Richard Mark Garber

Date of Death: May 28, 2013

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visitation

Location Not Available

Friday 5/31, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

service

Opequon Presbyterian Church

Saturday 6/1, 1:00 pm

R. Mark Garber

Richard “Mark” Garber, 60, of Winchester, Virginia, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2013, in Winchester Medical Center after a long, courageous battle with a blood disorder.

Mark was born in 1952, in Winchester, Virginia, the son of the late Eli A. Garber and Alice J. Garber Williams. He was a graduate of James Wood High School, Class of 1971. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Shenandoah College in 1983 and his Masters of Business Administration in 1990.

Mark served as the Treasurer of the City of Winchester for more than 15 years being elected in 1997. He was the first Republican elected to a Constitutional office in Winchester. He received his Master of Governmental Treasurer from University of Virginia in October 2000.

His former profession was in banking, working for First Federal Savings and Loan and First National Bank in Strasburg.

He was a member of Opequon Presbyterian Church in Frederick County, Virginia.

Mark married Deborah Creel Wakeman on December 6, 1991, in Winchester, Virginia.

Surviving with his wife are four sons, Aaron Mark Garber and wife, Jennifer Thomas, of Richmond, Virginia, Justin Blair Garber and wife, Ashley, of Boulder, Colorado, Brandon Lane Wakeman of Winchester, Virginia, Tyler Hunter Wakeman of Charlotte, North Carolina; two grandchildren, Mayzie Thomas-Garber and Bella Thomas-Garber; three brothers, Michael Scott Garber and wife, Sharon, of Winchester, Virginia, Thomas Gail Garber and wife, Janine, of Capon Bridge, West Virginia and Eli Anderson Garber, II of Winchester, Virginia. Family also includes brother, Kenneth E. Williams of Gulfport, Mississippi, sisters, Krista Tucker and husband, Thomas of Warrenton, Virginia, Beth Hoffman and husband, Joseph of Frostburg, Maryland, his aunt, Tina Allen of Sacramento, California and numerous cousins.

He was a member of Kiwanis Club of Winchester serving as President from 2001-2002 and as Lt. Governor of Kiwanis International, Capital District, from 2008-2009. Mark was awarded the George F. Hixon Fellowship Award September 2008 from Kiwanis International as well as a lifetime membership from Kiwanis Capital District Foundation. He was a member of Winchester Moose Lodge 1283 for 39 years, Elks Lodge 867 for 18 years and a member of the Treasurer’s Association of Virginia since being elected.

Mark had a zest for life that was contagious. His favorite activities included hunting, fishing and boating. Mark was known for his love of family and friends. His passion in life was music, which he shared with all. He looked forward to playing weekly with “The Clubhouse Gang”. Mark wrote original songs which reflected his own life experiences. His songs and his music will be missed by all.

The family will receive friends on Friday evening, from 5:00-8:00 PM, at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.

A Memorial service will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Saturday, at Opequon Presbyterian Church, Winchester, Virginia, with Pastor David Witt officiating. Interment will be at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Donate Life, Inc., 9200 Arboretum Parkway, Suite 104, Richmond, Virginia, 23236 or Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, Virginia, 22601.

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Friday 5/31, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

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Opequon Presbyterian Church

Saturday 6/1, 1:00 pm

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R. Mark Garber Richard “Mark” Garber, 60, of Winchester, Virginia, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2013, in Winchester Medical Center after a long, courageous battle with a blood disorder. Mark was born in 1952, in Winchester, Virginia, the son of the late Eli A. Garber and Alice J. Garber Williams. He was aContinue Reading

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Our hearts are broken at the passing of our friend. We have fond memories of times spent with you and Debbie. You will be missed but our thoughts will always be with you.

Debbie and Family. You are in my thoughts and prayers

To the Garber Family--may God bless and keep you at this difficult time. I had worked with Mark as a client since 2006; his professionalism, courtesy, and kindness always brightened my day. Our family will keep you in our prayers, and we wish you strength and peace. I'll miss working with Mark and talking with him! God bless you all.

Debbie & Family, We want to express our sincere sympathy for your loss. Betsy & Gary Sibert

Debbie & Family We were saddened to learn of Mark's passing. Please know you are in our thoughts & prayers and have our sincere condolences. Mark was such an inspiration & community servant. Such a pleasant personality. Know words cannot express how we feel about your tremendous loss & this is being felt in our wonderful community. Sincerely Polly & Linwood DeHaven

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Debbie, words cannot express how I feel about the passing of Mark. Even though I knew Mark from high school he and I became close friends through TAV. I always enjoyed when he and I had classes together as there was never a dull moment with him around, it's a wonder we even passed the Customer Service class. His smile, his love for life, love for music and his sense of humor will be things I will always remember about him. His love for you shined in his eyes when he looked at you or talked about you, you truly were his angel. Sorry I cannot be there to give you a hug but I am sending it to you and remember no matter how hard times seem you will get through them with help from God, family and friends but also I don't think Mark wants any of us to grieve or be sad but to continue to live life to the fullest and never give up. Always remember the good times and the fact that we got to share them with Mark as we are all so blessed to have had Mark in our lives. Love Bev

Our thoughts are with Debbie and the family. Anyone fortunate to have know Mark have lost a wonderful friend. He will be sadly missed. Our deepest sympathy.

Sorry to hear. He was a great guy.. He will be missed by many. Thinking about Debbie and Family. Hope u all can find comfort during this time.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. God Bless you and yours and may you find comfort in the memory of this beautiful and loving soul who although is no longer with you, will remain in your heart for all time.

Thinking of you all at this time of sorrow

Debbie, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers today. May you find peace and comfort in precious memories of Mark. Know that he is in a beautiful place. May God bless you all, and give you strength in this difficult time. Sharon & family (JWHS Class of '71)

Debbie and family - I am so sorry that you have lost Mark. So many times I have prayed for you and your family and will continue to do so. Please accept my humble and heartfelt sympathy. Buddy was waiting for him at the Gates and they are together again. Beth Cristy

Our prayer to those Mark leaves behind is that God bless each of you in your time of sorrow and that He brings you solitude by knowing Mark suffers no more and is at peace with our loving Lord. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you during this sad time. With the love of the Lord, Aunt Middy, Bill (Randy), Nora Lee and Robin and families.

Debbie, my heart breaks for you and your family, yet all I can do is keep you in my prayers and thoughts. Blessings, Gail Davis Seibel

Dear Garber Family, My heart aches to think my brother, Mark, is now in the arms of Jesus. My deepest condolence to Debbie and all my VA brothers. Scott, Tommy and Skip, we have a lot of memories over our young years. I think of you often. My prayers and thoughts are with the entire family as you all go through this difficult period. I will continue to lift you up daily and especially on Saturday. God bless you and keep you. Love to all, Sherri

Debbie and Family - Mark was very special to me and he will be greatly missed. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

There are truly no words to let you know just how sorry I was to hear of Mark's passing. I'm sure that I don't need to tell you what a special and loving person he was. Being a new Treasurer (needing help), Mark always took the time to answer my questions with patience, encouragement and understanding. I'll truly miss his guidance and friendship. May God fill the coming days with wonderful memories and comfort for your grieving hearts.

Debbie and Family, I just wanted you to know how deeply sorry I am for you loss. Mark was truly a "prince of a fellow" and it was my pleasure to work with him on many Treasurer projects, and he always made every activity fun, which is sometimes hard when it is work. I will deeply miss him and the personal and professional relationship that we have shared. He was indeed a pleasure to know and work with, and always strived to provide the best possible service to the citizens of Winchester, as the elected Treasurer.

Dear Debbie and family Words don't express how much we feel your loss. We miss a dear, dear friend and "brother" every time we get together to play. So many fond memories of good times and laughter over the years. Please know you are all in our thoughts.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Garber family. May God help you find peace in your time of sorrow.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Debbie and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

All the Ritter's want to convey our sorrow in Mark's passing. Our families have known each other for generations and will truly miss Mark and his wonderful attitude and the contributions he made to Winchester and all it's citizens in his role as a public official. To Debbie and the rest of the family our hearts go out to you in this time of sorrow. From my children in Oregon, Georgia and South Carolina his passing leaves a void that cannot be filled but with fond memories of Mark.

OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DEBBIE AND YOUR FAMILY.MARK WILL BE MISSED. YOU TWO SUCH A GREAT COUPLE. LOVE YOU,CAROLYN & CHARLIE

Debbie and family, My heartfelt condolence on Mark's passing. He was a great friend for many years and I will cherish many wonderful memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lew

Always enjoyed the laughs and good times while hunting with you, your brothers, your sons, and your nephews. Peace be with you.

Debbie and family, I consider myself lucky to have known Mark for these many years. He was a bright spot in Gail's and my life and now I believe they are smiling together in heaven. A wise friend gave me this advice. Anytime you need Mark "he is only a thought away!" Love Rick

My prayers are with you and your family. I have many fond memories of Mark and his brothers. He will be greatly missed, God Bless Dee-Dee

I have fond memories of the Garber/Everett/Patton reunions. Mark always had a smile on his face and a memorable laugh. He will be missed by all who knew him and especially by his family and loved ones. We were blessed to have known him.

Debbie and your family... Mark was a good man, great Treasurer, awesome Kiwanian and a perfect friend to many. We will miss him dearly... God bless everyone during this sad time.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.