“We will laugh through the pain,
We will sing in the pouring rain,
And our voices,
they will echo Throughout all days.”
Philip Ray Garis, Jr., died on October 29, 2024, at 63 years old. Philip grew up in Northern Nevada and Moose Pass, Alaska where he learned to love fishing, camping and mountains. In 2000, he relocated to Etna, CA. In 2023, Philip moved to Florida with his wife and mother-in-law. Philip graduated from Southern Oregon University in 2000. He worked for attorney (now Superior Court Judge) John Lawrence as a legal researcher, writer and investigator. He had previously worked in mortgage banking and accounting, after completing a stint as an airplane mechanic in the US Air Force. But, Philip would say, work shouldn’t define you — a person should work when they’re old and enjoy life while they’re young!
In 1990, Philip met Melanie Harrington, and they married in 1997. From 2000 to 2023, they lived on the Scott River Ranch. Over the years, he and Melanie raised 6 dogs, 7 cats, and 3 horses, and each one had a big place in his heart. He loved photographing the wild creatures and scenic views of the Valley, and was always in awe of the Western skies at sunset. Philip valued loyalty and laughter, and he collected many good friends who shared those values.
Music was Philip’s passion, and he loved listening to it, talking about it, writing it, and playing it. He was a talented guitar, harmonica and mandolin player, wrote dozens of songs, and had a soulful, deep singing voice. He and Melanie performed as the Southside Berry Pickers for many years, sometimes joined by fellow musician and friend, Johnny Callahan. The Berry Pickers led open mic nights at Corrigans, where Phil was always stoked to meet and jam with local kids, old-timers, and musicians passing through Etna. Philip was expert at figuring out and “berry pickering” cover songs from rock and roll, alternative, folk music and more. His rhythm guitar, melody lines, and harp defined the Berry Pickers’ sound, whether the songs were original or stolen.
Philip is survived and beloved by his wife, Melanie, and their labs Sam Farley and Dusty Rose, by sister Michelle Iund (and Brad) of Texas, brother Nathan Garis of Winnemucca, niece Laine Iund, and nephew Grayson Iund. Shout out here to Ty Chambers of Reno – Ty and Phil stayed close friends, cracking each other up and sharing stories, since their Air Force days. He was preceded in death by his father Philip Garis, mother Enid Garis, and brother Danny Garis, as well as a menagerie of animals. Philip wasn’t a fan of somber or religious funerals, and no services are planned at this time. He would like to be sent off by his friends and neighbors with a shot of Crown Royal and a good song. If you would like to make donations in Philip’s name, please put cash in the tip jar of a local buskar, and say, “This is from Cat.”
