Gilbert H. "Gilly" Garrison, 90, of Fairhaven died December 11, 2005 unexpectedly at St. Luke's Hospital.
He was the husband of the late Mary C. (Mackey) Matheson-Garrison.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of the late Frederick J. and Ruth (Hoffman) Garrison, he lived in the New Bedford and Fairhaven area for many years.
Mr. Garrison was the former proprietor of O'Brien's Cafe and the 19th Hole for many years. He also had been the club manager of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Pvt. A. Poirier Post 3260 for 10 years until his retirement at the age of 82.
An avid golfer, he was a former member of the Whaling City Golf Club, where he was the club president and tournament director of the Elmwood Association. He later joined the Reservation Golf Club in Mattapoisett, where he served as tournament chairman. Gilly claimed he had led a "charmed life", enjoying golfing, bowling, watching sports on television, and traveling to Florida every winter to visit family and friends on every coast.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy as a Gunner's Mate 1st Class. He was involved in the infamous Murmansk Run on a Liberty ship and later took part in the invasion of Okinawa. He later reenlisted and served during the Korean War.
Survivors include a son, Gilbert L. Garrison of Colorado Springs, CO; a daughter, Andrea L. (Garrison) Dorschied of Fairhaven; seven stepchildren, Paul Matheson of New Bedford, Neil Matheson of Fall River, Melinda Matheson of North Stonington, CT, Gary Matheson of Fairhaven, Barry Matheson of West Palm Beach, FL, Kurt Matheson of Marlboro and Erik Matheson of Berkley; 17 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Frederick J. Garrison.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, Thursday, December 15th at 11 AM.
Visiting hours Wednesday, December 14th from 2-4 and 7-9 PM.
Interment private.
Remembrances may be made to the Veterans Transition House, 20 Willis St., New Bedford, MA 02740.