Friday, October 11, 2024
My memories go back over sixty years as sister to Susan and sister-in-law to Gary. I vividly remember their wedding on one of the hottest days ever in July 1964 as if it was yesterday. I can still picture them leaving the reception at my parents' home in their VW "beetle." They settled in many towns across NY as Gary worked for different newspapers and covered different assignments from education to even crime in one of the cities. One of their earliest cute apartments was in Rhinebeck, NY when Gary worked for the Poughkeepsie Journal of the Gannet Chain. Eventually they moved to rural Eden, NY when he chose to work for the Buffalo Evening News for many years where he had many great colleagues. Life in Eden brought some wonderful barnyard pets including a geriatric goat, dogs, cats, and chickens much to the delight of Sarah and Pete. The notorious pet that inspired the best stories was their "watch goose" named Eubie (after his birthplace on the University of Buffalo campus). The only reason that I could get near Eubie was because I sounded like my sister. Otherwise, look out!
Gary's gift with words was notable and his quick wit and sense of humor fared him well. It also gave him a leg up to do the New York Times crossword puzzles with ease and to come up with jokes and puns that were always entertaining at any family gathering, yet sometimes "corny." One of his other gifts was his incredible knowledge of WWI aircraft that he loved to discuss with other aircraft enthusiasts.
However, besides his talents, I will most of all remember Gary as a truly kind, considerate man who did not complain and enjoyed life's simple joys like making pancakes from scratch or feeding the many varieties of birds in his yard. A man who lived his life with decency and respect. Gary will be missed and always remembered for how thoughtfully he treated his family, his friends and his colleagues. Such good qualities that we can admire and emulate. Linda B. Clarke, sister-in-law
