At some point, he took up golf, which became a lifelong joy. Like most things Dad pursued, he excelled.

He served in the military in the Air Corps. He had an exceptional ability to spot enemy aircraft; however, he did not reveal the extent of his skill during an evaluation and instead became a pilot for a brief time.

Dad later moved to the Detroit area and used his unique skill set to become a car designer. He influenced the design of several iconic automobiles, including contributing to the Corvette Split-Window Coupe by designing the split window! He also helped design early Ford Mustangs. Dad developed the first trunk release, and one of his final touches was ensuring his golf clubs would fit in the “back seat” of the Pontiac Fiero.

Not overly verbal, he enjoyed Mom’s repartee. Dad was highly observant – of dimensions, angles and people. He saw things many others missed.

Somewhere in Heaven, he and my brother James are together. James was not born alive. Dad told me he had seen James shortly before his passing in 2004.

Dad loved his wife, all of his children — three of whom were adopted — and me. He was kind, full of integrity and loved hot peppers.

I am honored to have his DNA.

Today is Father’s Day, and I remember you, Dad. A beautiful soul who taught us all many things.

I wish I could hug you today.

— RG