Milo Hunter writes,

I had Nate as a professor for at least five classes. When the semester ended for one of the classes, I asked Nate how I did. He replied, “You deserved an A, but I?m giving you a B.” “Why,?” I asked. “I thought it’d be good for you.”One particular semester, the University issued an edict that there was to be a WRITTEN (the University’s emphasis) final exam in each class. I was taking one of Nate’s acting classes, and Nate acknowledged to the class that he was required to give us the requisite WRITTEN exam, which he said would consist of definitions. When asked to define “through-line,” I said that it was the final line of the play, because once that line was said, the play was through. That may have been the class where I got the B instead of an A.

Michael Moses writes,

Those who have wrestled with this mortal coil as long as I have and see sixty five as young will understand that the first thing that came to mind on hearing of Nate’s death was that ‘They whom the gods love die young.’ Those yet to realize that sixty five is indeed young know now that sometimes even the gods are not selfish enough to take too early from us one such as Nate.

obituary from the Washington Post

April 1, 2006
Nathan C. Garner, GWU Professor

Nathan C. Garner, 64, a George Washington University professor of theatre, died of adult respiratory distress syndrome March 22 at Montgomery General Hospital.

Dr. Garner, who began teaching at GWU in 1968, helped create the school’s Master’s of Fine Arts programs in Acting, Directing and Design during the 1970’s and also helped establish the school’s interdisciplinary major in Dramatic Literature. For the past three years, he was Associate Chairman for the Department of Theatre and Dance. For more than 30 years, he directed one show each year.

In the past three years, he was a judge for the Helen Hayes Awards to local professional theatre.

Born in Shoreham, VT, he graduated from Tufts University and received a Master’s degree in theatre from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1965. He taught briefly at what was then Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania, then received a doctorate in theatre from the University of Michigan in 1985.

A fan of GWU’s basketball teams, Dr. Garner also enjoyed rooting for the Washington Redskins. He was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Brighton, MD.

His marriage to Ann Candice Corry ended in divorce.

Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Victoria Walsh Garner of Silver Spring; a song from his first marriage, William Richard Contant Garner of Boston; two children from his second marriage, Robert James Garner and Stephen Chadwick Garner, both of Silver Spring; three brothers; and one sister.

A Friendship in 3 Acts

by Ronni Diamond

Act I

In 1968 I arrive at GWU, 17 years old – fresh from NY – full of hope, ambition and very raw talent. I meet Nathan Garner – Nate – 10 years my senior, sandy haired, boyishly handsome – Technical Director of the Theatre Department – full of passion and energy for teaching. The Vietnam War is raging – GW is the epicenter of the anti-war movement and the changes sweeping the country. The theatre department is a haven, a place to experiment and to challenge ourselves. Nate is open, fearless, insistent, encouraging, not only to me, but to all who care about the theatre. For four years he is my teacher, my director, and my friend. This is the Act of Opening.

Act II

In 1972 I graduate from GW – and two weeks later I get married. Nate warns me that I am too young. He is right, but I won’t find that out until much later. We lose touch. For several years my connection with the theatre stops while raising a family. In 1980 I begin taking Continuing Education classes at West Chester State College in West Chester, PA. There I meet Vicki Walsh – a tall, red-headed beauty –10 years my junior – full of wit, enthusiasm and passion for the theatre. We become close friends – my young daughters love her. When she decides to attend graduate school, I encouraged her to choose GW. I tell her that she will love Nate Garner – and I am right! Nate is back in my life.

This Act is full of drama. My husband and I divorce. Nate and Vicki marry. My two daughters grow up and Vicki & Nate are part of our close circle. Their children arrive and grow and so does the circle. Nate continues teaching, I become a playwright, and we share our love for the theatre once again. I fall in love with Joe, and his two daughters are added to our circle. Life is full and our connection is strong. This is the Act of Reunion and Renewal.

Act III

Time and change speed up. We are all getting older. Joe and I and the 4 girls attend Nate’s 50^th birthday – a wonderful, extravaganza thrown by Vicki – Nate is surrounded by so many people he has influenced and encouraged – so much love and appreciation. Over the years we spend time together at the Walsh birthday parties, visiting DC, time together in Philly and at our cabin on the Chesapeake Bay. Our lives are intertwined. My youngest daughter becomes a vet and lives with Nate & Vicki while doing a rotation at the National Zoo. Now, as an adult, she appreciates my wonderful teacher, my wonderful friends and their terrific guys.

When we said goodbye last July 4^th weekend, I could not know that it would be the last time I would see Nate. He has been a huge presence in my life. Our paths and our families have been intertwined. I am going to miss him. The curtain fell too soon. This is the Act of Realization and Resolution. Life without Art is an empty endeavor. Nathan Garner knew the Art of Living.