Cecil Maxwell Garrow, 87 of Akwesasne

Cecil Maxwell Garrow, 87, of Akwesasne, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

Cecil was born on August 1, 1937, in Akwesasne, the son of the late Maxwell and Rose Garrow. He and his family temporarily moved to Syracuse, NY, where he attended Lafayette High School and met his future wife, Barbara Jane Dence, at an all-county band/choir concert. They married on May 18, 1957, then lived in Syracuse, NY, while he attended Syracuse University as a night student. He graduated with a degree in electrical engineering and served in the Marine Corps Reserves. They lived in various places before eventually settling in Akwesasne, NY.

Cecil was an avid and talented musician, frequently playing with bands around the North Country, including the Thundertones. He ran his own construction company, building numerous structures across the North Country. As an electrical engineer, he could problem solve and fix or repair anything. He was also involved in Barbara's food business, Barb's Goodie Basket, eventually starting his own food truck, servicing many businesses and construction sites. Following his father's example, he was actively involved in tribal politics and served as a sub-chief for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. He loved gardening and caring for his animals, especially his best cat, Mustachio.

Cecil was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved to serve people. He was frequently involved in church service projects, taught lessons, and delivered meals Barbara made. He humbly served in many volunteer positions and was involved in the construction of several chapels for The Church. He loved the Lord, actively sharing his faith in God, and touched the lives of many. Wherever he went, people stopped to chat with him. He loved to tell stories and listen to other people's stories. His laughter and smile will be missed dearly by his family and friends, and they will cherish the many lessons he taught them.

Cecil was predeceased by his wife, Barbara; his parents, Maxwell and Rose Garrow; and brother-in-law, Darrell Brown. He is survived by his two children, Michael Garrow and Carrie Garrow; six grandchildren, Breanne (Jordan) Caldwell, Marcus Garrow, Christopher Garrow-Grant, Craig Garrow, Rebekah Garrow, and Maxwell Garrow; and three great-grandchildren, Emma, Elora, and Esme Caldwell-Eamon. He is also survived by his siblings, Tom (Frankie) Garrow, Martha (Billy) Cook, Dan (Kim) Garrow, Dwight (Sue) Garrow, Sarah Brown, and Rachelle (Tim) Garrow-Hayes; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Donaldson Funeral Home, 100 N. Main Street, Massena, where friends and family may call on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 3-6 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 21 Castle Drive, Potsdam, NY. A luncheon will follow. Burial services will be held at the Tarbell Family Cemetery, 37 McGee Rd., Hogansburg, NY, at 2 p.m.