G. Sheldon Barquist passed away on February 18, 2024. He was 97 years old.

He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to A. Victor and Georgia Barquist.

His family moved to St. Paul. where he attended Groveland Park Grade School, Maria Sanford Junior High School, and then Central High School.  He also attended the Macalester College School of Music.

Following service in the US Air Force in Japan and Hawaii, he resumed his studies at the University of Minnesota, receiving a Bachelor of Business Degree, with honors.  He participated in many student activities, including serving on the All University Council, and as President of the Business School Board.  He was the recipient of the prestigious Tomato Can Award, which is presented to a graduating student chosen by the Dean of the School of Management each year for academic achievement and leadership in student government.  He was and continued to be a member of the Alpha Kappa Psi fraternity, serving as president of the Alpha Eta Chapter at the University.  He also served on the board of the University of Minnesota All University Congress and received its Outstanding Service award.

Mr. Barquist’s entire business career was with the General Motors Acceptance Corporation Financial Services Group, serving principally in New York and Detroit.  At retirement, he was Group Vice President, and served on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

Early assignments in Detroit included working with car and truck divisions and GM technical staffs on vehicle safety, crashworthiness and repairability.  It was said that it earned him the title of the only real car guy in the finance business.

During his career, Mr. Barquist also attended the Wharton School, Columbia University, and the University of Michigan.  He received a Masters degree, Cum Laude, from the Pace University Graduate School in New York.  He also served on the faculty of General Motors Institute, and the Chevrolet School of Management.  He was a member of Toastmasters International and served as the President of the Detroit Chapter, called the GM Turning Wheels Club.

An active Presbyterian, he was a member of the Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church, Livonia MI; a founding member of the Highlands Presbyterian Church, Allendale, NJ; and The Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church, Skidaway Island, GA.  He served as an Elder and the Clerk of Session at these churches.  He was also a member of the Kirk-in-the Hills Presbyterian church, in Bloomfield Hills, MI.

A devoted golfer, he belonged to The Landings Club, Skidaway Island, Savannah, where he had two holes-in-one; The Forest lake Country Club, Bloomfield Hills, MI; and The Whippoorwill Club, Armonk, NY.  He served on the Board of Directors at each of these clubs.

His many interests included classic cars, a hobby pursued through membership in the Landings Auto Society, The Classic Car Club of America, and the Cadillac-La Salle Club where he served on judging teams.  His 1932 Cadillac Convertible Coupe won first place in the Grand National Cadillac – La Salle Club Convention in 2009, and an award in the Hilton Head Concours in 2014.

Since moving to Savannah, Mr. Barquist had the opportunity to serve on the Board of the Lucas Theater during its restoration, and the Skidaway Island Republican Club.  He also served as a Mediator for the Savannah Mediation Center.  Retirement also enabled the Barquists to travel the world extensively, their favorites being a family trip to Italy and a recent visit to Africa.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Burling Larigan Barquist.  His first wife, Margaret Gullick Barquist, and grandson Casey Barquist predeceased him.  Other survivors include his sons and daughters-in-law Charles and Janis Barquist of Beverly Hills, CA; Bruce and Diane Barquist, of Cottage Grove, MN; Colin Barquist; Evan and Jessica Barquist and great grandchildren Ethan, Madeline and Isabella of Burlington, VT; Robben Barquist of Los Angeles, CA. Also surviving are stepsons and stepdaughters-in-law Mark and Sherri Larigan of Hatboro, PA; Chris and Peggy Larigan of Port Washington, NY; Douglas and Bridget Larigan of Millis, MA.  Also step grandchildren Matthew, Jessica, Megan, Jordon, Jennifer, Melissa, Christina, Katherine, and Timothy; step great grandchildren Caroline, Savannah, Henry, oliver and Spencer.

Memorial services will be 3:00, Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Skidaway Community Church.