By Linda Dillman
Staff Writer
The Madison Township Trustees opened their June 27 meeting with a tribute to former trustee Bob Garvin, who passed away at age 81 at his home on June 25.
Garvin was first appointed as a township trustee in 1994, replacing trustee David Brobst who stepped down to take over the administrator position. Garvin served until Dec. 2001.
He was appointed again in 2011, when then trustee Susan Brobst stepped down to take over as administrator, and served until the end of the year when trustee-elect Gary McDonald joined the board.
“He was always caring and thoughtful,” said Trustee Katherine Chipps, who knew Garvin for 20 years. “Bob will be greatly missed.”
In May, Garvin was honored with the Groveport Madison Alumni Association’s 2023 Rarey Award for his contributions over the years to the Groveport and Madison Township community. He worked on school levy and bond issue committees and, according to the award, “Provided a helping hand by teaching high school students the importance of trade professions.”
“Bob was the guy who taught me how to be a trustee,” said Trustee John Pritchard. “When I came on the board when I was 29, he took me under his wing.”
Garvin worked for United Way for two decades, was president of the Southeastern Franklin County Chamber of Commerce for 11 years, chaired the Groveport July celebration for many years, and was the business manager for the community choir.
He served as president of the Canal Winchester Main Street Program on its executive board and co-founded the Canal Winchester Blues and Ribfest, Football for Food program at Groveport Madison High School and One New Toy program for St. Stephens Community House.
“I had a long-standing and positive relationship with Bob,” said Trustee Bruce Jarvis, who co-founded the Blues and Ribfest with Garvin. “I have nothing but fond memories of Bob.”
In addition to his service as a township trustee, Garvin was active in politics at the local, county, and state level. He is survived by his wife, Debra, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and two brothers.
Madison Township news
•The trustees—like city councils in Canal Winchester and Groveport—unanimously approved a resolution continuing a ban on all personal use fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the township.
While stat law allows fireworks on certain days of the year, local governments are allowed to institute their own restrictions, like the one approved by the trustees.
•Police Chief Gary York presented a five year service award to Sgt. Angie Gamblin, who studied Law Enforcement at Eastland-Fairfield and graduated from their police academy. She was hired by the township in July 2018.
On Sept. 14, 2021, she became the first female sergeant in the department’s 50 year history. She is in charge of the department’s Field Training program and the National Night Out event, which takes place this year on Aug. 1 at Groveport Madison Middle School North.
“She’s one of those individuals we rely upon,” said York. “She’s always putting her best foot forward for the department and the community.”
