Donald L Garrant

Donald L. Garrant, 82, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2018 in Plattsburgh, NY. Born in Plattsburgh on August 7, 1935 to Evelyn (McMaugh) & Lawrence Garrant. Don was a lifelong resident of Plattsburgh and a graduate of Our Lady of Victory Academy in 1953 and the State University of New York at Plattsburgh in 1957 and 1959 receiving a Bachelor and a Master of Science in Education. He is survived by his wife of 58 years and the love of his life, the former Mary E. Ferrari, who he met at Our Lady of Victory Academy. Together, they raised four children in Plattsburgh: Kathleen Garrant of Plattsburgh (Todd); Michael Garrant (Vanessa) of Blairstown, NJ; Susan Quinn (John) of Naperville, IL; and John Garrant (Gina) of Slingerlands, NY. Don will be missed tremendously by his nine grandchildren: Megan Briddell of Plattsburgh; Christopher (Bryn) Briddell of New Haven, CT; Emily (Matt) Delaney of Chesterbrook, PA; Joe (Meghan) Garrant of Richmond, VA; John Patrick, Stephen and Matt of Naperville, IL; and Lindsey and Ryan of Slingerlands, NY. Don is also survived by his brother, Richard Garrant (Linda), of Plattsburgh, and a sister in-law, Joan Herman (Carl) of Rotterdam, NY and several nieces and nephews as well. Don & Mary loved to spend their winters in Florida at Ocean Village on Hutchinson Island and enjoyed playing golf and spending time with friends. Don had a fond attachment to his two basset hounds, Wrinkles and Arthur. Don worked at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh as the chief public relations officer for 39 wonderful years. He was recruited to his alma mater by President George Angell in August 1960 to be director of public information. Promoted to assistant to the president for college relations in 1968, he served in that capacity until he was named executive assistant to the president for college relations and development in 1988. Ten years later, he was named vice president for institutional advancement, a position he held until his retirement in 1999. Don helped establish the Plattsburgh College Foundation, the college's fund-raising program, and served as its first Executive Director. Don received the 1999 Distinguished Service Award, the College's highest honor during the 109th Spring Commencement Exercises. In 2002 he was appointed to the SUNY Plattsburgh College Council and in 2004 Governor George Pataki appointed him chair of the College Council. Garrant was a leader in his community for many years. He enthusiastically served on the Clinton County Legislature and was grateful for the opportunity to represent the people who elected him from 1974 until 2000, including serving as chairperson. His children have fond memories of walking with him door to door to meet his constituents while campaigning. Don had a strong commitment to ensuring improved communication between government and the people it served. He conducted Ward 3 forums to allow residents voices to be heard. He was appointed to the board of directors of the Plattsburgh Air Base Redevelopment Corporation in 2001. A past president of the Plattsburgh Board of Education, Plattsburgh and Clinton County Chamber of Commerce and the Plattsburgh Jaycees, Garrant has received numerous awards including in 1966 by the New York State Jaycees as one of Five Outstanding Young Man of the Year in New York State. He has served on the Clinton County United Way, Clinton-Essex Chapter of the American Heart Association and the Clinton County Youth Bureau to name just a few. In 1957-1960 he was a school community relations coordinator/junior high school teacher in the South Colonie Central School District. In 1953-1957 he was the Sports Editor, Sunday Editor and Assistant City Editor for the Plattsburgh Press Republican. Don was a proud parishioner of St. Peters Catholic Church, serving in many volunteer and committee positions. He was especially thankful for the leadership and friendship of Father John Yonkovig. Dad, you will be missed immensely! Your gift to serve your church, family, community, and especially Mom will always be remembered. We love you! Donations may be made to the Donald L. & Mary E. Garrant Scholarship in care of the Plattsburgh College Foundation, 101 Broad St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901. The scholarship aids undergraduate students who are graduates of either Seton Catholic Central School or Plattsburgh High School who demonstrate financial need and academic ability. Calling hours will be held 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, at the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh. A mass of Christian burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, at St. Peter's Church, 114 Cornelia St., Plattsburgh, with Rev. John Yonkovig officiating. Burial will be later in St. Peter's Cemetery in Plattsburgh. Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, New York 12901 (518) 561-3980. Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com