DRACUT - Ralph H. "Duke" Garland, 60, a longtime resident of Dracut, died unexpectedly Sunday October 21st at Lowell General Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Dorothy E. "Dorsey" (Patterson) Garland, to whom he was married for 38 years.
He was born in Woburn on September 27, 1947, and was a son of the late Ralph and Nancy (Findlay) Garland. He received his education in Wilmington Schools and was a graduate of Wilmington High School. He also attended Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky.
Mr. Garland served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
Prior to his retirement, he was employed for many years as a Police Detective for the town of Dracut.
In his free time he enjoyed golfing, fishing, and watching sports, especially the Boston Red Sox, and New England Patriots.
He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO), the Massachusetts Police Association, the Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Masons Friendship Lodge in Wilmington.
In addition to his wife he is survived by a son and daughter-in-law Dwayne and Kathleen Garland of Pelham, NH; two daughters and sons-in-law Dana and Michael Vigeant of Dracut, and Danelle and Peter Ravaris of Pelham, NH; a grandson Nicholas Ravaris of Pelham; a soon to be expected grandson Christopher Duke Ravaris; a brother Donald Garland of Chesnee, SC; a sister-in-law Patricia Murphy of Tewksbury; and a nephew Peter Murphy of Tewksbury.
Friends may call at the DRACUT FUNERAL HOME, 2159 Lakeview Avenue, DRACUT, on Thursday from 4 until 8P.M.. His Funeral Service will be held on Friday at 10A.M. at the funeral home. Interment in Gibson Cemetery, Pelham, NH. Those who wish may make donations in his name to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress St., 5th Flr, Boston, MA 02110.