“beloved father, son, and brother”

David Wade Garland, 48, of Shinglehouse, PA passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, in Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, NY.

Born on Thursday, July 17, 1975 in Olean, NY, he was a son of Donald Wade and Jacqueline D. “Jacqui” Jones Garland.

David was a graduate of Bolivar High School in Bolivar, NY.  He attended and graduated from Finger Lakes Community College.  He next attended The Ranger School in Wanakena for two years. David completed his Bachelor’s degree in Forestry at the State University of NY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

David worked in construction in Bolivar, Shinglehouse, and Geneva, NY.  He was a talented roofer.  After graduating from The Ranger School and SUNY College of ESF, David was an expert timber value specialist.  After completing his college degrees, he worked for LandVest Forestry in Vermont,  Western Massachusetts, and Eastern New York State.  Sadly David suffered a massive heart attack ending his career as a forester.

He was a member of the Portville Baptist Church and a member and officer of the Petersburgh Rod and Gun Club. His passion for the outdoors did not start, or stop, with forestry.  David was an enthusiastic fisherman, hunter and hunting lease manager.  He lovingly shared much of his knowledge and skills with his son, Dylon.

Surviving are his son, Dylon L. Garland of Schuylerville, NY; his father, Wade Garland of Shinglehouse; a sister, Wendy D. Garland of West Deer Township (near Pittsburgh); a niece, Heather L. Learish; a grandnephew, Levi Learsish; and several aunts and uncles.

David was predeceased by his mother, Jacqui, on September 20, 2013.

To pay respects to David and his family, calling hours will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Friday at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, PA and from 10am to 11am on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the Portville Baptist Church, Temple Street, Portville, NY, where funeral services will follow at 11am in the church, with the Rev. Mark Beckwith, pastor, officiating.  Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oswayo Valley Memorial Library, PO Box 188, Shinglehouse, PA 16748; to the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 98, Shinglehouse, PA 16748; or to the Nature Conservancy at www.preserve.nature.org

David’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of David, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.