Garrie Vereen Introductions
compiled by: Sam Holt

From WidespreadPanic.com:

These have been sad, sad days since Garrie’s too soon and sudden passing. 

Along with my usual internal mutterings, the phrase “salt of the Earth” is also coming through. Looking up the meaning in today’s words, it translates “Those of great worth and reliability.” That was Mr. Vereen. From the moment he pulled his truck up to our Band house on King ave. to help schlep gear in 1986, Garrie became the ambassador for Widespread Panic to the rest of the music world. He set the example for loyalty, candid honesty, working hard, and a readiness to laugh at any appropriate moment. We benefit from his un-wavering example because he was being all that, and I sincerely submit that he was and is the best of us. 

Cub scout troop leader, Habitat for humanity contributor, swimming pool chicken fight champion - Garrie was also the go to guy outside of the rock and roll arena. One of many friends described him as the “neighborhood fix-it man,” helping put things (anything) back in working order when he knew he could be of help. 

Back in the day, Garo built a stage for a party out in the country. We came around the next afternoon to pick up our gear, and Garrie was putting the finishing touches on a playhouse for his son, Colin - the stage had been transformed. 

Bottom line - He Loved his Family, his work, making friends, having friends make friends; be it structures or relationships, Garrie really liked to build things. 

Garrie has been such a good friend to so many; a lot of tears, stories, and healing are now being shared forever. Please remember though, for Garrie and Windy’s Family, especially the littlest ones, re-entry into a “normal,” happy life is hard to imagine right now. As smart as these kids are (and they’re freaky smart), all they can be asked to fathom is that their Dad’s not coming back from this “permanent road trip” (that was nine year old Everett Vereen's analogy). 

Thanks to all who continue to offer the Vereen family their support while respecting the private and delicate nature of these moments and days to come. 

We all miss you, Sir. 



The Vereen Family Trust has been set up at
 First American Bank & Trust 
300 College Avenue,
Athens, GA 30601 
(706) 354-5000 

For people wishing to send memorials via paypal for Garrie they may do so by making a payment to paypal user-id: VereenFamilyTrust@gmail.com.