Memorial for Claire Garrett

On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, our quartet, 4Give 'n 4Get, was invited to attend a Memorial for Claire Garrett, wife of former member Walter Garrett.

I had never met Walter before, but having been informed that Claire had been to our annual shows until quite recently, I thought that perhaps I may have met her at some point during my 3 years with the Saints. Regardless, I felt grateful to be present.

The gathering took place at Mount Bruno United Church, an unassuming little building located in the suburb town of St. Bruno, tucked in across the road from a picturesque park next to a lake with a fountain. After we practiced our three songs outside, we joined the gathering.

The memorial was touching and moving. Many a person stood up and shared their stories and memories of Claire freely and openly. Their collective testimonies painted a picture of a woman who was warm, strong, welcoming, kind-hearted, open, and straightforward—just like those whom she had touched unforgettably for life.

Two touching memories were shared by her daughter, Susan, who had originally asked for us to sing to the congregation (specifically “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”, one of her mother’s favorites). 

The first was about how her mother, in her youth, had one summer hopped on the bus with a friend, each with only $2 in hand, to travel from New Brunswick to Montreal, and how they still managed to find an apartment when they got there. 

The second was about how her mother and Walter met when they had each traveled to the Netherlands as chaperones for students on a school trip, and had fallen completely in love (with a little help from alcohol).

She apparently was a truly free spirit as well! In retrospect, I felt that along with the songs we had prepared (including “Circle of Life” and “Ange de mon berceau”, “Bare Necessities” would have been the perfect song to celebrate her spirit.

Despite never having the opportunity to meet her in person, I felt a strong kinship with the congregation after performing our songs. Barbershop is indeed love.

Tatsuya