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Gary Scrooby Obituary

Scrooby, Gary Grant
Scottsdale, AZ: We will gather at 10 AM, Saturday, July 26th at the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (Central Avenue/ Roosevelt) to celebrate the life of Gary Grant Scrooby, who entered eternal light on June 28, 2008.
Born in Marion, New York on January 19, 1954 to Joseph and Lottie Eleanor Urbanic Scrooby, Gary graduated from the Community College of the Finger Lakes and attended Syracuse University to study Social Work.
However, at eleven years of age, he discovered his true passion in life, the restaurant business, while working at Pulcini's, a local diner. From the moment he moved to the Valley in 1979, the restaurant business was never the same! Gary shared his exceptional gift for welcoming and gracious hospitality with the staff and patrons of the Impeccable Pig, Touch of Spice, Hollywood Deli and, for the last fourteen years, Alexi's Grill. Gary was recognized several times by the American Restaurant Retail Association as one of the Top Two Servers in the Southwest.
Always reaching out to care and help, Gary was loved and admired for his ability to discover the best in every situation and to bring out the best in everyone. Along the way, he mentored many and taught us all by his example. Gary used his special gifts and kinetic energy to enrich the lives of everyone he touched.
Gary will be greatly missed by his brothers and sister, Joe (Becky), Rich, Diane Smith (Tom), Fred (Maureen), Terry (Roxanne), Tom (Sue), Michael (Kim), numerous nieces and nephews and his life partner, Thomas N. Chapman.
Memorial donations to the Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix , AZ 85014 , or The Wellness Community, 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85004, would be appreciated in recognition of the care and support Gary received during his six-month battle with cancer. Arrangements by Messinger Indian School Mortuary, Scottsdale, Arizona, 480-945-9521.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle on Jul. 20, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Scrooby

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Amy Wright (Signature Destinations)

September 20, 2008

Tom ~ I am absolutely shocked and immensely saddened to learn of Gary's passing. Gary was one of the most charismatic people I had ever met and though I only knew him for a short period of time I know his energy brought a smile to everyone around him. An incredible person has been lost and I am grateful to have known Gary and experienced the joy and tranquility he brought to this world. My thoughts & prayers are with you Tom.

Bernice Tretter

August 11, 2008

Thomas and Gary's Family,
May the love of God, family and friends be a comfort to you during
this time of grief.

Ann Wallack

August 3, 2008

Dear Tom,
I am so sorry I missed seeing you and Gary together. Here I enjoyed seeing him at Alexi's, (and probably at Impeccable Pig too, for I went there often) and never knew you were partners! I never knew you meant THAT Gary. Unquestionably you were a great duo and he was lucky to have you right to the end. We should all be so blessed! Thinking of you... love, Ann

Greg Stanton

July 28, 2008

Dear Tom-

My sympathies to you on the passing of your wonderful life partner, Gary. You give so much to our community and I know Gary was a supportive partner to allow you the time to do all you do. I will keep you in my prayers.

Sincerely,

Michael Hawthorne

July 26, 2008

Thomas and Gary's family: I am saddend to learn of Gary's passing and I am very sorry for your loss. Having worked with and knowing Gary for over twenty years was truly wonderful. His enthusiasm and passion for life will continue continue to enrich my life and the lives of those who knew him.

Pat Huls

July 25, 2008

A smile that warmed the heart and welcomed the weary. The chrism of hospitality was embodied in Gary.
My condolences on your loss, Tom.

Kristin Gourley

July 25, 2008

Tom,
Like many people, I had not met Gary, but I truly knew that you had the most loving and fun and adventurous and marvelous relationship----and I mourn that with you. Remember you have all of us to walk with you through this hard time----there really are no words---no cliches are worthy---and we are helpless in our grief for you. Please know we are here, and our great arms of affection are around you and you are in our prayers

Peggy Bell

July 24, 2008

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and even though I never met Gary, I felt that I knew him from all the stories Anne and Flip would share about your family beach vacations together.

Peggy Bell

July 24, 2008

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

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