|
| Jack
Garvey was known for his friendly hellos along Church
and 28th streets. Photo courtesy Linda Ost |
A fine Irish gentleman, Mr. John L. Garvey, who
lived on
28th Street for several decades, has gone to meet his maker.
Neighbors would be
greeted by his kindly high-five and smile. When asked how he
was doing, he
would often say, “Well, you know, I have my aches and pains
and this and that,
but the good Lord has given us this lovely day, so I can’t
complain.” He
frequently said, ”Every day is a good day.”
Jack, as he preferred to be called, was born
near Dublin,
Ireland, and grew up with 10 siblings. He emigrated first to
England, then to
Canada, and finally to America. He was a machinist by trade,
who retired from
Caterpillar Corporation and then moved from San Diego to San
Francisco. He
survived his wife and daughter by many years.
Being such a friendly person, he had many good
friends and
neighbors who helped him as he aged. At the age of 97, he was
still walking to
do his errands and to attend St. Paul’s Church. He would sweep
the front walk
and then sit in front of the apartment house in the sun and
visit with whoever
walked by. His life stories were a pleasure to share and he
would always ask,
so what are you up to now? He liked seeing the neighborhood
dogs and always had
a little pat for them. He traveled to Ireland in August of
last year; when he
left to return home, the entire family was there to send him
off. He was a
strong man of faith, who lived his life in gratitude.
On April 27 at 4:30 a.m., he took his last
breath and went home
to be with his Lord and family. He lived 98 years and four
months, each day
being a positive person. We who knew and loved Jack will
remember him, and we
will put forth the optimism, gratitude, and love he showed us.
The last thing
he said to me was, “Tomorrow it will be better.”
Linda Ost
28th Street
