Remembering a Good Person and Making His Memory Last
The untimely death of Ted Garver has greatly saddened a number of people. His friends and co-firefighters at the Chisholm Fire Department still remain in shock. Those of us who were and are active members of the Arrowhead Regional Firefighters' Association will be in mourning for a long time. Ted Garver was a unique person. The Arrowhead Regional Firefighters' Association has a huge gap to fill in its executive corps. Ted Garver will be very hard to replace. For that matter, you simply won't be able to replace a person of his caliber. The person who takes the Secretary/Treasurer's slot will have some very big shoes to fill.
We all remember different things about those special people who have filled our lives. I'll remember Ted Garver trying to keep reigns on Arrowhead President Bob Brown during the organization's meetings. Bob's a great person, but he needs help with organizational skills (he is getting better). I'll also remember Ted's concern over how the Arrowhead spent its money. Ted watched over those funds like they were his own. Well, he did have the major responsibility of seeing how that money was used and whether our finances could be secure in the future. For those things, we are truly grateful to Ted for all of his hard and dedication.
Many things could be said about Ted's firefighting abilities. I didn't see that side of his life, but the folks at the Chisholm Fire Department have many memorable stories to tell. Rather than even try to repeat those stories, some of which are legendary, I will leave that task to those who were alongside of him during those days when Ted was at the height of his firefighting career.
When we lose a good person like Ted, we reflect upon our own lives and how we will be remembered when we go from this world. We question the impressions and memories that we leave with people. We may also wonder how we will be remembered in the years to come, when our good deeds and acts of kindness are all but forgotten. In Ted's case, a way has been found to preserve his memory. A scholarship has been set up in Ted's name. I really can't think of a finer way to remember a person. Can you? And, with that in mind, I would encourage all of you who read this to contribute to the Ted Garver scholarship fund. As a matter of fact, the next time you hear a Ted Garver story, reach for your checkbook or your wallet or your purse and make a contribution. I am sure that Ted would appreciate it. For more information, contact Chisholm Fire Chief Bob Brown at (218) 254-7921, Chisholm firehall.