Harper James Garlitos

Harper James Garlitos passed from this earth in May 2021. Harper was born in Houston, Texas in November 1999 to his loving father, Dr. Daniel R. Garlitos and his loving mother, Ginger M. Sandlin. Harper and his family moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he was joined by his siblings, Gretchen N. Garlitos, Graham F. Garlitos and Megan J. Garlitos. Harper graduated from Clear Falls High School, in League City, Texas, and enrolled as a Freshman at Sam Houston State University, later transferring to Texas State University to complete his sophomore year in college. Harper was studious and dedicated to his future dreams. He loved from a deep place in his heart and was keenly aware of his humanity and limitations. We believe Harper described himself, his goals, dreams, desires, and ambitions, in a way we never could. For this reason, we are sharing the words he so eloquently chose to present himself to the world via his LinkedIn profile with you below.

“My name is Harper James Garlitos. I am an ambitious, bright, sociable, hardworking, and well -spoken individual. I have a solid work ethic and a dedicated can-do attitude that makes me strive to do the best as possible at anything I do. For me I consider good enough to be no better than not trying at all. I am very goal oriented and dedicated to them, once I have a goal, I put all my focus towards it until I accomplish what I set out to do. Ever since I was a child, I always wanted to be rich, successful, and well respected. I dreamed of driving the best cars, eating the best foods, drinking the best wine, dwelling in the most elaborate of houses, and visiting the most exotic and exciting places. I have made it my life’s purpose to make this goal come to fruition. I see all work as valuable work no matter how menial or glorious. Working at someplace like Whataburger will teach me the work ethic, social skills, responsibility, and will prepare me for jobs that guarantee a prosperous future. I am a college student who is studying business and planning to major in Finance. I have a special interest in stocks and markets and want to use my degree to work as an analyst for a hedge fund and slowly or quickly move up the corporate ladder. I am a firm believer in capitalism; this economic system has built this nation from a system of petty colonies to a worldwide trade empire, it has brought millions of people out of poverty, it has built cities, and it has jump-started technological innovation. I want to study finance because I want to be a part of and contribute to this prosperous and glorious system. At university I plan on making it my number one goal to excel academically; I will study hard, work hard, sleep late, and wake up early to maximize my chances at getting a high paying prosperous job. At university I seek to recreate myself into a brighter, fitter, more responsible, more social, more confident, and in general a better version of myself that is strong enough to face the world head on without fear.” Harper J. Garlitos

We would like you all to know that Harper lived a long life in a short period of time. He accomplished many of the things he wrote about, but it was dulled by his Autism and depression. He held so many things so close to his heart that many never saw. His pain overwhelmed him, and we hope that in his difficult decisions he has found some peace. 

Harper is survived by his father, Dr. Daniel R. Garlitos, his mother, Ginger M. Sandlin and bonus-dad Scott Sandlin, siblings Gretchen N. Garlitos, Graham F. Garlitos, Megan J. Garlitos and bonus-siblings, Miranda S. Horn and Hannah S. Turner as well his Suzanne W. Howard, mom to so many and Misu to our family.

We would like to share the following poem in remembrance of Harper’s life in a way to help us all move forward in peace and a willingness to evoke change for others who suffer each day.

 Turn again to life

By Mary Lee Hall

If I should die and leave you here a while,
be not like others sore undone,
who keep long vigil by the silent dust.
For my sake turn again to life and smile,
nerving thy heart and trembling hand
to do something to comfort other hearts than mine.
Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine
and I perchance may therein comfort you.

A celebration of life will be held to honor Harper at Houston Yacht Club on Saturday, June 26, 2021, from 3-5pm. Please visit https://houstonyachtclub.com/ for directions. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Be a 9th Wonder Foundation. For additional information about Be a 9th Wonder Foundation, please visit:  https://ninthwonder.org/

To donate in Harper’s name to Be a 9th Wonder Foundation, please see below:

$9thwonderfoundation >Cashapp

 Ninthwonder@yahoo.com> Zelle

@9thwonderfoundation>PayPal

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