Gregory Wendell Garber

Greg passed away on February 7th, 2023 of natural causes. He was born in San José, CA and grew up surfing in Santa Cruz, San Diego, and Hawaii. Greg often said that he felt at peace in the water and that the ocean was his church. His favorite place in the world was Honolulu, and he was so excited when he got to share it with his daughters! That was one of his most esteemed trips, as he loved sharing the island’s beauty and magic with them.

Greg is survived by his parents Skip & Nadean Garber, of Carson City, NV, wife Karina of Cypress, TX, daughters Kathryn and Abigail Garber of The Woodlands, step children Marco & Adriana Cartes of Cypress, TX, sister and nephew Susan and Kieran Cole of Carson City, NV and our beloved black lab, Midnight.

A true foodie, Greg enjoyed drawing inspiration for his cooking from the meals he shared with his friends and family at restaurants locally and abroad. Greg is best known to us for his delicious steak and chimichurri, grilled octopus, and who could forget those beignets? A recipe that he was always tweaking was his version of Scoma’s Cioppino. All of the ingredients were fresh—Greg was such a people person that he enjoyed getting to know the fish monger, butcher, and cashiers at H-E-B on his daily grocery run. He would passionately tell anyone who would listen that the best sourdough bread in our area would have to be at Whole Foods.

Greg was not only an amazing man, an amazing pilot and an even more amazing father. He enjoyed working out with Katie, checking out the shopping spree finds of all three girls, talking current events with Abby, having burgers with Marco, and going to the barn with Adri. He was a wonderful girl Dad, and showed up every day via text if not in person to make sure that he stayed connected no matter where in the world he was. Greg was selfless and always there for those he loved and cared for. He had a knack for making you feel at ease. If you were ever lucky to get a hug from him, you felt the sincerity and warmth behind it. His support and love will be missed heavily by all who loved him. He would be quick to add “How could you not?” (love him).

Greg loved to play his guitars. The one he mostly reached for was his red Les Paul. A natural teacher, he enjoyed teaching others how to play. He enjoyed listening and creating music. Old country music was a go to favorite to have playing when he was cooking. His Buck Owens replica guitar was a recent favorite to add to his guitar collection. Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, The BeeGees, Prince, Johnny Cash, Buddy Guy, and Nirvana, were just some of his favorites. He would listen to just about any genre, and was quick to get the sheet music for any new song that moved him, and learn how to play it on his guitar. Greg was always on the hunt for concerts and live music to share with his wife, Karina.

If you bumped into Greg while he was at work, you could count on his travel guitar being part of his duty items. He enjoyed being a long haul pilot, and his favorite aircraft was the 777. He had been a check airman and instructor at Continental Airlines in the early part of his career. He enjoyed flying to Rio, Amsterdam, London, Lima, Honolulu, and San Francisco. Our blended family met up with him on a layover in San Francisco, and he enjoyed showing us around and taking us to one of his favorite restaurants there, The Stinking Rose.

Greg loved to golf. Being used to being outdoors growing up in California, he sought to do something outdoors in Texas. There started his love and dedication for golf. That dedication was further solidified by the tribe of friends that he made. This brotherhood he held dear to his heart. He was overjoyed when he got to golf with his kids and buddies. He enjoyed being on the golf course and creating memories with his friends doing something they loved. “Come on son,” movie quotes, and trash talking shenanigans aplenty!

Greg’s final resting place will be where he felt at peace—the Pacific Ocean after cremation. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Greg’s name to The Wounded Warrior Project, or if you are local, to the VEL Institute in The Woodlands. Greg always supported US Veterans, a cause that was dear to his heart. Greg’s decades as a Navy reservist and his patriotism played a big part in his life.

If you read this far, we hope that by now the deep and unwavering love we feel for Greg are palpable. We could go on! Thank you for your prayers and comforting support during this difficult time. If we may, we would like to encourage you to take the time to give those you hold dear a hug.

Much love,

The Family of Greg Garber

A memorial service for Gregory will be held Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, Texas 77384, followed by a reception from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkthewoodlands.com for the Garber family.