Greg Garmer, who is a dear friend of mine, died in a tragic accident Sunday afternoon, but while enjoying the outdoors which he truly loved. Greg went ice skating on St. Louis Bay backwater ice, broke through the ice and drowned.
Greg was a a long time member of the Duluth Audubon / Northeastern Minnesota Birding Alliance and frequently went on sponsored outings such as the warbler walks. Greg rarely missed a chapter meeting. In addition, Greg is a retired Lutheran pastor and many Duluth churches are in a state of shock.
He was first my pastor, and but then so much more after he retired … including my birding buddy. We often spent hours in the car together as we drove to remote spots in northern Minnesota. Here Greg is looking for late migrating ducks out over a lake in the BWCA to which we had hiked.
The last time I saw Greg was a bit over one week ago. He had excitedly stopped by my home to let me know a Northern Shrike was near by. Of course I dropped everything I was doing and went to find the bird.
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Greg and I even skied the 54k American Birkebeiner together. Mary (his wife) had asked Molly and me to take him to his first and only Birkie. Mary told us Greg would be impossible to live with if he never skied a Birkie!
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Greg … these birds I saw yesterday morning are for you. Before hearing the news about Greg, I had been up at Sax-Zim Bog before sunrise. It is very appropriate that the last bird I saw in the Bog was a Northern Shrike.
there are tears in my eyes now for this great loss. so very sorry
Mr Hoeg I don’t know if you’re aware but there’s an important organization called Project Snowstorm that tags Snowy Owls both in the US and Canada and follows their movements. I thought your readers might enjoy a column from you on the work they do. I think their work is fascinating.
I love Project Snowstorm, and have posted in prior years about the organization, but you correctly remind me it is time for a new post!
A definite loss for the community. Our paths crossed both birding (he always shared sightings in his spotting scope) and biking along the North Shore (stopped to offer help after a flat tire). He will be missed.
Greg was a great colleague and friend from seminary days. Great guy
Pastor Greg was an amazingly kind, infectious joyous person. Full of light and love. Every time I got to see him was truly a blessing. He was a friend to all. We will be so missed by so many.
Thank you for this memory of our dear Pastor Greg!
Sorry for your loss!
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your friend. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
It is always tough to lose a friend.. I am sending comfort, strength and prayers to you and his family/friends…
Judy Drew
Dear Richard,
I am so sorry your dear friend Rick has died…so sudden and tragically …so young… how heartbreaking! Such a loss!!!
Thinking of you and Greg and families and Duluth community during this time of grief…
With sympathy,
Kathy Brown
a daily follower
I agree with Jane. Hearing about the man after such a tragic accident is appreciated. Everyone, please stay on safe, thick ice. Best to you Rich.
I am so sorry. My heart hearts for you and for Greg’s family. You all are in my prayers.
Oh I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. Thank you for putting a story to the name…..