Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Garvin – a WWI veteran, Pearl Harbor survivor – dies

Pearl Harbor Survivor George “Bud” Garvin shakes the hands of Fairchild Air Force Honor Guard members Dec. 7 after a ceremony at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of the attack that began America’s involvement into World War II. (FILE)

World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor George “Bud” Garvin died April 15. He was 100.

Garvin was an Army infantry officer stationed at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. He was getting his morning newspaper at his home across the street from Wheeler Army Air Field when the first wave of bombers came.

He also landed at Omaha Beach and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

“His story, what he contributed during World War II, is unparalled,” said son Woody Garvin, a Presbyterian pastor.

Garvin rarely spoke of his war service, Woody Garvin said.

“He never glorified war or his role in war. It was more about doing the right thing,” Woody Garvin said.

Garvin was living at home until just days before his death.

Besides his son, Garvin also is survived his wife, Mary Lee Van Winkel-Garvin; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A service was held Wednesday at Manito Presbyterian Church.