Thomas Nicholas (Nick) Garland, resident and business man of Fort Morgan, passed away March 3rd at the age of 86 while residing at Valley View Care Center. He was born November 2nd, 1931 in Denver Colorado to Tom and Zella Garland.  As a child Tom grew up in La Jolla California, moving back to Kremmling Colorado and then to Akron Colorado where he graduated from high school.  He then attended college in both Denver and Phoenix.

In 1957 Tom married Deene Kring in Phoenix Arizona and had two daughters. He later married Donna Harvey and they raised a son in Fort Morgan being married nearly 50 years.

Tom had several jobs in accounting, but his greatest interest was as an inventor and entrepreneur. In 1970 while working on an invention, he was inspired to create a small pad of 13 pages of paper taped to a backing of poster board.  He then applied to the State of Colorado and received the Trade-mark 'Sticky Note'.  Through his own company 'Redystick Products', 23 million pads were made, sold and shipped over a period of 16 years.  Each set of pads bearing a different name and logo for various customers all over the world.  Tom sold the company in 1987.

Tom started another business in 1988 he called 'Idea Factory'. Also known as TGIF (Tom Garland's Idea Factory). Tom worked with Bron Tapes in Denver nearly 3 decades using his innovative creativity to design and produce new products in the field of industrial tapes and other materials for die cutting.  He was actively involved in his company until June of 2016.

Tom loved Jazz music, dancing, and in his younger day, playing the saxophone. For several years he was involved in The Denver Jazz Club contributing to their high school jazz scholarship fund.  He also was a member of the Fort Morgan Elks Lodge.

Tom is survived by his wife, Donna of Fort Morgan; children Nykki of Phoenix AZ and Son Ed (Linda) of Sugar Grove, IL; a granddaughter Sophia (15) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Sheila, bother Allen (Flodele) Christensen, Brother LR (Vivian) Christensen, sister Dorothy (Dave) Rowland, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Heer Mortuaries and Crematory is providing their service and a celebration of life will be held in late June for all who knew Tom.

In lieu of flowers or gifts you may make donations toward a Memorial Fund in Tom's Memory.

Donate by Visiting the following GoFundMe link https://www.gofundme.com/stickynotememorial

Net proceeds will be distributed equally to the following organizations:

• Elks Lodge #1143 Fort Morgan, CO. The Elks Nation Foundation Scholarship Programs provide College Financial Aid.
• The Denver Jazz Club. Funding the "Youth All Star Band" who attend clinics with world famous jazz musicians, financial assistance for students and more.

Learn more about Tom by visiting www.inventingstickynotes.com