Obituary of Thomas G. Gartland

Thomas G. (Tom) Gartland of Iowa City, beloved husband of Patricia Farrant, passed away at the age of 83 on June 8, 2024 at the Crestview Specialty Care Center in West Branch.

Tom was born on May 28, 1941 in Boston, Massachusetts to Thomas F. and Catherine (Burns) Gartland. Tom grew up in Dedham and after graduating from Dedham High School, he worked for several years as an Apprentice Welder at the Boston Naval Shipyard.  He received a B.A in Psychology from Rockford College in Illinois and did coursework in the Administration of Higher Education at the University of Iowa.

He worked as a Test Developer at American College Testing (ACT) and as an Instructor of technical subjects at Kirkwood Community College.  Subsequently, he was an Educational Consultant.

Tom lived for a number of years in West Branch where he volunteered his expertise for several community projects.

He cycled across Iowa with RAGBRAI, practiced Yoga, and enjoyed reading, lively conversation and discussing local and national politics. 

He will be remembered for his kind nature, his sense of humor and his ability to relate authentically to people of different backgrounds.

Tom is survived by his wife Patricia and by his brother Gerald of Wrentham, Mass and sister Lois Concannon of Dedham, Mass.  He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

Tom’s family would like to express their gratitude to Bob Hall, Bob Reynolds of TRAIL and Mary Grimm for their extraordinary friendship and support during his final years

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to TRAIL of Johnson County, West Branch Public Library or a charity of the donor choice.

Private graveside Services were held.