Robert Wayne Garrett

was born on the 23rd of January 1930 as the third and youngest child and only son to Imogene and Oran

Garrett in Henrietta, Clay County, Texas. He always spoke very fondly of his sisters, particularly Kitty,

the youngest one, whom he considered his best playmate and friend.

He went to school in Wichita Falls and graduated High School in 1948. He had many friends and excelled as a much admired and enthusiastic cheerleader, followed by 4 years at Midwestern University from 1948 until 1952, where he was part of the top cheerleading team for all four years.

In 1952 he joined the Navy, starting with his training in San Diego, and subsequently served in Japan. He had many good stories to tell about his time in Japan, and he was very fond of his “Mama San the lady

of the house where he lived. She introduced him to Japanese food and art. He was stationed in Japan for 4 years before returning to the States and briefly serving in New York, working as an assistant to a Navy

admiral. When he moved back to Texas, he was the manager of an exclusive hospitality venue in Dallas.

One evening a very handsome and charming gentleman, Arthur Watson visited the restaurant and, at the

end of the evening, asked Bob if he wanted to join him for a drink. Bob agreed and when Arthur (as Bob

would recall) drove up in his beautiful, black and shiny Cadillac convertible, showing his best smile let’s just say,“ it was meant to be". Bob moved to Austin in 1959 and became the forever elegant, kind

and knowledgeable partner in Watson Associates, the top interior design firm until they retired in early

1992.

Watson Associates’ best known works include The University of Texas System’s Bauer House, The

Littlefield Home, the Regent’s Room, the Faculty Center and several other projects for The University as

well as many of the most stunning and unique homes and ranches in and around Austin.

The parties and gatherings at their home, The Chateau at 500 East 18th Street were legendary on all

levels.

When Arthur Watson passed away in January of 1993, Bob established the Arthur Pope Watson and

Robert Wayne Garrett Endowed Excellence Fund at The University of Texas.

Bob loved all things beautiful including music and voices. When he was not hiking in Austria or looking

at fine fabrics or antiques, he attended operas in Paris, Bregenz Salzburg, New York, Houston, Dallas,

San Antonio and of course, Austin. He was a beloved patron of Austin Opera.

During the last 10 years of his life, Bob was blessed with the gift of David Taylor’s time, friendship and caregiving. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to David. His companionship was a treasure to Bob’s life, and the

rest of us gained a new friend.

One of Bob’s favorite sayings was: I like creating beautiful places for beautiful people.

Robert W. Garrett, the talented, kind and generous man and friend, is now in the most beautiful place of

all: at the side of God.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, LaNelle Gulick and Kitty Flynn, and his partner, Arthur

Watson. He is survived by his nieces, Linda Flynn and Anita Douglas; nephews, Doug Gulick and wife

Susie, Alan Gulick, and Bill Flynn and wife Margaret; many great nieces and nephews; and his close

friend of 50 years, Elisabeth Juen Waltz and her husband Steffen Waltz.

Funeral arrangements will remain private. A gathering to celebrate his life will be held at a later date.

Donations in his honor may be made to The University of Texas School of Architecture’s Arthur Pope

Watson and Robert Wayne Garrett Endowed Excellence Fund and to Austin Opera.