Phil Garmey

Born and raised in Lynchburg, I was educated from kindergarten through high school at Holy Cross Catholic School. The Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul were not always charitable (!) but they were invariably superb teachers and discipline was the order of the day within the walls of the School. My interest in both teaching and in foreign languages were born at Holy Cross School. I learned how to study and what to appreciate about what my mind's curiosity put before me.

Post high school, a series of events led me to an educational institution known then as “Lynchburg College,” and, by a stroke of great good fortune, I had classes in Western Civilization with Professor Clifton Potter and in French Language and Literature with Professor Robert White whose superior skill as scholars and teachers set the scene for my own development academically.

 To put it all succinctly, while my years at Lynchburg College focused happily on the study of French and European Civilization, it was during my time at “LC” and under the inspiration and instruction of an extraordinary faculty that I found my path in life.

After graduation from Lynchburg College in 1969, I was fortunate to find a teaching position immediately. At that time, Seven Hills School, a college preparatory school for girls, was thriving on Rivermont Avenue in Lynchburg and the head of that School took a chance on hiring me, a rank novice, to teach French. Thank God for the veteran faculty who mentored me there and saved me from professional self destruction.

After two years at Seven Hills School, (1971 ), I began studies for the Master of Arts degree in French at the University of Virginia. Then, armed with the Master's degree, I was offered a teaching position at Virginia Episcopal school here in Lynchburg. I served this fine School in many different capacities for forty-four years including one year as Acting Headmaster. It was a singular honor to have devoted my life to VES. I had found a profession which gave me great pleasure, and I never forgot the amazing models of professional excellence which I had witnessed so many years earlier by the good Sisters at Holy Cross Catholic School.

In retirement, I have focused my energy on volunteer work, on tutoring high school and college students and on pursuing continuing education through online classes in subjects of interest.

While French literature and the history of philosophy are fascinating to me, my true academic pursuit has always been the study of medieval art. The story of painting and architecture in this brilliant period of history is endless in offering stimulating topics to pursue.

My sister and brother, their spouses and families, my two adult children and their spouses along with my two grandchildren are all the great loves of my life. My son Trevor is an attorney in Los Angeles, while my daughter Erin lives and works in Lynchburg. Their son, Hayden, and their daughter, Julia, are high school students.

What a privilege it is for me to join the Westminster Canterbury community. My good fortune knows no limit. I certainly plan to do all I can to give back to a community which I know will enrich my life deeply.