Donald C. Garwood

 Donald C. Garwood, PhD

Donald Garwood, age 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 13, 2026 in Coos Bay, OR. Don was a caring person with a curious mind and an outstanding sense of humor. He leaves behind Diana Keller, his loving and devoted wife of 36 years and two brothers. Starting at a young age, Don had a passion and affinity for experimental chemistry. As a teenager, Don managed to acquire lab-grade chemicals and began performing sophisticated experiments. As an undergraduate, Don studied chemistry on a full scholarship at Kalamazoo College, MI and subsequently completed a PhD in chemistry at Cal Tech.  Don was a master at designing and synthesizing new molecules, especially polymers. In 1976, Don invented and patented a new casting material for splinting broken bones that would soon make plaster casts obsolete. The patent was licensed to 3M in the 1980s, and the resulting product known as Scotchcast would profoundly impact bone fracture patients by lessening associated physical distress during bone healing. Besides chemistry, Don enjoyed immersing himself in many other topics, including designing origami paper airplanes, math puzzles, and music. Don played clarinet in high school, and as an adult, taught himself to play guitar by watching others play. He mastered the instrument and through in-depth study became an expert in fingerstyle blues guitar. In 1967 he published his book, “Masters of Instrumental Blues Guitar”. Don was a prolific reader and kept himself informed of the latest developments in science.  Even while in his late 80s, Don wrote computer programs to study and solve complex problems in science.  As recently as 2025, he co-authored a scientific publication on the physics of MRI. He will be deeply missed.

At his request, no public service will be held. Cremation rites have been held at Ocean View Memory Gardens Crematory, Coos Bay under the direction of Coos Bay Chapel 685 Anderson Ave. 541-267-3131. www.coosbayareafunerals.com 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald C. Garwood, please visit our floral store.