On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Dr. Norman Wayne Garlie peacefully passed away.
He is survived by his loving wife, Audrey Louise Garlie (Myers); and his sons, Shawn Garlie of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Todd Garlie of Southbridge, Massachusetts (his partner Annette), and Cody Garlie of Mount Pearl, Newfoundland (his wife Debbie Garlie). He is also survived by his four loving granddaughters, Katlyn, Megan, Emily, and Sarah; his loving grandson, Bradley; and his brother, Gary Garlie.
Dr. Garlie was born on Nov. 8, 1941, growing up in Wisconsin, where he developed the intellectual curiosity and sense of purpose that would define his life’s work. He graduated from Webster High School in Webster, Wisconsin, in 1959, distinguishing himself as a thoughtful and dedicated student.
Dr. Garlie pursued advanced study with a commitment to academic excellence that culminated in the completion of his Doctor of Philosophy degree. He served on the faculty of Memorial University of Newfoundland for many years, where he contributed meaningfully to the development of counseling education and the preparation of helping professionals. His scholarly work, including his research on death education and the emotional readiness of those entering caregiving fields, reflected both intellectual rigor and a deep concern for human well‑being.
Throughout his academic career, Dr. Garlie was recognized for his clarity of thought, his disciplined approach to research, and his unwavering dedication to the ethical formation of future counselors, educators, and health‑service professionals. His work in the 1970s on attitudes toward death and dying placed him among the early contributors to a field that would grow in importance in subsequent decades.
In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Garlie lent his expertise to broader educational and creative endeavors, including serving as a consultant for the 1999 film “Adam Case: Twice Exceptional.” His involvement in such projects reflected the breadth of his interests and his willingness to support work that advanced public understanding of psychological and educational issues.
In his later years, Dr. Garlie split his time in Danbury, Wisconsin, and Johnstown, Ontario, where he remained connected to family, friends, and the community. Those who knew him remember a man of integrity, humility, and quiet generosity—someone who approached both scholarship and daily life with thoughtfulness and purpose.
Dr. Garlie’s legacy endures in the students he mentored, the colleagues he influenced, and the body of work he contributed to his field. His life stands as a testament to the enduring value of service, scholarship, and compassion.
