Charles Arthur Garney: 1931-2024


Charles Arthur Garney, the developer of Briarcliff, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, exactly two weeks before his 93rd birthday.

Charles founded Garney Construction Company in 1961. He believed in the pride and power of employee ownership and in 1986 he originated an employee stock ownership program (ESOP) that was one of the first of its kind in the country. He stepped aside as president of Garney Companies, Inc. in 1995. Today, Garney Companies has become a nationally recognized heavy utility contractor in water and wastewater systems exceeding over $2 billion in annual revenue and is 100% employee owned with over 2,400 employees nationwide. Witnessing the lives that were enriched by the ESOP program never stopped bringing him tremendous joy.

Rest in peace.

Read the full obituary here

Read this profile on Charles Garney from the Kansas City Business Journal