FAIRMONT — Mike Garry’s imprint is everywhere in Fairmont.

From the Knights of Columbus Hall on the north side, to the hospital on the south and the Catholic grade school in between.

At the Martin County Historical Society, in the public schools and at Cedar Point Scout Camp on Iowa Lake, just north of the Iowa border.

Garry served, raised funds, advised and contributed to many local groups in countless ways over his 95 years, right up until his last day. And since his death Friday, the gratitude of those who knew him is resonating around town as they recall his benevolence.

Garry’s eight children — perhaps his greatest legacy — catalogued their father’s accomplishments in an extensive, moving account of his life in his obituary in Monday’s edition of the Sentinel. (www.fairmontsentinel.com/obituaries/2019/10/21/michael-g-garry)

They noted his business life, leading Garry Elevator Inc. for 40 years before selling it in 1986. They noted his love of church and community, leading him to get involved as a volunteer on many fronts, and in partnership with his wife, Liz. And they made sure to emphasize what really made him tick: “Anyone who knew Michael knew that he wasn’t defined by his activities and projects. He was, as we all remember, defined by how eagerly he smiled at the sight of a friend, how much he could not wait to meet that new person sitting next to him, how much he was interested in every person to whom he was talking. As he once wrote, ‘over a lifetime your contribution in this world will not be measured so much by what you have accomplished but rather by what you have stood for as a person.'”

The family’s appreciation for their patriarch’s life, accomplishments and goodness is shared throughout Fairmont. Others weighed in this week:

o Fairmont Mayor Deb Foster: “Mike’s obituary started with, ‘Everybody was always good to me. And they still are.’ I would like to add, ‘Mike Garry was always good to all people.’

“Mike lived a life as a devoted public servant. He made a positive difference in the lives of so many people, young and old, through financial support, through his words of wisdom, his words of encouragement and his words of hope. Fairmont will be forever grateful for Mike Garry.”

o Frank D. Samlaska, past vice president-chairman of membership, Twin Valley Council Boy Scouts of America: “Mike Garry was a mentor and a Scout leader with character and values who helped shape Twin Valley Council to what it is today. He wanted camps Cedar Point and Cuyuna for our Scouting generations to come.”

o Sarah Striemer, principal of St. John Vianney School in Fairmont: “Mr. Mike Garry is described by members of St. John Vianney School in many different ways — biggest cheerleader, volunteer champion, legend and pillar of the community. He and his family support our school in many different ways. Our school gym is named the ‘Michael and Elizabeth Garry Gym’ because of their financial generosity to our school over many years. Mr. Garry and his wife, Liz, had the foresight to help in the development of the SJV School Endowment, which over the years has given almost $2 million to SJV School.

“I have many memories of Mr. Garry, but one that sticks out to me as a principal is the day that he and his daughter came to school during my first year as principal. He sat in my office and we visited about things that were happening at school, what needs we had and how much he loved our school. He asked for our school roster. We went through each class and he asked me about each student. He wanted to know who their parents were and if there was anything he could do to help each of them.

“I truly believe that Mike’s faith and prayer life has positively affected all of us here at SJV school. His financial support for our school was amazing, but his prayers for our school, teachers, students and families was even greater. We are a better school because of Mike Garry. He will be missed by all.”

o Lenny Tvedten, director of the Martin County Historical Society: “The passing of Mike Garry is a tremendous loss to the community. Mike meant a great deal to the Martin County Historical Society. He was a former MCHS Board member and had a genuine interest in history, especially local history. He and I would often visit about local history and I appreciated his knowledge and keen recollection of the past and how it influenced the development of Fairmont and Martin County. His ability to describe events and individuals from the past in our local history enabled us to more accurately document our history in a factual and meaningful manner.

“Mike was a friend to all, a friend to the Martin County Historical Society, and a friend of mine. Although he will be missed, he will not be forgotten.”

o Andy Lucas of the Fairmont Area Knights of Columbus: “As the news of Mike Garry’s passing circulated our area, the need to reflect on the impact that he had on our lives became apparent. My reflection is based on my involvement with the Knights of Columbus.

“Mike became a member of the Fairmont Area Knights of Columbus in 1950, becoming Grand Knight in the 1955-1956 council year.

“During the years that I have known Mike, he truly exemplified the meaning of knighthood. He always put the interests of others before his own, while emphasizing charity as the main focal point.

“Mike also believed in treating everyone equally, without concern for the material possessions that they might or might not have.

“Mike had a great impact on the Fairmont Area Knights of Columbus, on the St. John Vianney Church and School, and on the Fairmont community. He will be truly missed.”

The family has invited the community to join them for a public rosary for Michael Garry at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont. It will be followed by visitation from 4-8 p.m. A short prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m., followed by refreshments and recollections.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Fairmont, with visitation an hour prior at the church. A lunch will follow Mass at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Fairmont.

Burial will be held Sunday in Calvary Cemetery, Blue Earth.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John Vianney Endowment Fund or the Martin County Historical Society.