Sedona businessman and World War II veteran William T. “Bill” Garland died Sunday, May 25, at his home in Sedona surrounded by family.
Born June 28, 1916, in Seattle, and raised in Vancouver, B.C., Garland moved to Phoenix in 1938. A veteran of World War II, Garland flew 29 missions as a B-17 bomber pilot, was shot down over Czechoslovakia and spent a year in a German prisoner of war camp.
After his return from Europe, Garland married Georgiana Isham of Phoenix.
Sedona businessman and World War II veteran William T. “Bill” Garland died Sunday, May 25, at his home in Sedona surrounded by family.
Born June 28, 1916, in Seattle, and raised in Vancouver, B.C., Garland moved to Phoenix in 1938. A veteran of World War II, Garland flew 29 missions as a B-17 bomber pilot, was shot down over Czechoslovakia and spent a year in a German prisoner of war camp.
After his return from Europe, Garland married Georgiana Isham of Phoenix.
He served as president of Garland Steel Company, which he ran successfully until he sold the business in 1970. While in Phoenix, Garland served on the Phoenix city council and as the city’s vice-mayor.
Garland served in many Phoenix civic organizations, including in the high post of Big Chief of the Thunderbirds.
Upon retirement, Garland and his wife moved the family to Sedona, where they purchased Todd’s Lodge, which became Garland’s Oak Creek Lodge.
Garland started a number of other businesses in Sedona, including Garland’s Navajo Rugs and Garland’s Indian Jewelry.
A driving force behind the creation of the Posse Grounds Park ball fields, the Sedona Teen Center now located there was dedicated in honor of Garland’s work for the park. Garland was a charter member of the Sedona 30, Garland’s son, Dan, said.
“He worked tirelessly for various other organizations in our community,” Dan Garland stated. “He will be missed by many Arizonans who loved his quick wit and admired his leadership and dedication to improving the lives of those around him.”
Garland was preceded in death by his wife, Georgiana, in 2006. Garland is survived by his sister Verna Engelking of Sun City, his children, Gary, Susan and Dan, and eight grandchildren.
A private ceremony for family is planned to celebrate Garland’s life in keeping with his wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations to Northern Arizona Hospice or the Museum of Northern Arizona are encouraged, Dan Garland stated.
Greg Ruland
Larson Newspapers
