This blog is created so those who knew J.P. Garnier might share memories that his family and close friends can enjoy for years to come. You are invited not only to express sentiments relating to his passing but to relate "war stories" and memories that might help preserve the legacy of his colorful and eventful life and the ways he touched those whose paths he crossed. Thanks for whatever words you might care to contribute (by clicking on "Comments" below).
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Jean-Pierre ("J.P.") Garnier made an impression on virtually all who met him. As a father, grandfather, trial lawyer, traveller, friend, he left lasting memories. He passed away peacefully on the afternoon of May 7, 2009, at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, after a lengthy illness. His last months were marked by many expressions of gratitude for the life God had allowed him to enjoy and humble recognition that God's mercies and kindness are an undeserved gift.
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I met JP 40 years ago, having come to the bar a few years after him -- in Arlington. I was always impressed with his professionalism and knowledge of the law. He was simply an outstanding trial lawyer. Beyond his significant talents as an attorney, he was extremely personable and deligtful to be around. He always had a kind word and was genuinely interested in his collagues. I will miss him.
ReplyDeleteI encountered JP several times in my first four years of practice as an attorney when we defended separate clients in litigation. He always treated me with professional respect and kindness, more than I deserved being twenty years his junior and certainly more clumsy as a lawyer. Although I only know Michael and Robert personally, I send condolences to all his family members.
ReplyDeleteJp was, without a doubt, the best attorney I have ever worked with. He was not only a colleague, he was a great mentor and friend. He epitomized "le joie de vivre" (hope my french is correct). I will miss him. Andrew F. Hageman
ReplyDeleteI feel badly personally that I can't make the Memorial Service. That is especially true because JP, with whom I spent many hours, was so instrumental in successfully defending Schering Plough in so many cases. During my time at Schering I met many hundreds of lawyers, but I never met one who had your dad's true love of trying lawsuits or with his inate abilities to successfully do so. I think he tried twenty five product liability lawsuits in a row for Schering Plough, and difficult ones at that, without a single loss. I can't imagine that there are many attorneys in the United States with that type track record.
ReplyDeleteAs you well know, your dad lived with much gusto and an appreciation for the fine things in life. I have lifted many a glass of wine with him as he recounted his many travels, the wonderful hotels he stayed in, memorable meals, time he spent on his boats etc. However, I never spent any significant time with him when he did not also discuss his family, and it was obvious how important family was to him. He was immensely proud of you and Robert. You were lucky to have him, imperfections and all, as a father and I to have him as a valued colleague and friend.
You may rest assured that when I am in Canada, I am going to order a very expensive bottle of wine, and drink a toast to one of the finest trial attorneys I have ever seen!
I am indeed saddened to learn of JP's illness and death. He was one of the most unique persons I have meet. Clearly he knew how to live life to its fullest----however, what made him so very special to me was his ability to be an attorney far superior to anyone else. This is because he loved his profession and worked very hard to make sure that the correct outcome resulted from his efforts. If all attornies were like JP there would be no lawyer jokes. As an allergist I worked with JP 2-3 times as a consultant---why I do not understand because he always knew far more than I did--but always let me "teach" him.
ReplyDeleteHe will be missed by many.
Have a great journey JP
I'm a court reporter who worked with JP only once sometime around 1980 in Virginia on a malpractice deposition. I never forgot him, even with just encounter. He seemed to just light up the room with life and light. Sometimes in life you meet certain people unlike anyone else, there's something special and unique about them, and he was one of those people for me. I'm sorry for your loss and I will remember him always as a fine man.
ReplyDeleteI had the good fortune to watch JP and Michael try a case together (successfully of course) for our company in the mid-1990s. What a great team they made! JP had so much experience and trial savvy and seemed to fear very little (except, perhaps, what a company witness might say despite the impeccable preparation he had received from JP and Michael). Of course, by that time, Michael had evolved into an excellent lawyer in his own right; still, JP was nevery shy about sharing the wisdom he had gained from years of experience at the bar. As a relatively inexperienced lawyer at the time of our trial, I appreciated JP's patience in tolerating my input and the way he would bring me around to his way of thinking.
ReplyDeleteOver the years, I had several other matters, though no other trials, with JP. I always found him a delight to work with -- smart, prepared, and full of insight. Not to mention larger than life. I only wish I could have worked with him more often than I did.
I also wish I had retained more of what he told me about the details of his life. I remember that it seemed fascinating and exotic, something the pictures on this page seem to confirm. Michael, if you are ever so inclined, I would love to see some text to accompany the pictures and more description of the very interesting and full life your dad lived.