He also earned a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University in 1948, and worked as a cost accounting manager for Lockheed Corporation until 1959.
He retired on June 30, 1990, to serve as chaplain of Harvard School in Studio City, Los Angeles.
He conferred Holy Order on Philip Lance, the first openly gay priest in The Episcopal Church, in January 1988.
Lance's ordination was contested by members of the Commission on Ministry but Garver and Bishop Jon Bruno advocated for his approval.
The commission is still supporting the building of affordable housing for people with HIV and AIDS till this day.