Sean Michael Garvey

Sean Michael Garvey passed away at his home in Spokane, Wash., on Monday, June 1, 2009.

Services will be held at Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel, Monday, June 8, 2009, at 1p.m.  Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Calling hours will be from 9 a.m. to service time.

Sean was born in Spokane on Aug. 22, 1946. He attended Sandpoint schools, and upon finishing high school joined the Navy. He made the Navy submarine service his career and found himself on the USS Blueback. Having grown up on Pend Oreille, he thought this was an inspiring coincidence and a sign of good luck. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War in which he earned several medals. After his years of submarine duty, Sean returned to the Northwest and settled in Spokane as a Navy recruiter. When Sean retired from the Navy, he became an agent for Allstate Insurance as well as running his own tree trimming service.

He was married to Judy Baldwin Garvey and together they raised their three children,  Brian Garvey, David Garvey, and Seana (Ryan) Sorensen. Judy preceded Sean in death in 2000.

Sean has spent the past few years wintering in Arizona with his wife, Patti Thomson, perfecting his golf game for his summers in the Spokane/Sandpoint area. All his life Sean was a strong and adventurous person. He faced his final illness with courage and selflessness. We, his family, found him to be a hero in his life and in his death. As his family we cannot find words to express our gratitude for all the loving support he received from his wife Patty.

He is survived by Patty Thom-son; his three children; four sisters, Lois Lebowitz, Teresa Sudut, Shannon Abromeit and Colleen Dalebout; and two brothers, Pat Garvey and Kevin Garvey. He will be greatly missed by his eight grandchildren and Patty’s family.

Family and friends are invited to sign Sean’s online guestbook at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.