Born Jan. 6,1934 in Portland Oregon to Phelps and Leona Quitslund, Garnie passed away on March 24, while tending to his garden. Ever the avid gardener, Garnie took great delight in sharing its bounty with friends and family. Visits with Garnie meant receiving an assortment of fresh vegetables. Garnie’s passions were varied and ran deep. He enjoyed exploring the outdoors by way of hiking, camping, photography, or any other means to be with nature. When son, Josef, moved to Alaska, so too did Garnie’s interest for Alaska, the Yukon Territory and the First Nation Tribes.

Driven by a spirit for service and contribution rather than achievement, Garnie’s selfless passion for giving is his legacy. A long time Bainbridge Island fixture, Garnie worked quietly behind the scenes, committed to the preservation of open space, natural habitat, and native traditions. Named Citizen of the Year in 2002 by the Bainbridge Island Kiwanis Club, Garnie was honored for his commitment to community service. His tireless efforts as an advocate for greater self-governance led to the Island’s Home Rule Charter; his work with Habitat for Humanity preserved affordable housing; his leadership and fund raising efforts purchased the Blakely Harbor Park; his persistence preserved the Grand Forest, and the list goes on.

Garnie was proceeded in death by his wife of more than 50 years, Roberta “Bobbie”. He is survived by sisters Sonya, Tanya and Ingrid; sons Eric (Diane) and Josef; grandchildren, Aaron (Kadi), Tim (Danielle), River, and Rose, great grandchildren Landon, Sawyer, Owen, and Payton, Kaleb and Olivia.

A celebration of life will be held on April 15, 1:00 at the House of Awakened Culture, 725 NE Parkway, Suquamish. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chief Kitsap Academy, PO Box 498, Suquamish, Washington 98392. Garnie’s memory will be included during St. Cecilia’s April 22, Mass.