Having know Gary for a very long time I can tell you he struggled for a long time with his addiction and it finally bested him. He had a kind heart and was a good friend. He was tough with alot of people but tried to help those he could. It was hard when he lost his little boy so young in life.He loved him alot - Chad. He took it very hard. He was in many peoples lives and will be missed. I wished I could have stay closer in touch with him. He became very lonely and I think his heart gave out on him . But he sure gave alot of fun times to many !
So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. What I remember about Gary from all those years ago is that he was a good person and friendly. I am sad that his heart was broken so early in life. They say the death of one's child is something you never get over. Blessings to you, Gary, as you join your son. May your next journey be happier and lighter.
I never knew Gary as more than a face and a name, however I have believed in the truth of the lines from John Donne ever since I first read them:
No man is an island entire of itself; every man
is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;...
... any man's death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom
the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
We all grieve readily and understandably for the passing of one of celebrity, but forget too easily that the loss of one we may but pass in the crowd is a very real loss indeed. Rest in peace, Gary.
Gary sat by me in home room for years. He was always pleasant and kind. I'm sorry to learn of his loss of his son & of his addiction problems. I am thankful for Gary's life. His loved ones are in my prayers.
I think about you often and I can't believe it's been 8 years. Good times in your basement bar. You, Rich Jensen, Carl Peterson, Dave Wolters and me and I know there were others, Gene Larson, Bob Arneson, Russ Schaffenberg, Pete Bollenbacher and probably a couple more. I don't know why you guys took to me seeing as I was a year younger and a grade behind,, but you all excepted me. I am honored for that. As we got older and went our separate ways over the years we always seemed to reconnect at some point. For 10 years you and I went all over southern Minnesota to one car show after another and you had so many trophies and of course I still have about 30 of my own. What do you do with used trophies? Anyway, I miss you Gary. Tinker and I tried to help. You stayed with us for a couple weeks and I took you up to Hazeltine but it wasn't your calling. I'm sorry for giving up on you. I love and miss you and you will always be in my heart and I hope you find Chad and you find peace. Love Tolle.
Margo Alexander
Rest in peace, Gary. Margo
Judy Swanson
So sad that none that knew him could honor his life with a few kind words.
Rich Jensen
Having know Gary for a very long time I can tell you he struggled for a long time with his addiction and it finally bested him. He had a kind heart and was a good friend. He was tough with alot of people but tried to help those he could. It was hard when he lost his little boy so young in life.He loved him alot - Chad. He took it very hard. He was in many peoples lives and will be missed. I wished I could have stay closer in touch with him. He became very lonely and I think his heart gave out on him . But he sure gave alot of fun times to many !
Judy Swanson
Thank you Rich for your words. No life should go without a remberance. Wish I could have helped.
Lynn Nordgren
So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. What I remember about Gary from all those years ago is that he was a good person and friendly. I am sad that his heart was broken so early in life. They say the death of one's child is something you never get over. Blessings to you, Gary, as you join your son. May your next journey be happier and lighter.
Sue Crosbie
Lynn,
Such kind words you have written - thank you.
Prayers for the repose of the soul of the faithful departed.
John Harrer
I never knew Gary as more than a face and a name, however I have believed in the truth of the lines from John Donne ever since I first read them:
No man is an island entire of itself; every man
is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;...
... any man's death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom
the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
We all grieve readily and understandably for the passing of one of celebrity, but forget too easily that the loss of one we may but pass in the crowd is a very real loss indeed. Rest in peace, Gary.
Mary Wildasin (Tom)
Gary sat by me in home room for years. He was always pleasant and kind. I'm sorry to learn of his loss of his son & of his addiction problems. I am thankful for Gary's life. His loved ones are in my prayers.
Roger Tolle
I think about you often and I can't believe it's been 8 years. Good times in your basement bar. You, Rich Jensen, Carl Peterson, Dave Wolters and me and I know there were others, Gene Larson, Bob Arneson, Russ Schaffenberg, Pete Bollenbacher and probably a couple more. I don't know why you guys took to me seeing as I was a year younger and a grade behind,, but you all excepted me. I am honored for that. As we got older and went our separate ways over the years we always seemed to reconnect at some point. For 10 years you and I went all over southern Minnesota to one car show after another and you had so many trophies and of course I still have about 30 of my own. What do you do with used trophies? Anyway, I miss you Gary. Tinker and I tried to help. You stayed with us for a couple weeks and I took you up to Hazeltine but it wasn't your calling. I'm sorry for giving up on you. I love and miss you and you will always be in my heart and I hope you find Chad and you find peace. Love Tolle.