In Loving Memory of Michael Charles Garman

Michael Charles Garman

May 15, 1938 – October 8, 2021

 

Sculptor, businessman, and icon of the Pikes Peak region, Michael Garman passed late on the evening of October 8th, 2021, in Colorado Springs.

Michael Charles Garman was born May 15, 1938, in Fort Worth, Texas. He was the youngest son of Harry and Loma Garman.

For more than 50 years, Michael Garman called the Pikes Peak region home. He opened his first Colorado-based studio in Manitou Springs in 1971. He later moved his production studio and gallery to its current home, The Garman building, at the corner of Colorado Avenue and Colbrunn Court and in the heart of Old Colorado City. The Garman building is also home to Michael’s seminal work, Magic Town, a 3,000 square foot miniature city and sculptural autobiography. Throughout his long career, Michael sculpted thousands of pieces capturing the heroic American spirit.

Michael had battled illness and deteriorating heath for many years. Michael had suffered a severe stroke on the 14th of September. The lasting effects of which he was having difficulty recovering from. On the evening of October 8th Michael decided to end his life as he had lived it, on his terms. Michael was 83 years old. Michael is survived by his three children: Michael Patrick Garman, Kathleen Garman Rodrick, and Vanessa Lynn Garman, and five grandchildren: Conner, Emma, Aidan, Mike, and Devin.

Before his death, Michael Garman admitted to living a bold life with no regrets: “Along the way, I’ve made some beautiful mistakes, but I learned from each one of them. I’ve never been frightened of life or, for that matter, of death. That’s probably why I’ve been able to live – to really live. And it has been a hell of a ride.”

A Memorial Service for Michael is being planned and will be announced once all details are finalized.