Paul Garvin
February 08, 2015
Paul Garvin, 63, passed away unexpectedly due to complications of cancer on Sunday, February 8, 2015 surrounded by his family. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines; with the funeral service on Friday, February 13 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 10395 University Ave. in Clive.
Paul graduated from Dubuque Wahlert High School, the University of Wisconsin Platteville, and attended Drake to pursue his Master’s in Education. Paul worked for 25+ years in radio broadcasting and then later as a financial planner. Upon retirement he was a substitute teacher in the Des Moines and West Des Moines school districts.
Paul became an avid Michigan State fan when his son Jon attended college there. But above all else, Paul loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 34 years, Sue Toma-Garvin; son, Jon Garvin; brother, James (Maria) Garvin; niece, Christine Garvin; mother-in-law, Delores Thoma; other loving relatives and many special friends. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Helen (Edwards) Garvin.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a contribution to The Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Sara-Beth Badalamente (O'Connor)
02/19/2015
Jon and Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. Paul was such a welcoming, kind, inspiring and amazing man. He will be missed. Know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelly Patterson-Brown
02/14/2015
Sue, I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen stook
02/13/2015
My deepest sympathy for Sue and Jon at this sad time
Laurie Briden
02/13/2015
I will so miss our fun dinner outings at the Club! We always had the best conversations over lots of wine! Paul was always entertaining, witty and funny! He really could make us all laugh!
I am so happy that he fulfilled his educational "wish"!! He will be missed by all the children he touched with his knowledge of not only history but life.
Cheers to you Paul!
Call me anytime Sue for anything!
David Hotchkiss
02/12/2015
Sorry for your loss.
Jim Dolan
02/12/2015
Paul and I were best friends since 4th grade. My deepest sympathies to Sue and their son Jon. Paul will be missed. He was a good friend and a good guy.
Bob and Linda Fitzgerald
02/12/2015
In a time long ago, in a place not too far away, we had the pleasure of getting to know some friends of family on a ski hill. That's when we met Paul and Sue and quickly discovered why people called you friends. Paul will be missed, but never forget the good times.
Robert Rigg
02/12/2015
I am deeply saddened to hear of Pauls passing. Sue, you and your family are in my thoughts.
Rick and Mary Ellen Bratkiewicz
02/12/2015
Sue and Jon...So sorry for your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I so enjoyed visiting with Paul when he was a substitute in our building. He will be deeply missed.
Gretchen Mlinar Thompson
02/12/2015
Sue and family...so sorry to hear of Paul's death. I pray that your grief will phase into fond memories and love that you both shared for so many years.
Phyllis Irish
02/11/2015
Sue and Jon, I'm so sorry and was shocked and saddened to here about Paul. His crazy sense of humor and stories will always provide you with a smile and good memories. He was so proud of Jon.
Terri Schultze Blaskovich
02/11/2015
Sue, so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband, Paul. My prayers are with you.
Jim Field
02/11/2015
Sue, we are so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. Deb & I always enjoyed his stories and our visits on our Washington DC trips, especially to McCormick & Schmick's. He will be greatly missed! You have many friends who are praying for your family at this time.
Buzz Paterson
02/11/2015
Sue, my deepest sympathies during this sad time. No one can take away the sorrow, but hopefully the support and concern of others will help give you strength in the days ahead.
Polly Prince Johnson
02/11/2015
Sue, my heart goes out to you and your family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.