Sam Garver

Sam passed away peacefully September 30, 2012 at 5:40pm. He was born November 10, 1933 to Richard and Bertha Garver in Farrell, PA. He was one of 7 children. He joined the Army in 1953 and discharged in 1955. Sam was a Plastic Mold Maker by trade but most would say he lived life to the fullest being the most kind and GENEROUS man anyone could encounter. He married Dorothy (Dot) Langdon on June 11, 1955. They had 3 daughters, Cheryl, Vicki, and Kim. Dorothy passed away on February 6, 1983. Sam married Cathie Ollila on January 16, 1999. They were together 18 years. He gained a daughter Debbie and son Danny with this marriage. As you all know there isn't anyone Sam met that didn't become his friend. He was full of life and had the most beautiful eyes and smile, and gave the best hugs. He was so passionate about waterskiing. He had 2 longtime waterskiing buddies, Fred and Frank. They were great at challenging each other to the next level. He taught so many to water ski, trick ski and barefoot; Jackson Lake and Sloan's Lake were like his second home. For many years Sam was a volunteer with Adaptive Water Skiing through Denver Parks and Recreation Special Needs Program. He was active in many hobbies from his younger years on, hunting, fishing, trap shooting, skeet shooting, private pilot, snow skiing, hot air ballooning, scuba diving, building and flying RC planes, hiking and his greyhound dogs. He is survived by the love of his life Cathie, his daughters Cheryl Jones (Dennis), Vicki Mays (Jeff), Kim Garver (Craig), Debbie (Colleen) and son Danny; grandchildren Kalli Jones, Sam Mays (Kristyn), Mikayla Mays, Sierra Mays, Dakota Mays, Amber Garver, Tabytha Garver and great grandson Jackson Mays; brother Robert Garver (Rosalie) and sister Ann McMullen; brother-in-law Hunter Jopes (Judy) and sister-in-law Betty Garver and many nieces and nephews. Sam was preceded in death by his first wife Dorothy; his parents, Richard & Bertha Garver; brother Art Garver; sisters Dot Thomas (Spike), Jo Langdon (Jim) & Jane Parsons (Dan); brother-in-law Ed McMullen; father & mother-in-law Jim & Elsie Langdon and father & mother-in-law Hank & Mary Jopes. Thanks to all our family, friends, and staff at Julia Temple Healthcare Center for the love, care and support you gave us through this difficult journey. Committal Service will be held Friday, October 12, 2012, 10:15 AM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area ""C"", 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80235. Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 13, 2012, 10:00 AM at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado 80227. Sam's family asks that attendees dress casual for the services. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Sam to either The Alzheimer's Association, 455 Sherman Street, Suite #500, Denver, Colorado 80203, www.alz.org and/or The Colorado Greyhound Adoption, P.O. Box 2404, Littleton, Colorado 80161, www.coloradogreyhoundadoption.com. Please share your memories of Sam and condolences with his family by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" link.