Remembering Greg Garbarino Whidbey lost a beloved community member, Greg Garbarino, in May 2021. Excerpts from an obituary by Linda Morris are included below—for the full text, as well as photos and memories from friends and family, visit Greg’s memorial webpage. In one of the first outdoor, on-campus gatherings during the pandemic recovery, Greg’s celebration of life was held, with much music and love, in the courtyard of Thomas Berry Hall. Greg was a beloved member of the Whidbey Institute and Whidbey Island communities. Here he pursued his creative interests, especially singing and playing his guitar. Greg gave many concerts and participated in hundreds of musical events. While he sometimes sang covers, he often performed extemporaneously, making up songs which perfectly fit the occasion or the person being celebrated. Greg was the “go to guy” for sound systems, volunteering his expertise for WICA, Open Circle Singers, and many other studios, venues, groups, and programs including Whidbey Institute events. Greg was intense, idealistic, creative, passionate, feisty, loving, athletic, hard working, independent, and thrifty to a fault. He had a great sense of humor and a passion for personal growth and for delving into his emotional world. He belonged to two men’s groups which offerred him much support and solace. He was also a singer and facilitator for personal growth workshops and conferences. He was a beautiful presence in our lives, and his death has left a bigger hole in the South Whidbey Community than he could have ever imagined when he was alive. We wish for peace and comfort for all who loved him. Donations made to the Whidbey Institute in Greg’s honor have been invested in A/V equipment for the new Cabin Village Commons, in recognition of Greg’s lifetime contributions to sound system operations for this and other beloved South Whidbey nonprofits. Below, left, a 1988 photo by Jerry Wennstrom depicting Greg Garbarino (tall, in back row) as well as Jo Shelver (kneeling in yellow, front) with Whidbey Institute founders and friends. Right, a photo by Autumn Preble.
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