Mark "Bud" Emerson Garrett Obituary (1944

Mark "Bud" Emerson Garrett was born on October 4, 1944, in Coraopolis, PA, and passed away on October 4, 2022, at the age of 78. He was the son of Nellie Emerson Garrett 1918-1980 and Lloyd "Lefty" Garrett 1914-2006. He is survived by his loving siblings and their families: brother Thom Garrett his wife Sue, Bud's niece Jenny (Garrett) Smith and her husband Tyler, and nephew Todd Garrett; and Bud's sister Kathy (Garrett) Cypher and brother-in-law Alan; and cousin Bonnie Milliron. Bud's cherished wife of 38 years, Kathleen Marie (McCarthy) Garrett, preceded him in death in 2003. In addition to a love that outlasted their lifetimes, Bud and Kathy shared a rare friendship, a wry outlook on life and a singular ability to accept its trials while laughing at its absurdities, and enormous pride in the three very different children they raised, each of whom has had the joy of knowing Bud not just as a father but also as their funniest and most dependable friend over the course of their adult lives: son Bryan Garrett, with daughter-in-law Jann and grandsons Drew, Jake, and Reed, of Beaver, PA; son Bradley Garrett, with daughter-in-law Elizabeth and grandchildren Madeline and Jackson, of Evergreen, CO; and daughter Megan (Garrett) Marsh, with son-in-law Patrick and granddaughter Myra Karpinski, and former son-in-law Michael Karpinski, all of Austin, TX. Bud attended North Allegheny High School in Wexford, PA, where he was recognized as a talented student and accomplished athlete whose Basketball prowess earned him induction into North Allegheny's Hall of Fame. He went on to study at Michigan's Adrian College, where he also excelled in sports, achieving Hall of Fame honors for his accomplishments in basketball in addition to track and field. Mark graduated with a degree in History and went on to teach history at Northwestern High School, in Darlington, PA, followed by 32 years at Blackhawk High School in Beaver Falls, PA. Bud was a kind, gentle soul who possessed great intellect. He was quick with a joke, loved to laugh, worked incredibly hard for his friends and family, and remained a fantastic athlete throughout his entire life. He had a reverence for sports and athletics and was always an active participant. He loved to be active and whether it was riding his bike, running, or playing one-on-one basketball, he was in his element. He was a dedicated friend, teacher, coach, father, and spouse. As an individual, he was thoughtful, present, and intentional. He operated in his daily life with sincerity and great integrity, knowing that his position in other people's lives mattered. Whether as "Mark," "Bud," "Mr. Garrett," or "Dad," he never took his role for granted. He gave so much to his students over his three decades of teaching. He often saw potential in students who did not yet see it in themselves; for those students, he nurtured, supported, encouraged, and pushed. While his courses were never seen as an "Easy A," that wasn't the point. For most of his students, whatever grade they earned was less important than the fact that it was imbued with growth, knowledge, and friendship. You may not have always known his personal perspective on a given topic, but you could be sure that whatever Bud said, he was going to make you think. He truly cared about other people and dedicated his entire life to the practice of thoughtfulness, in its many different forms. At the same time, he was also playful, sarcastic, and ever-quick with a smile. Adored by his friends and family for his fantastic and sometimes wicked sense of humor, he was a joy to be around. And though introverted, Bud was usually the sought-after company of everyone in the room. He cared so deeply for his wife and children, and that fact drove home to provide family life and childhood out of fairytales...one of joy, humor, hard work, spirituality, and respect. He helped to create rituals of importance around togetherness, friendship, and nature. Bud touched uncountable lives. We can all smile knowing that we touched his as well. There will be so many that remember him and his crooked smile and light giggle, that will find immense joy and peace at having gotten the chance to share a laugh (or a beer) with him. A memorial visitation will be held at Hill and Kunselman Funeral Home on Friday, November 11th from 2-4 pm and 5-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Mark "Bud" Emerson Garrett's memory to the Alzheimer's Research Foundation, link listed below.