My name is Lloyd Garrett of Golden

About me

I was born in San Francisco, but came to Colorado when I was 2 –; so I almost count as a native. I’ve lived in the Golden area for most of my life, since I was in the fourth grade. I’m 72.

My wife passed away in 1993 from a car accident. But I have a girlfriend I’ve been dating for nine years. She lives in Lakewood. We met through dancing. I like swing, country and rock –; and I especially like the waltz.

I have three adult children, 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Everybody is still in Colorado. We are really close. I don’t know what I’d do without them. We get together quite a bit, and we have fun together.

Helping kids

The Golden Elks started the Golden chapter 27 years ago. I’m a charter member –; I was one of the first ones.

There’re so many things that we do. We certainly try to do as much as we can for the community. We have Golden, Applewood and Pleasant View. And a little bit of Wheat Ridge because Wheat Ridge doesn’t have a lodge.

The Elks are most famous for their scholarships. We do more scholarships than anyone besides the U.S. government. There are a lot of kids who can’t afford to go to college. But these kids are bright, and somebody needs to step up.

There’re two programs for kids. One is called the Soccer Shoot, and the basketball one is called Free Throw. It’s a skills thing, and if the kids make it to nationals, there’s a scholarship involved.

We also donate to the after-prom at Golden High School. That’s something we took up about five years ago. And we do between 25-35 Christmas baskets each year for people in need. We put about $ 75 worth of food in the baskets, and a gift for the kids in the families.

Clem Audin Fund

Clem Audin is a fund that provides kids in need with a lot of different things, but mostly clothing, hearing aids, glasses and school supplies. Any time our children are in need, it’s a good thing to be able to provide these extra things.

Clem Audin is something that has been with the Elks for a long time –; I think it was set up in the ’30s or ’40s. It’s strictly Elks and all the lodges put into that fund each year.

I’ve been working on the Clem Audin for about 10 years. I work with the councilors in the schools, and they recommend the kids in need. I’ve never once been turned down for funds.

50 years of softball

I’ve played softball since I was in my 20s, and I just keep playing. I play tournament softball all over the country and I play on several local leagues. I also manage an 18-and-over team in Golden.

I like the competition. I encourage kids to play sports. I think it’s really good for them. The competition is good for them, and working as a team.

It’s a great thing for kids, and if you’re still interested in your 50s, 60s, 70s, that’s really terrific.

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