Obituary for Charles D. Garvin
Charles David Garvin, Ph.D., passed away on August 22, 2023. Charles was preceded in death by his wife Janet who passed away on April 9, 2021.
Charles was the oldest child of Hyman Garvin and Etta Garvin (Raphelson), and brother of Lois Garvin (Karlins). Charles grew up with his family in Chicago, Illinois.
In 1956 Charles was introduced to Janet Tuft by mutual friends, Lillie Lynem and Elaine Finnegan, while they were in the Social Work school in a group work course at the University of Illinois in Chicago.
Charles Garvin and Janet Tuft were married in 1957 and enjoyed 64 years of marriage as Janet would say, “a long, long time”. Charles and Janet moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1965 when Charles accepted a position at the University of Michigan School of Social Work.
Charles’ children are David Garvin, Amy Garvin-Liddell, and Tony Garvin. He is the father-in-law of Nancy Garvin, Charlie Liddell, and Debra Garvin. Charles is the grandfather of Caitlin (Garvin) Opfermann, Shane Garvin, and Jake Liddell. His great grandchildren include: Jacob Opfermann, Addie Garvin, and Caiden Opfermann. Charles is the uncle of Michael Karlins, Russell Karlins, Michelle Karlins, Claire Tuft and Bryna Tuft.
Charles Garvin, and his wife Janet, were one of the three couples who were instrumental in getting the Jewish Cultural School off the ground in 1965. Charles was the third president of the Jewish Cultural School where their children attended. Both Charles and Janet Garvin remained active in JCS since the very beginning. They participated in all the major holidays and have been devoted members and hosts of the Third Friday Chavurah since it began in 1990. Charles continued to attend regularly after Janet’s passing and someone from the group always picked him up!
Charles and Janet shared a love of travel and time with family. Initially, they lived in Chicago and then in two consecutive beautiful homes in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 1971 the family lived for a year in London, England during a sabbatical year for Charles. During this time, they enjoyed travel including: Switzerland, Italy, Yugoslavia, Israel, Turkey, and Greece, just to name a few. Charles and Janet shared many vacations around the globe and by sea. They were fond of going on elaborate cruises to various parts of the world and continued these trips well after her stroke in 2000. Charles and Janet enjoyed an Alaskan cruise for their 50th Anniversary and were joined by their children and many members of their children’s families.
Having garnered more than five decades of inimitable expertise in his chosen field, Charles has garnered a laudable reputation as a professor at the University of Michigan. Having earned the distinguished title of a professor emeritus, he primarily taught social work research, social work practice, group work theories, international social work and social psychological knowledge between 1965 and 2002. Prior to his work at the University of Michigan, Dr. Garvin served as a research associate at the University of Chicago from 1964 until 1965.
Throughout the course of his tenure in academia, Dr. Garvin is most proud to have served as the founder of the Committee for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups in New York City from 1982 to 1986. Likewise, he established the Jewish Family Services of Ann Arbor, a city in which he was also gratified to serve as a member of the Model City Planning Board. During the earliest stages of his career, Dr. Garvin contributed to the field as a social worker for the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago, Illinois, between 1956 and 1964, and in a similar capacity at the Henry Booth House from 1948 until 1956. Having joined as a volunteer at the age of 19, he saw firsthand the impact of poverty and destitution throughout his duties, which inspired him to dedicate his career to helping people in disadvantaged situations.
Dr. Garvin is most well-known for leveraging his experiences at the Henry Booth House and as a community organizer toward the building of his model on group work, which has been widely accepted ever since. Throughout the course of his career, he has authored such works as "The Work Incentive Experience" in 1974, "Interpersonal Practice in Social Work" in 1985 and "Social Work in Contemporary Society" in 1992, as well as more than 50 articles in various professional journals. Among his greatest accomplishments, Dr. Garvin was particularly gratified to have focused his research on reaching an understanding on the cause of social justice.
Before venturing onto his vocational path, Dr. Garvin sought a formal education at Wright Junior College and the University of Chicago, from which he obtained a Master of Arts in 1951. Following this accomplishment, he served in the U.S. Army between 1952 and 1954, rising to the rank of a corporal. After his honorable discharge, Dr. Garvin returned to the University of Chicago, where he earned a Doctor of Philosophy in 1968. During the course of his early development, he drew heavily from the influence of Marion Blank, his field instructor at the University of Chicago, as well as Edna Hansen, the director of the Henry Booth House, and William J. Reid, whom he met in the military and contributed considerably to Dr. Garvin's future research on group work.
Well-regarded for his indelible contributions to the field, Dr. Garvin has been honored with a number of accolades. Among them, he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Council on Social Work Education in 2012, and a research grant from the U.S. Department of Labor between 1969 and 1973. Furthermore, he was elected as a fellow of the American Orthopsychiatry Association and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the American Sociological Association and the International Association of Social Work with Groups. In accounting for standout success, Dr. Garvin credits his propensity for intellectual curiosity and his interest in sharing knowledge with others.
Charles and Jesse Gordon were instrumental in getting the third Friday potluck dinner group (Chavurah) together as they wanted a group with just adults not family. There was no topic of discussion, people just chatted and visited. Charles and Janet were gracious hosts and when they moved to Glacier Hills many were happy to pick them up to join in on the fun. Nobody over 90 had to bring any food so that made it easier for Charles. Charles was also quite fond of being a founding member of a book club and an active participant for 30+ years.
Charles was a founding member of an Ann Arbor men's group in 1979. He has continued to be a valuable member of the group to the present. He was the oldest member of the group. Many of the original members had studied social work with him at the University of Michigan. He was both a mentor and father figure to many in the men’s group. Once or twice a year the men’s group would meet for an extended weekend group. Many times, Charles generously offered his cottage up north on Mullett Lake for their meetings. Charles was always willing to share his observations about their personal, interpersonal and group processes. He also contributed to their lively political and intellectual debates. As they all aged, Charles became a beloved elder and sage in the group.
The social work profession has bestowed on Charles Garvin some of its highest honors, from the Significant Lifetime Achievement in Social Work Education Award of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 2012 to his appointment as an NASW Social Work Pioneer in 2020. As a lifetime member of the IASWG Board of Directors and an active member of the Practice Committee, Garvin was most proud of his work in raising awareness of group dynamics in the context of diversity. He calls upon group workers of the future to respond to the impact of oppression and marginalization on group participation, to attend to the diverse needs of group members and groups, and to help group members realize their individual and collective potential for social action and social change.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 at 10:00 am with visitation beginning at 9:00 am. The graveside service will be held at Arborcrest Memorial Park, Ann Arbor, MI. Light lunch to follow. If you will be joining us for the light lunch, we ask that you please RSVP preferably via this link: https://tinyurl.com/cgarvinmemorial, or email to: djhgarvin@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to organizations that were near to Charles' heart, including the University of Michigan School of Social Work Social Justice Impact Fund. Contributions may be made through this link: https://ssw.umich.edu/r/charlesgarvinmemorial. Memorial contributions may also be made in Charles’ name to the Jewish Cultural Society, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr #1, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, or the Jewish Family Services, 2245 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
Charles was the oldest child of Hyman Garvin and Etta Garvin (Raphelson), and brother of Lois Garvin (Karlins). Charles grew up with his family in Chicago, Illinois.
In 1956 Charles was introduced to Janet Tuft by mutual friends, Lillie Lynem and Elaine Finnegan, while they were in the Social Work school in a group work course at the University of Illinois in Chicago.
Charles Garvin and Janet Tuft were married in 1957 and enjoyed 64 years of marriage as Janet would say, “a long, long time”. Charles and Janet moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1965 when Charles accepted a position at the University of Michigan School of Social Work.
Charles’ children are David Garvin, Amy Garvin-Liddell, and Tony Garvin. He is the father-in-law of Nancy Garvin, Charlie Liddell, and Debra Garvin. Charles is the grandfather of Caitlin (Garvin) Opfermann, Shane Garvin, and Jake Liddell. His great grandchildren include: Jacob Opfermann, Addie Garvin, and Caiden Opfermann. Charles is the uncle of Michael Karlins, Russell Karlins, Michelle Karlins, Claire Tuft and Bryna Tuft.
Charles Garvin, and his wife Janet, were one of the three couples who were instrumental in getting the Jewish Cultural School off the ground in 1965. Charles was the third president of the Jewish Cultural School where their children attended. Both Charles and Janet Garvin remained active in JCS since the very beginning. They participated in all the major holidays and have been devoted members and hosts of the Third Friday Chavurah since it began in 1990. Charles continued to attend regularly after Janet’s passing and someone from the group always picked him up!
Charles and Janet shared a love of travel and time with family. Initially, they lived in Chicago and then in two consecutive beautiful homes in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 1971 the family lived for a year in London, England during a sabbatical year for Charles. During this time, they enjoyed travel including: Switzerland, Italy, Yugoslavia, Israel, Turkey, and Greece, just to name a few. Charles and Janet shared many vacations around the globe and by sea. They were fond of going on elaborate cruises to various parts of the world and continued these trips well after her stroke in 2000. Charles and Janet enjoyed an Alaskan cruise for their 50th Anniversary and were joined by their children and many members of their children’s families.
Having garnered more than five decades of inimitable expertise in his chosen field, Charles has garnered a laudable reputation as a professor at the University of Michigan. Having earned the distinguished title of a professor emeritus, he primarily taught social work research, social work practice, group work theories, international social work and social psychological knowledge between 1965 and 2002. Prior to his work at the University of Michigan, Dr. Garvin served as a research associate at the University of Chicago from 1964 until 1965.
Throughout the course of his tenure in academia, Dr. Garvin is most proud to have served as the founder of the Committee for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups in New York City from 1982 to 1986. Likewise, he established the Jewish Family Services of Ann Arbor, a city in which he was also gratified to serve as a member of the Model City Planning Board. During the earliest stages of his career, Dr. Garvin contributed to the field as a social worker for the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago, Illinois, between 1956 and 1964, and in a similar capacity at the Henry Booth House from 1948 until 1956. Having joined as a volunteer at the age of 19, he saw firsthand the impact of poverty and destitution throughout his duties, which inspired him to dedicate his career to helping people in disadvantaged situations.
Dr. Garvin is most well-known for leveraging his experiences at the Henry Booth House and as a community organizer toward the building of his model on group work, which has been widely accepted ever since. Throughout the course of his career, he has authored such works as "The Work Incentive Experience" in 1974, "Interpersonal Practice in Social Work" in 1985 and "Social Work in Contemporary Society" in 1992, as well as more than 50 articles in various professional journals. Among his greatest accomplishments, Dr. Garvin was particularly gratified to have focused his research on reaching an understanding on the cause of social justice.
Before venturing onto his vocational path, Dr. Garvin sought a formal education at Wright Junior College and the University of Chicago, from which he obtained a Master of Arts in 1951. Following this accomplishment, he served in the U.S. Army between 1952 and 1954, rising to the rank of a corporal. After his honorable discharge, Dr. Garvin returned to the University of Chicago, where he earned a Doctor of Philosophy in 1968. During the course of his early development, he drew heavily from the influence of Marion Blank, his field instructor at the University of Chicago, as well as Edna Hansen, the director of the Henry Booth House, and William J. Reid, whom he met in the military and contributed considerably to Dr. Garvin's future research on group work.
Well-regarded for his indelible contributions to the field, Dr. Garvin has been honored with a number of accolades. Among them, he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Council on Social Work Education in 2012, and a research grant from the U.S. Department of Labor between 1969 and 1973. Furthermore, he was elected as a fellow of the American Orthopsychiatry Association and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the American Sociological Association and the International Association of Social Work with Groups. In accounting for standout success, Dr. Garvin credits his propensity for intellectual curiosity and his interest in sharing knowledge with others.
Charles and Jesse Gordon were instrumental in getting the third Friday potluck dinner group (Chavurah) together as they wanted a group with just adults not family. There was no topic of discussion, people just chatted and visited. Charles and Janet were gracious hosts and when they moved to Glacier Hills many were happy to pick them up to join in on the fun. Nobody over 90 had to bring any food so that made it easier for Charles. Charles was also quite fond of being a founding member of a book club and an active participant for 30+ years.
Charles was a founding member of an Ann Arbor men's group in 1979. He has continued to be a valuable member of the group to the present. He was the oldest member of the group. Many of the original members had studied social work with him at the University of Michigan. He was both a mentor and father figure to many in the men’s group. Once or twice a year the men’s group would meet for an extended weekend group. Many times, Charles generously offered his cottage up north on Mullett Lake for their meetings. Charles was always willing to share his observations about their personal, interpersonal and group processes. He also contributed to their lively political and intellectual debates. As they all aged, Charles became a beloved elder and sage in the group.
The social work profession has bestowed on Charles Garvin some of its highest honors, from the Significant Lifetime Achievement in Social Work Education Award of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 2012 to his appointment as an NASW Social Work Pioneer in 2020. As a lifetime member of the IASWG Board of Directors and an active member of the Practice Committee, Garvin was most proud of his work in raising awareness of group dynamics in the context of diversity. He calls upon group workers of the future to respond to the impact of oppression and marginalization on group participation, to attend to the diverse needs of group members and groups, and to help group members realize their individual and collective potential for social action and social change.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 at 10:00 am with visitation beginning at 9:00 am. The graveside service will be held at Arborcrest Memorial Park, Ann Arbor, MI. Light lunch to follow. If you will be joining us for the light lunch, we ask that you please RSVP preferably via this link: https://tinyurl.com/cgarvinmemorial, or email to: djhgarvin@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to organizations that were near to Charles' heart, including the University of Michigan School of Social Work Social Justice Impact Fund. Contributions may be made through this link: https://ssw.umich.edu/r/charlesgarvinmemorial. Memorial contributions may also be made in Charles’ name to the Jewish Cultural Society, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr #1, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, or the Jewish Family Services, 2245 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104.