Donald C. Garner

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.