Jeffrey L. Giarde

Jeffrey L. Giarde, 79, passed away July 9, 2021, after a very short bout with colon cancer and congestive heart failure. Jeff, as he was known to his friends, was born in Seattle, Washington on October 7, 1941 to Lyle and Mertie Giarde. He began his award-winning career being named the Carnation Dairy Baby of the Year as a mere toddler. He grew up in San Diego where he graduated from Mount Miguel High School, San Diego State College and California Western School of Law with a JD degree. He briefly practiced law in La Jolla and then Legal Aid of San Diego. He relocated to Redlands when he accepted a job as a staff attorney with the California 4th District Court of Appeal. During his 16 year tenure at the Court he rose to the position of Principal Attorney and authored the manual for court attorneys and it was adopted state wide. Also, during his tenure, he taught numerous classes at Citrus Belt Law School where he met his wife, Leigh. She was a student of his and he often said the thing that attracted him most to her was her smiling face in the front row. They were married in 1978 and began a lifetime partnership. She said she knew he had integrity because while engaged he gave her the only D on an exam she ever had in her life. She did not finish law school always stating, two lawyers in a family would be one too many. In 1987 Jeff accepted an appointment by Governor Deukmejian to the San Bernardino Municipal Court. While there he participated in the consolidation of the Municipal and Superior Courts into one system and on the committee to bring computerization to the courts. He served 8 years before a heart condition forced him into an early retirement. Jeff and Leigh had many hobbies, among which was collecting old glass milk bottles. He authored the definitive book on age-dating milk bottles, Glass Milk Bottles: Their Makers & Marks. He and Leigh also self-published a monthly newsletter for collectors, The Milk House Moosletter. Jeff loved photography and traveling, particularly cruises and he and Leigh were fortunate enough to visit all 50 states, 20+ foreign countries and sail 127 cruises together. Despite many health challenges over the years Jeff always maintained a sense of humor, a cheerful nature and a love of life=s adventures. Jeff was a former member of the Redlands Morning Kiwanis where he wrote and edited their newsletter, winning an award for the newsletter from the district. Jeff was most proud, however, of participating in reviving a defunct local fraternity, Sigma Delta Phi, while at San Diego State. He and eight of his friends, later dubbed the Holy Eight, were looking for a brotherhood that was something more than partying and girls. Sigma Delta Phi ultimately became Eta Kappa Chapter of Sigma Nu, a national fraternity. He was also instrumental in the founding of the Alumni Chapter. Jeff was honored to carry the badge number 1 of Eta Kappa. He held numerous offices including Eminent Commander twice. The friendships he made through Sigma Nu carried with him his entire life. He truly lived the mottos of both Sigma Delta Phi; Deeds Not Words and Sigma Nu; Love, Honor, Truth. Jeff will be missed greatly by those who had the privilege of knowing him. His warmth, intelligence, caring nature, dry wit and gentle demeanor are what set him apart from others. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Leigh and one daughter, Sandra. He will be buried in a private ceremony in his family's home town of Bellingham, Washington. Later a Celebration of Life will be held locally. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that contributions be made to either the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation or the Tunnel2Towers Foundation.

Jeffrey L. Giarde

October 7, 1941 - July 9, 2021