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Thomas Garvin Obituary

Thomas M. Garvin passed away. Loving husband of Mary K. Garvin (nee Hayes) for 51 years, father of six, and grandfather of 18. Born December 31, 1935 he passed away in his home on July 30, 2010. Proud of his Chicago South Side heritage, Mr. Garvin raised his family in Wheaton. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School (1953), Loyola University of Chicago (1957) and Loyola's MBA program (1969). Mr. Garvin served in the business community with distinction. He was the CEO of Keebler Company from 1978 to 1992. During his tenure at Keebler, the company grew from a single product line regional biscuit company with sales of $240 million to the nation's second largest cookie, cracker and salty snack manufacturer with sales of over $2.0 billion. Keebler became well known for its namesake character, Ernie Keebler, and his Elves, who worked in a Hollow Tree in Elmhurst. In 1991, the American Marketing Association selected Keebler as its New Products Marketer of the Year. Mr. Garvin's professional career also included executive positions with Coopers & Lybrand, EKCO Products Company, American Home Products, G.G. Products Company and Ripplewood Holdings, LLC. From 1980 to 1982 Mr. Garvin served as the Chairman of the Biscuit and Cracker Manufacturer's Association. He was honored in the East Room of the White House by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 both personally and as the representative of Keebler for "exemplary service to the nation in the campaign against drug and alcohol abuse." He won the AMA's Stuart Henderson Britt Award for Marketing Achievement in 1985. In 1989, Mr. Garvin received Loyola University's School of Business Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award. Mr. Garvin also dedicated years to volunteer community service. He was a cofounder of Wheaton Youth Football. He was a member of the Loyola University Board of Trustees and the Benet Academy Board of Directors. He headed a fund drive to rebuild St. Michael's Church in Wheaton after it was destroyed by fire. Under his leadership, the Keebler International Track Meet in Elmhurst drew top athletes from all over the world. Since retiring in 2001, Mr. Garvin has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Romano Brothers; Allendale Insurance Company; G. Heileman Brewing Co.; First Midwest Bancorp.; Eclipse, Inc.; Hereford Beef Association; Miniat, Inc.; Peer Foods; The Stockwell Fund; and Glencoe Capital. Mr. Garvin was an avid sportsman who enjoyed golf, fishing and his beloved Chicago White Sox. His survivors include his wife Mary, Sons, Thomas (Kathleen), Martin (Susan), Kevin (Ann), Michael, Brian; Daughter Kathleen (Michael) Bumpus. Visitation Monday 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, 430 E. Roosevelt Rd. (1 blk. E. of Naperville Rd.) Wheaton. Funeral Mass Tuesday 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, 310 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton. Please meet at the Church. Interment Assumption Cemetery, Wheaton. Funeral Information, 630-668-0016 or www.williams-kampp.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Central DuPage News/Leader/Post/Press on Aug. 3, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Garvin

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August 30, 2010

Kevin and Ann, We are sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. You and the Garvin family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Matt & Donna Marron

August 5, 2010

Dear Mary and Family, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We know he will be missed tremendously. Cling to each other for comfort and strength. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom & Beth Hawkins

Tim Freeman, The Jesuits of the Chicago & Detroit Provinces

August 4, 2010

The Jesuits of the Chicago and Detroit Provinces wish to express their deepest condolences to all of Thomas's family and friends. He will continue to be remembered daily in their prayers and good works. Tom was a cherished Companion of the Jesuits on the journey of faith and service, “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.”

August 4, 2010

Dear Mary and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Tom will be sorrily missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of sorrow. Carole & Al Smith, Winnetka

Laurel Siebert

August 3, 2010

To the Garvin family, so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I still remember the day when you guys moved into your house on Foothill Ct.! I have alot of fond memories growing up with you guys on that street--the court picnics and kick-the-can until the late hours and your great dog Tiffany! Katie and I had alot of fun and you were wonderful neighbors! You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this hard time. Laurel Siebert ( Laurie Rogers) John's Creek, GA

David Hedlund

August 3, 2010

Mr. Garvin had a big impact on my career. After caddying for Mr. Garvin for a number of years, he generously gave me my first break by providing an internship opportunity at Keebler. Twenty years later I still appreciate his efforts and remember him fondly.

August 3, 2010

Dear Mary,
So sorry to hear of Tom's death. Connie and I send our sincere sympathies to you and your family.

Connie & Art Hansen - Atlanta, Georgia

Patricia Kozial

August 2, 2010

Dear Mike
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

August 2, 2010

So sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Garvin. We'll be keeping the whole Garvin Family in our prayers. Jerry & Amy McKeown Family

Steve Johnson

August 2, 2010

To Mrs. Garvin and the entire Garvin clan, our thoughts and prayers are with you on the passing of Mr. G. He will be missed. The Johnson Family

Thane

August 2, 2010

Having grown up with all of you, my heart is boken with this news. I will miss Mr. G tremendously. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Andy and Tammy Kerwin

August 1, 2010

Dear Garvin family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have many fond memories of Mr Garvin and his family. I still talk about all of the Turkey Bowls and all of the time spent playing pool in the basement at your house even though it was nearly 30 years ago.

August 1, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Susie Kelley, Casey, Quinn and Emma.

Linda Stewart

August 1, 2010

My condolences to the Garvin family on the passing of Tom Garvin. As a "Keebler Elf" from 1981-2003, I have many fond memories of our work together. May you find comfort in the knowledge that he touched and inspired so many lives.

Mike Zoppa

August 1, 2010

Dear Garvin Family,

My sympathies go out to all of you. From the time I was welcomed into your home (28 years ago), the strength of Mr. Garvs was always felt whenever I would walk through the door. It is his strength and character that I will always remember.

Take care and stay strong

Mike, Sue and Libby Zoppa

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Memorial Events
for Thomas Garvin

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Williams-Kampp Funeral Home

430 E. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton, IL 60187

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