Douglas M Garner

Douglas M. Garner

1936 ~ 2016

Douglas M. Garner died surrounded by family at the Sunrise Creek Nursing Home in Montrose, Colorado on February 29, 2016 at the age of 80.

Doug is survived by his wife Maxine (Aspaas) of Montrose, Three sons, Jim (Kristi) of Montrose, Mark (Terry) Garner of Seminole, Texas and Max Garner of Anchorage, Alaska, a brother Roy Garner of Hotchkiss, Colorado and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was the proud grandfather to seven grandchildren.  Doug was preceded in death by his father Millard Golman Garner, mother Mary Hazel Hammond and sisters Eloise Nadine Garner and Mildred Eileen Williams.

Doug was born on February 14, 1936 in Norwood, Colorado and spent his childhood in the Disappointment Valley, growing up as one of the last pioneers.  He graduated from Norwood High School and jointed the Navy in 1955, serving two years aboard the minesweeper USS Engage.  He married Maxine Aspaas on December 27th, 1958.

Doug spent many years in the construction, mining and heavy equipment trades.  He will always be remembered as a man that could operate and repair anything with wheels or tracks.  As a businessman, he was noted for his honesty and integrity.  Doug spent two years working for the Department of Defense destroying chemical weapons on Johnston Atoll. After returning from the Pacific, he was the Assistant Road Foreman for the Montrose County in the Nucla District.  He farmed and raised hay for over 13 years, before retiring to Arizona in 2006.

Doug loved the outdoors.  Hunting, snowmobiling and 4-wheeling were his passions.  He passed this love on to his children and grandchildren.  Many fond memories were made following Gramps as he broke the trail or led the way on some grand adventure.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 AM, March 17th at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel, 802 E. Main St., Montrose.  A reception will follow at the United Methodist Church, 19 South Park Street in Montrose.  Interment and graveside services will be conducted later in the day at the Cedar Ridge (Nucla) Cemetery at 3:30 PM.

Donations in Doug’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/donate or to HopeWest Hospice, 725 S. 4th Street, Montrose, Co. 81401.  The family would like to thank the staff members of Sunrise Creek’s Memory Care Unit, and HopeWest Hospice for their efforts to ease the passing of this beloved man.  Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, in Montrose is assisting the family.