Michael "Mike" Garland

Michael Stephen Garland from Flat Rock, NC, went to be with the Lord on Monday, October 21, 2024, after a long and very courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, on April 11, 1955, to David and Mary (Monette) Garland. He graduated from Hinsdale High School in Hinsdale, NH, in 1973.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Hannah (Hunter) Garland. He is survived by his daughter, Mary (Alex) Wilson, and his two granddaughters, Elise and Elizabeth, his brothers, Christopher (Chip) Garland and Matt (Jody) Garland, his sister, Melinda Buteau, as well as his nieces, nephews, great nieces and a nephew.

He graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He continued to work as an engineer until he retired from Tyco Electronics in 2023.

Mike was passionate about giving back and volunteering his time to help others in need. He found joy in spending his time helping Habitat for Humanity. He also spent countless hours volunteering with his church family to assist flood victims and others in need by helping build homes and making the community better. He was an active NC Baptists on Mission member, which helped him spread the good Lord’s love by helping others in need. His strong faith carried him throughout his entire life, and it was instrumental in his positive outlook while battling cancer. He was highly involved with his church family, Biltmore Church in Asheville.

His other passions in life included hiking, running, biking locally and abroad, and backpacking the Appalachian Trail. He enjoyed God’s outside creation and found it gave him much peace. He found great joy in riding with his friends in the Kirbo Cycling Group. When he couldn’t keep up with his fellow bikers, he committed to riding his Peloton so he would be with them in spirit. He never let the cancer stop him from spending his time outside and enjoying his life. He fought a tough fight until the end, never giving up on life.

Services will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian in Arden and will be streamed live via the link just below the obit text.

Mike prioritized finding joy in life and sharing it with others. The family asks you to do the same: do something that brings you joy outside and share it with those around you.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to www.828strong.com.