Late legislator’s service to college, residents recalled by colleagues
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Former state Rep. Garth D. Everett, whose seven terms in the General Assembly coincided with a seat on the Pennsylvania College of Technology Board of Directors, is being remembered as a genial and reliable public servant.
The Loyalsock Township Republican, who represented Lycoming County's 84th District in the state house from 2007 to 2020, died Saturday, Jan. 28, on his 69th birthday.
"We are all very saddened to hear of Garth’s passing," said state Sen. Gene Yaw, who chairs the college’s board of directors. "I knew Garth for many years before he was a state legislator. We both graduated from Montoursville (Area) High School, and he always jokingly made a point to let everyone know that I graduated way before he did."
A 1972 high school graduate, Everett earned a bachelor's degree in business from Penn State four years later. He then joined the Air Force and served until 1997, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel, before graduating from Dickinson School of Law in 2000. As an attorney, he specialized in municipal and civil law and served as solicitor for a number of townships, boroughs, school districts and municipal authorities in the region.
"As veterans, we talked frequently about our service," Yaw added. "He went on to make a career in the Air Force. Later, we served in the same law firm together." Their paths crossed many times, in fact: In addition to their Penn College affiliation, both served on the boards of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania and the Chesapeake Bay Commission.
"Although there were times when we didn’t speak often with one another because our schedules differed," Yaw added, "when we did get together, after about five minutes, we were up to speed and on the same page. That working relationship was invaluable to our representation of our constituents.
“To have known him, and to have enjoyed his personality and lighthearted character, was truly a privilege. I will miss my friend. I offer my condolences to his wife, Sue; his family; and many, many friends.”
Among other heartfelt tributes:
“Rep. Everett served with distinction on the Penn College Board for nearly a decade,” said President Emeritus Davie Jane Gilmour, who led the institution during the lawmaker's 2011-2020 board tenure. “I could always rely on his advice and support. He was a strong advocate for Penn College in the Legislature and beyond, and he will be greatly missed by the college community. My sincere condolences to his family.”
“Garth Everett was a tremendous lawmaker and a good friend,” said House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster). “During his time in the Pennsylvania House, it was clear Garth was committed to his family first and the people of Lycoming County in the passion he brought to his work. I know I speak for the members of the House that served with him when I say that his loss will be felt and he will be missed.”
A full obituary is available from the McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home and in Wednesday's Williamsport Sun-Gazette.
The Loyalsock Township Republican, who represented Lycoming County's 84th District in the state house from 2007 to 2020, died Saturday, Jan. 28, on his 69th birthday.
"We are all very saddened to hear of Garth’s passing," said state Sen. Gene Yaw, who chairs the college’s board of directors. "I knew Garth for many years before he was a state legislator. We both graduated from Montoursville (Area) High School, and he always jokingly made a point to let everyone know that I graduated way before he did."A 1972 high school graduate, Everett earned a bachelor's degree in business from Penn State four years later. He then joined the Air Force and served until 1997, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel, before graduating from Dickinson School of Law in 2000. As an attorney, he specialized in municipal and civil law and served as solicitor for a number of townships, boroughs, school districts and municipal authorities in the region.
"As veterans, we talked frequently about our service," Yaw added. "He went on to make a career in the Air Force. Later, we served in the same law firm together." Their paths crossed many times, in fact: In addition to their Penn College affiliation, both served on the boards of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania and the Chesapeake Bay Commission."Although there were times when we didn’t speak often with one another because our schedules differed," Yaw added, "when we did get together, after about five minutes, we were up to speed and on the same page. That working relationship was invaluable to our representation of our constituents.
“To have known him, and to have enjoyed his personality and lighthearted character, was truly a privilege. I will miss my friend. I offer my condolences to his wife, Sue; his family; and many, many friends.”
Among other heartfelt tributes:“Rep. Everett served with distinction on the Penn College Board for nearly a decade,” said President Emeritus Davie Jane Gilmour, who led the institution during the lawmaker's 2011-2020 board tenure. “I could always rely on his advice and support. He was a strong advocate for Penn College in the Legislature and beyond, and he will be greatly missed by the college community. My sincere condolences to his family.”
“Garth Everett was a tremendous lawmaker and a good friend,” said House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster). “During his time in the Pennsylvania House, it was clear Garth was committed to his family first and the people of Lycoming County in the passion he brought to his work. I know I speak for the members of the House that served with him when I say that his loss will be felt and he will be missed.”
A full obituary is available from the McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home and in Wednesday's Williamsport Sun-Gazette.