Condolences & Tributes
We encourage you to share any memorable photos or stories about Garnet. All tributes placed on and purchased through this memorial website will remain on in perpetuity for future generations.
Provide comfort for the family of Garnet Earl Koehler by sending flowers.
Send Flowers
HT
As the year passes, we are remembering with you.
Henry Walser Funeral Home Team
Henry Walser Funeral Home Team - Monday July 19, 2021 via Condolence Message
BH
We extend our condolences on Bud’s passing to family and friends.
While Bud was my uncle, he like his brother Sam were more older brothers that, I as an only child, appreciated as I grew up. Early interactions were around motorcycles and Bud gave me my first ride on the tank of his scrambler, me steering and working the throttle while he shifted and controlled the process. That was back when I was about six or seven. My interest in motorcycles had my mother insisting I focus on team sports which I did. Though in late teens I acted as an occasional driver helping Bud get to his race. A long running topic of discussion with Bud was regarding the merits of individual versus team sports. Not sure we ever had complete consensus on that!
Having moved to Calgary in 1971 for career opportunities distance limited direct contact with Bud to the return visits to my parents. When they passed the trips were to visit with Bud, Sam and their families. Those trips east occurred every two or three years and nearly all on motorcycles. Yes, the bug had bitten, and today, some seventy years after that first ride, I still enjoy both road and off-road motorcycling.
Far from just riding motorcycles Bud helped me understand the values of the trades, hard work and to seize opportunities. On visits after my parents died, I often bunked-in with Bud and Shirley. The welcome mat was always out and the conversations, odd debate and joking about were alone worth the trip. Inevitably visits included a day ride or two with Bud. On my visit in 2010 Bud suggested we “ride to Paris and around”. Which led to some back and forth about which Paris. The photo posted (Photos & Video) is the two of us about to head out on that ride. It proved to be our last ride together sharing the activity we both enjoyed. This is how I choose to remember Bud!
For more recent years, visits were supplemented by my weekend calls generating interesting conversations and updates. Including on what bike and where I was riding currently. The last few years those calls were much shorter and eventually Bud was not able to manage them. We really appreciate that Ellen and James passed on update emails and photos of travels to Bud and kept us informed of his condition.
We miss Bud, may he rest in peace.
Barry, Sue, Ian and Andrea Harper
Barry Harper - Monday July 27, 2020 via Condolence Message
RS
I met Shirley & Bud when I was picking up clay in New Dundee. I asked if Rosemary if she knew any Koehler's in the area. At that same time, Shirley walked by and we were introduced. As it turned out Bud apprenticed carpentry with my grandfather, Charlie, Buds Uncle, and his father's brother,because he listened better to Uncle Charlie. I went home with Shirley and was shown all Bud's trophies and family pictures. On the wall was a picture of the Koehler family and there was my grandfather, young. I only knew him as an old man. The visit was wonderful. I would love a copy of that picture. I tried to visit several times again but no one was home. I wish I could have had one more visit. I never knew where Bud went. My condolences to the family. He told me all about you, and I would love to meet you.
Rosemarie Startek
Rosemarie Startek - Saturday July 25, 2020 via Condolence Message
JS
We were sorry to hear of Bud’s passing. Our condolences to your family.
We loved to hear Bud’s stories anytime he called or stopped by. He had such an interesting and full racing career. He rubbed elbows with some of racing’s best and was happy to share stories about the other racers.
We hope you have as many (or more) fond memories of Bud.
Jim and Alicia Struke
Jim & Alicia Struke - Saturday July 25, 2020 via Condolence Message
Thank you for sharing!
Provide comfort for the family by sending flowers.