Garland Stamper
May 4, 1955 - November 1, 2012

"Garland's Eulogy written by Lenore & delivered by Tanya: Hello, my name is Lenore, and Garland is my oldest friend. We met in 1971 when we were both in high school. I wanted to live in Springboro, and he preferred the working class environment of Franklin. He would drive over with Larry in tow in his parents' old station wagon, and later on in his own prized yellow Volkswagen. We've remained close over the years, visiting each other's homes and families. A connoisseur of culture, Garland loved music, movies, and books. He had encyclopedic knowledge of all three areas. As Tanya says, he'd met the lead player of every band you never heard of. He could also tell you the names of the rest of the band and other bands each member was in. He didn't know just about sixties music, either. He kept up with new music and was accepting of new styles. On movie nights when I visited, he turned me on to many of my favorite films like Bulworth and Big Fish. I once thanked Garland for touching the hearts of classrooms full of inner-city kids by giving me a copy of Smoke Signals. In high school, he read all four-plus of the hobbit books, showing great commitment to fantasy--but he also read The Gulag Archipelago about the labor camps in the Soviet Union. He continued with tomes about politics, history, and labor unions. I also often came back from a visit with new social and political ideas to discuss. Garland had an open-minded, critical intelligence. He was always thinking. You may not agree with his political sentiments, but they were cogently worked out and clearly expressed. Charles Bukowski, Garland's favorite poet, said "An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way." In that way, Garland was a conversational artist. He could easily hold his own in a conversation with anyone and often made people think long after the conversation was over. And meanwhile, Garland would feed you some delicious goodies he whipped up in the kitchen. He learned from his mom how to cook up a storm with whatever was in the house. He made great breakfasts and created dinners that you wanted to eat with full attention. Garland was a hard working man as well. He had a job at Camelot Records in the Dayton Mall while we were still in high school, and he worked ever since, mostly in construction trades. When it came to carpentry and electrical, he was a real craftsman who understood the technical skills as well as the aesthetics of how things should look. He often voiced his strong work ethic, telling the younger generation to "just get to work." These last few years have been hard on Garland, but he got a lot of joy out of his relationship with Sandy and visits from his friends. He will be warmly remembered by the many people he touched in life. He was a true original. I imagine him in heaven having tea and a conversation about Stalin with Alexander Solzeinitzyn... or listening to Charles Bukowski write poetry just for him... or teaching that crazy dog of his, Smedley, new tricks while Mark Sandman and John Lennon serenade him."

"I had a fist fight with Garland when we were in second grade. It continued from play ground back into the classroom. The teacher handed us over to to the principal who offered us the chance to finish the fight or shake hands. That principal would have been fired today but then he gave us both a chance to be "little men'' and walk away. God bless Garland and his family."

"I graduated with Garland from Springboro and I just read this. I am so sorry. Garland was such a nice guy and I have good memories of our schools days together. I am so sorry for your loss. "

"We're so sorry for your loss, Sandy, and want you to know we're thinking of you. Take comfort in the thought that his suffering has finally ended, and that your love and care for him during that time was a blessing for him and a privilege for you. Although we never met Garland, he must have been a great guy to earn your devotion. Reach out to your friends when you need them - they'll be just as privileged to be there for you. "

"Sandy, even though I didn't know Garland,I knew of him and all I ever heard bwas what a great person he was. I know you and the rest of your family will miss him in this life but remember he lives on in each of your hearts. Love to you Pam(PRU)"

"My Dearest Sandy, Mark and I both are so very sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband, Garland. He was one of the kindest men I have ever known. He welcomed me into his home anytime I came up to Ohio with a smile on his face and a hot cup of coffee to share. My life has been enriched by knowing and loving this "Gentle Giant".Garland ,you will be missed by so many,but rest easy my friend,I am so very relieved your pain is gone.Sandy, may God Bless you with his Grace now and know that whenever, wherever anytime you need me, I Will Be There...for a talk, a hug, a cry...I love you, my dearest friend.......Mr and Mrs Stamper and family,I am incredibly sorry for your loss.....may God cradle you in his palm throughout this part of your life. I ,too, lost my son at an eaarly age and no parent should ever have to go through this...God Bless you..."

"John, Beulah and Jennifer, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that my prayers are with you."

"Larry,very sorry about the loss of your brother. He is now out of pain and may he rest in peace."

"My prayers are going up for all of the family...It is so hard when we loose someone..Garland is my consin...I remember the times i would go to John and Bulaha to play and Garland was always so nice to me..I am 5 years younger so i know i had to of gotton on his nerves but he never did show it...He is a good man with a very big heart..and will be missed by many....love you guys....."