On Sept. 20, Gregory James Garman, 68, broke free of the confines of dementia that had robbed his friends and family of his talents and sarcastic ways for the last several years.
Greg was born June 20, 1958, to Robin and Paul Garman in Champaign, Illinois. He spent his formative years in Northfield, Minnesota. After high school, he studied at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. After moving to Crawfordsville in his twenties, he worked at Valley Bikes alongside his father.
In his 30s Greg began to paint amazingly realistic bird portraits. He did several pieces for the Nature Conservancy of Indiana as well as an annual painting for the Stihl chainsaw company.
Greg moved to the Traverse City, Michigan area in the mid 90s. During this time he expanded his artistic abilities to include carving. These were his happiest years.
In 2014 he moved back to Montgomery County to be closer to his aging mother who he loved and admired deeply. He opened NEST in Waynetown.
Greg loved nature, especially birds. He studied their behavior and traits through feeding stations outside his window and banding stations with groups in Michigan. He was a great cook. His family and friends enjoyed many fish fries and “best ever” Thanksgiving meals. He will be missed by his sister Chris, his nephew Tate, his nephew Blaine and family Kelsey, Arlo, and Poppy.
Greg’s talent will be appreciated for generations in paintings and carvings adorning homes throughout the country.
No services will be held. Memorials in Greg’s name can be made to Lye Creek Prairie Burn. Checks may be made out to Friends of Lye Creek Prairie Burn and mailed to 8152 N. C.R. 200E, Crawfordsville, IN 47933 or direct deposit at HHSB to the Lye Creek Prairie Burn account. Venmo and PayPal payment options are available.
