Michael Garland

Michael Garland, 76, of Hampton, NH, passed away on January 26, 2026. A man of remarkable curiosity and creative drive, Michael leaves behind a legacy of resilience, connection, and a deep, unwavering love for his family. He was the devoted husband and best friend of Patricia Garland. Their partnership was a model of mutual support and enduring friendship that set the standard for what a marriage should be. Michael was also a deeply proud father who was always present, always interested, and always his sons' biggest fan. Born March 3, 1949, in Barrington, RI, Michael was a graduate of Barrington High School. His life’s journey was defined by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a passion for the arts. He attended the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and was later accepted into the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) for photography. Though his path eventually led him away from RISD, his artistic eye remained a constant. Later in life, he returned to school in his 60s to complete his degree, an act of perseverance that served as a profound inspiration to his family. Michael spent many years at Polaroid, where his career trajectory was a source of great pride. He started on the assembly line to provide for his family, but when the opportunity to "try computers" emerged in the late 1970s, he jumped at it. Through sheer determination and a self-taught technical mind, he built a successful career in IT. While he was highly skilled at his work, his true legacy was his bottomless interest in the world and the people in it. Michael was a conversationalist in the truest sense; his office (also known as “The Vortex”) was a place where time and schedules were secondary to a good story or a deep dive into a new subject. He had a rare ability to pull people into his world, ensuring that anyone who entered walked away with a new fact, a laugh, and a sense that they had just shared something meaningful. Michael possessed a pure, lifelong love for movies and the art of film. In his retirement, he channeled this passion into fulfilling a lifelong ambition of becoming a documentary filmmaker, notably producing an acclaimed piece on the sinking of the Squalus submarine in Portsmouth. His courage to reinvent himself in his 60s remains a reminder that it is never too late to chase a dream. He was also a dedicated video gamer, known in the gaming community by his handle, “I’mTooOldForThis”—a title he frequently disproved by proudly outplaying competitors decades younger than him. Though not traditionally religious, Michael was a deeply spiritual and inquisitive man who found wonder in the world. The lessons he left behind are simple but profound: never be afraid to laugh at yourself, never stop chasing your dreams, and always be exactly who you are. He will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his sons, Josh Garland (and wife Agata Celmerowski) and Nick Garland (and partner Christie Wise), and the countless friends, coworkers, extended family, and community members he positively impacted throughout his life. A memorial service will be held in Hampton, NH, in the Spring of 2026. Details will be shared by the family at a later date. Watch Michael’s Work Michael was incredibly proud of his documentary work. In his memory, the family invites you to watch his film, "Saga of the Submarine Squalus," produced for the Hampton Historical Society: Watch: Documentary - Saga of the Submarine Squalus

Michael Garland

March 3, 1949 - January 26, 2026