July 6, 2021
Garner, Donald C.
Donald Clagett Garner, Norwood Massachusetts, passed peacefully in the comfort of his extended family, close friends, and neighbors on July 4, 2021. He was born in Norwood on April 2, 1930, his mother Hannah having declared that no child of hers would be born an April Fool. Despite the near brush, Don was destined for more serious pursuits. As the baby of the five children of James Garner and Hannah Church Garner, he developed from (and quite often against) his brothers a quiet sense of competition, with the rivalry lasting well into their senior years. Don graduated from Norwood High School in 1948. He was a prominent member of a large group of fellow Norwood High graduates and residents who met regularly for years until time ultimately diminished the group. Don followed his brother Ted’s footsteps by joining the Air Force in 1952. Don was committed to the service as it fueled two of his many passions – flying and mechanics – and seemed certain to be a careerist. Upon learning at re-enlistment, his promised promotion was not forthcoming, he established a pattern for which he would be widely known by family and friends alike by abruptly changing his mind. Don had a keen eye and a fine hand, and dabbled with art school. In part due to his restless nature, and according to him, at the urging of his art teachers, Don enrolled at Northeastern University to combine his mechanical skills with the study of engineering. He joined Factory Mutual Engineering Association (now FM Global) to begin a career that spanned decades and crossed continents. Don started as a commercial insurance appraiser, which satisfied more of his passions of constant motion and travel. He spent considerable time in the field crisscrossing the mid-west by car and plane before taking a job as an engineer in FM’s Chicago office. Don transferred to the Boston District and took on new role as an arson investigator. He then joined the Home Office and formed a team developing an ambitious program to educate fire departments on fire prevention programs using manual and fixed fire protection which he pursued until his retirement in 1995 and is still in use today. Don continued his pursuit of other passions. He built a cottage on Lake Winnisquam, New Hampshire, sharing many wonderful memories with family and friends. He bought a cottage in Beddington, Maine, where he could take another refuge from his amusing battle against even the hint of humidity or summer heat. He started the first of many collections ranging from model planes to cars to a sprawling train set that attracted children and adults alike at his well-attended Christmas Event that continued uninterrupted across almost three generations. Don also collected a close-knit group of former co-workers, friends, and neighbors who provided him friendship and then support in his later years. His 14 nieces and nephews doted on him, and he, in turn, often served as a counselor, confidant, surrogate father, and benefactor to many of them. However, Don was likely known best for irrepressible wit and humor that drew people to him and stories of which provide endless anecdotes among those who knew him. Don is survived by his family of 11 nieces and nephews, numerous grandnieces and grandnephews, and predeceased by his three nieces Julie Butler, Lisa Garner, and Suellen Garner. He will be genuinely missed by all that knew him. Calling hours are scheduled from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Thursday, July 8, at the Folsom-May Funeral Home, 85 Nichols Street, Norwood, MA. A funeral service will be held at United Church of Norwood 595 Washington Street, Norwood, MA 02062, at 10:00 am on Friday, July 9, with a graveside service to follow at the Highland Cemetery in Norwood.
Comments(10)
I had the great pleasure of working with Don during my 9 years at Factory Mutual in the 1980s. Don’s intelligence, integrity and work ethic were exceptional, but I especially appreciated his wry/dry/sly sense of humor. A lovely man in every way, I’ll remember Don with great fondness. Having relocated to Portland, OR I’m not able to join with others to honor his legacy but send my love.
Don was my supervisor at Factory Mutual for not as long as I had wished. He was a gentleman and fun to be around. He added to my life, Factory Mutual, and the world.
Sincerely, Dave Santos
He was the favorite Uncle of 14 Nieces and Nephews. He attended and brightened many dinners at his relatives homes. He generously invited all his family members to enjoy his cottage in New Hampshire on the Lake for vacations. Also invited and entertained his family members at his home for yearly Christmas Celebrations. Like all of our past and present family members we miss you already. Your nephew Robert Garner Johnson
Quick to smile with a nod and a laugh. One of his few regrets was never having children. He filled that void by being “Unc”. Throughout his adult life he entertained, befriended and assisted his
family. He loved having his nieces and nephews come to his house. He was generous with everything he had. He was a good man who will be greatly missed.
(But not his cooking skills). I know that made you laugh Unc.
Don was a great guy i enjoyed working with at FM, Boston District Office. Lots of fond memories. He was a great addition to FM, and we learned a lot from him. Rest in peace Don
Janet
Thank you uncle Don for welcoming me with opened arms. You were so kind and had the sweetest smile! You will be so missed.
Rest easy Don
Melissa
I am so sorry to hear about Don
He was always greeting me with a quick genuine smile and always concerned with how life was treating me and of course his quick wit comebacks. He never was at a loss for concern in his conversations.
A True Gentleman. My Condolences, thoughts and Prayers are with you all
George Spear
I’m so sorry to hear of Dons passing
I will always remember him for his quick smile with handshake and always concerned about how life is treating me – and of course his smile with his quick wit
A true Gentleman My thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this time. George Spear
I traveled for years with Don when he was FM’s Arson Program Manager. I was one of his guest speakers, on the subject of Explosion Evidence. I always tried to sit next to him at the group dinners so I could hear him grumble when the first young whipper snapper ordered a second beer. After his retirement, I became his car buying consultant. I tried to talk him into a Mustang GT 5.0, but he settled for Mrs. Rodman’s low mileage V6 ragtop.
Don was assigned my mentor when I arrived in Norwood in 1973 for my one year training, and he had a tremendous impact on me by continuously steering me in the right direction. The lessons of our joint visits still stick in my mind. A few years later he came to help the FM office in France to keep the growing workload under control, and I could return some hospitality favors to him. He was always very generous to me and I look back very fondly to the lunches with our FM group, each time a highlight of my many vacations in the area.