Obituary
Joe Garrett - Grip
Winston Churchill would have loved to have thousands of Joe Garretts at his disposal; the war certainly would not have lasted this long; someone who never took a step backwards nor sideways but met everything full on, whatever life threw at him professionally or in life generally.
To those who knew Joe, he had a wonderful sense of humour, a quick wit akin to Vic Hammond,- such character is rare. For us in the industry, reading his name on the call sheet always meant that the day would be more enjoyable because of him.
Joe was one who learnt his trade through the studio system, which unfortunately does not exist anymore. He helped to set the standard with others to generate the reputation of grips in this country:-to be highly respected throughout the world.
Joe and I started at MGM in 1962. We progressed from Stage Hands to Grips; Joe's brother Tony who was also a Stage Hand became a well respected camera technician.
Joe then married his princess, Anna, and between them they could not fail to produce their lovely son, Patrick, who carries on the proud name; and I know how very proud parents they are of their son, and very rightly so.
Joe worked on many features at MGM. After its closure Joe worked for more than 30 years on features and commercials. Not only did he move our profession forward, but also did he pass on his considerable knowledge to the younger generation of grips. Joe carried his way of life to the end: he had been fighting his illness for many years and I believe it was Joe's decision to end the fight. We have all lost a very courageous and warm hearted friend and colleague. He always had time for people worse off and less fortunate than himself.
He will be sorely missed by friends colleagues and his family.
David Cadwalladerl
