Obituaries

This is a huge loss. I worked with Ken on the commission for lgbt youth. His passionate commitment to equal rights will continue to save lives.

Posted by Kathleen Henry on November 8, 2013

The funeral showed the love and respect that Kenny deserved. His fellow firefighters stood proudly and honored their fellow hero, and his wife, Marcia showed the courage of a thousand women. He made a difference in many lives. He will always satnd tall in my mind. Oh how I wish their were more men like Kenny in our society. Thanks Kenny for making my life and the life of others worth living, and living to be the best you can be.

Posted by Ronald on November 1, 2013

I'm so sorry to hear about Ken's loss. He was a real stand-up guy - very warm and very welcoming. I'll be praying for the repose of his soul, and the Garber family. I love you, Ken and Marcia! Emmanuel

Posted by Emmanuel Romero on October 31, 2013

Dear Marcia and Sarah, My heart goes out to both of you. Ken was such a wonderful person and role model. Sending you both big hugs and lots of love. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. -Sandra Teare

Posted by Sandra teare on October 31, 2013

Thinking of you during this very sad time . My prayers and best wishes to you and your family .

Posted by Mary Lou Bogni on October 30, 2013

I am deeply saddened by this. Ken was like a father to the trans community. He was such a genuine, big hearted, kind hearted person, who cared deeply for everyone. He was one of a kind and salt of the earth. Those are some of the best qualities in a person in my book. We have lost a friend, an ally, and a true champion for equality and love. May he rest in peace and continue to watch over us. My deepest condolences to Marcia and Sarah and your extended families. With much love, Michelle

Posted by Michelle Figueiredo on October 30, 2013

My thoughts are with Marcia and Sarah in this difficult time. You have both been through so much. Also, to all of Kenny's brothers and sisters. I am so sorry. Ken wasn't just a co-worker of mine.....he was a true friend. We were both hired by the Waltham Fire Department in 1980 and immediately "hit it off". We spent 13 years rooming together at Moody St. fire station. We often rode the same trucks and worked side by side. He was an easy guy to get along with. Kind of quiet and humble even though he was strong and athletic. If we disagreed on something, well we just disagreed and that was the end of it. We never hit a speed bump or had ill words for one another in the 33 years I knew him. We hung out on "the outside" too. Together we watched our kids grow up. We had some great times together and we shared some difficult times also. There were no secrets between us. We were true friends like I said. Love you Kenny and I will surely miss you. Marcia and Sarah, stay strong......I know you are. Love to all. Mike G.

Posted by Mike G. on October 30, 2013

Our family is deeply saddened by the passing of Ken Garber. Parents & particularly fathers throughout Greater Boston can honor Ken's memory by loving their own families without boundaries or conditions. In my conversations with Ken, I was struck by his determination to make a real difference while helping his friends and serving the Boston Trans* community. Our condolences, love and support go to Marcia & Sarah. Kenneth, Joan & Kaden Fund

Posted by The Fund Family on October 30, 2013

Our family is deeply saddened by the passing of Ken Garber. Parents & particularly fathers throughout Greater Boston can honor Ken's memory by loving their own families without boundaries or conditions. In my conversations with Ken, I was struck by his determination to make a real difference while helping his friends and serving the Boston Trans* community. Our condolences, love and support go to Marcia & Sarah. Kenneth, Joan & Kaden Fund

Posted by The Fund Family on October 30, 2013

I am so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Garber was a man who was always respected by the kids in our classes growing up. The thoughts and prayers of myself as well as my mother go out to the entire Garber family.

Posted by David Flynn on October 30, 2013

I first met Kenny in 1969, 1970, a white boy with a motown voice, singing in the basement of a friend, Wayne Cusano. Kenny had a beautiful voice, a soul. My friends dubbed him "Curtis" a reference to Curtis Mayfield, I believe. Curtis Mayfield was a great voice, who spent much of his life as an "activist". Who would of thought that this label would be so accurate? Most of Kenny's life he spent as an everyman, someone who worked hard, loved his family and did everything he could to provide, an admirable trait shared by many of us who grew up in Waltham. In the last few years of his life he became an activist, inspired by his child and having the b's to stand up for what is right. RIP Kenny, you did good!

Posted by Dan Boyd on October 30, 2013

I am just hearing this and am so saddened by this! I had the honor and pleasure of meeting and speaking with Ken at so many rallies and functions...and even at The State House once where we both testified in support of Transgendered Equality under Law. Ken was such a great example for many parents to look up to and he proved to be a shield against all of the arrows being slung at us. I will never forget his kind and strong spirit...Ken was my friend! ~ Ashley

Posted by Ashley Bottoms on October 29, 2013

Ken was a friend and a fellow firefighter. He was always ready for a good game of golf and had a good time at the tournaments. He will be missed.

Posted by Jim and Patty Robinshaw on October 29, 2013

Marsha and Sarah, Sorry for your loss, in the little time I was around Kenny/Dad, I knew he loved and cared for you both.He was cheerful but a shy man. He left a wonderful legacy and I know you will work to keep parts of it going.. Love Katie & Paul

Posted by Katie Mikshenas on October 29, 2013

So sorry to hear of the loss of your brother, Larry. Thinking of you, your Tricia, and all of the Garber family during this time.

Posted by Jean & Mark Hanson on October 29, 2013

My thoughts and prayers to the Garber Family Remembering the good times playing ball in the project Bill

Posted by bill keefe on October 29, 2013

To Kenny;s entire family, my sorry and thoughts go out to you. I had the pleasure of knowing Kenny for many years, we played Little Nippers ball together, we are both Navy Vietnam Vets, but the best relationship of all was working together as a member of the Waltham Fire Department. He was a great man and I know you are all proud of the man he was.

Posted by Paul Bergeron on October 29, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Kenny, it was a pleasure to work with him. My deepest condolences to his family. Fred Engine 8

Posted by Fred on October 29, 2013

Love Respect & Prayers to all mourning his loss. Kenny was a solid guy on so many levels. Glad our paths crossed in this life & hope they will cross again in the after life. Rest in Peace.

Posted by Marty Lennon on October 29, 2013

Paul, "You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he lived,you can close your eyes and pray that he will come back, or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left" .... Thinking of you. May God's perpetual light shine brightly on your family and welcome Ken into His loving arms. Lisa

Posted by Lisa Johnson on October 29, 2013

I was so sorry and sad to read of Ken's passing today. He was a true friend and fellow firefighter who always had a friendly smile. He will be missed.

Posted by Richie Gallagher on October 29, 2013

Sarah, I'm so sorry about the loss of your dad. He was a great man who I know was very proud of you. I hope you always treasure the memories you have of him. Love, Becca

Posted by Becky Leuchte on October 29, 2013

I am so sorry that Ken has passed away, and so soon. And yet so glad that he lived so well, and left so much behind, and that I knew him, at least a little. May his memory be a blessing, as we say in Judaism. Your family will be in mine's thoughts and prayers, and those of our faith communities.

Posted by Mycroft Masada Holmes on October 29, 2013

Dear Marcia and Sarah, We have never met a kinder, gentler, and supportive man such as Ken. We have been truly blessed to have known him. Our community is stronger because of people like you and we are so grateful for everything that you have done and continue to do for us. Please know that Ken is forever in our thoughts and prayers. All our love, Matthew McNeff David Russo

Posted by Matthew McNeff&David Russo on October 29, 2013

Ken speaking about his son.

Posted by Gunner on October 28, 2013

Sarah, I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. I did not get the chance to meet him, but I do know he brought up a wonderful daughter. Be sure to keep all of his memories close to your heart and he will always be near you in spirit. Prayers and hugs are going out to you an your Mom at this difficult time.

Posted by Donna Niemaszyk on October 28, 2013