Garland Foreman Obituary

Garland “Gar” Foreman died peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, July 2nd in Catonsville, MD at the age of 91.

Gar was born on January 16, 1934 in Frederick, MD. He graduated from Frederick High School in 1952. He enlisted in the US Navy and attended the US Naval School of Music, with a tour of duty on the USS Oriskany as a Navy Musician. He married Martha “Marty” Reeder, his high school sweetheart, in 1955. In the succeeding years, they raised three children, Douglas, Diane, and David in Ellicott City, MD. He worked in the payroll department for several companies, while studying accounting at Baltimore College of Commerce in the evenings. He learned to operate punch card accounting machines and later computer programs, eventually retiring as a manager of systems and programming.

Gar enjoyed playing golf, cheering on the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens, traveling with Marty, and spending time with friends, but his passion was music. He played with various bands throughout his working years and with the Ain’t Misbehavin’ Big Band in retirement. He was an active member of the First Lutheran Church community. Known as “PopPop” to his eight grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren, he will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and generosity. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, especially his family.

Gar is survived by his children, Douglas Foreman (partner Michael), Diane Wilson (husband Michael), and David Foreman (wife Barbara). He is also survived by his grandchildren Colin Wilson (wife Katya), Shannon Wilson (husband Derek), Caitlin Sporik (husband Daniel), Benjamin Foreman (wife Emily), Joseph Foreman (wife Samantha), Seth Foreman (wife Nicole), Maria Foreman (husband Erich), and Nicholas Foreman. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Martha Foreman (Reeder) and his parents, Garland and Ruth Foreman of Frederick, MD.

A service of remembrance is scheduled for Monday, July 7th at 11:00 a.m. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ellicott City. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The Parkinson's Foundation (parkinson.org).