Dr. Garrison

Dr. Melvyn V. Garrison was born in Lewisburg, West Virginia on March 28th, 1933, the youngest of three children to James and Elizabeth Garrison. He attended grade school and high school in Lewisburg and went on to West Virginia State University where he completed his PhD in Animal Nutrition. Melvyn also joined the US Army where he served his duty in Germany and Korea and achieved the rank of First Lieutenant. Once out of the military, he moved to Denver, Colorado and married Geraldine Ellison. From that union, his only daughter, Sylvia "Sissy" Davis (Garrison) was born.

When that union ended, Melvyn raised his daughter and Geraldine's son, Lloyd Gales. He loved Lloyd and therefore, raised him as his only son until 1977. In 1978, while working for the Denver Wildlife Research Center, he was assigned to work in the Philippines. He met Madeleine (May), married her in 1981 and the family returned to Denver that same year. He continued to work for the Denver Wildlife Research Center as a Research Physiologist for more than 30 years until he retired in 1994.

Melvyn loved to cook and bake. He was always sharing his pies and cookies with his friends and family. He also enjoyed fishing trips with his friends and with his son-in-law, Gary. He absolutely loved his breakfast group friends. He met with them for breakfast once a month even after he retired. This was an event that he always looked forward to. Even in the midst of his numerous medical problems, he would still get on his Access-a-Ride bus to meet his dear friends.

Many also knew him as an extremely dedicated and loving father to his daughter, Sylvia. He raised her alone until he met the love of his life, Madeleine.

Melvyn leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife (of 38 years) Madeleine Garrison , one daughter Sylvia Davis, one son, Lloyd Gales (JoAnn) of Baltimore, Maryland, his only grandchild, the apple of his eye, Sydney Davis, one son-in-law, Gary Davis, his furry granddog, Millie Davis and a host of relatives and friends.

There is no disappointment in heaven
No weariness sorrow or pain
No hearts that are bleeding and broken
No song with a minor refrain
The clouds of our earthly horizon
Will never appear in the sky
For all will be sunshine and gladness
With never a sob nor a sigh