- Courtesy of Ramsay Group Funeral Services
Garner Frederick Dewey, 71 passed away at home on April 30, 2022 with his beloved partner Kim Szostak by his side. Garner was born in Detroit on August 5, 1950 to the late Bobby Lou (Gomon) and Frederick G Dewey. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister Patty Ruane of Livonia Michigan.
Garner received his law degree from the Detroit College of Law after graduating from the University of Michigan. He was a respected member of the bar having practiced for over 40 years, representing clients in some of the most high profile cases in Arenac County.
Carrying on the legacy of his father and grandfather who were also lawyers, Garner loved and respected the law and was passionate about helping those who were indigent and who needed help the most. He was always a great student of the law and a tremendous mentor for young lawyers. He helped launch the careers of several associates in his practice who would go on to have successful careers of their own. He served as president of the Arenac County Bar Association, represented several municipalities and was very well liked by everyone in the local legal community. Garner was particularly passionate about representing neglected and abused children, vulnerable adults and those with mental illness as he had a deep sense of compassion.
Garner was a marvelous storyteller, quick to laugh at the end, not because he felt he had to “sell” his stories but because he genuinely shared in the pleasure he could bring to others. His great sense of humor and wit along with his easygoing nature will be sorely missed. As a super fan and dedicated die-hard of University of Michigan athletics, Gar rarely missed game day dressed in his U of M apparel. Garner also had a passion for reading (particularly political history), traveling and Corvettes. He loved spending time with grandchildren and those that were near and dear to him, traditional family gatherings and relaxing at the Dewey family home in Daytona Beach Florida.
He is survived by his three adult children Jessica Mullison, Kimberly Rata, and Garner Michael Dewey; and his four grandchildren, Isaac and Elliot Mullison and Adrianna and Mikaela Rata. Also surviving Garner are, sisters Jeanne Tanke of Daytona Beach Florida and Cathy Dewey of Canton Michigan.
Funeral Service will be held Friday, May 6, 2022 at 5:00 pm at the Lee Ramsay Funeral Home-STANDISH CHAPEL, Standish, Michigan. The family will greet family and friends Friday from 1:00 pm until time of service at 5:00 pm. According to Gar’s wishes cremation will follow the service.
Garner was an avid supporter of Doctors Without Borders as well as the ACLU, and wished that any gifts or donations in his honor be directed to those philanthropies.
A heartfelt thank you to his brother-in-law John Ruane and to Dr. Tim Macon for their kindness and support during this most difficult time.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Garner, please visit our floral store.
