Garry Umphrey

Garry Umphrey, a man of his communities, made his transition on December 16, 2010. Garry's life abounded in his faith, his company business and his social and personal community. He was not afraid to commit himself to institutions and people he loved. In 1985, he and his beloved partner of 30 hears, John Ziegler, were instrumental in creating Unity Church on the Lakeshore of Douglas, Mich. where he served as Board Chairman for eight years. His business community was created in 1981, when the company he worked for was diversifying. He bought the Roller Division, and Republic Roller in Three Rivers, Mich. was born. He committed to support his employees whom he respected as extended family. The result was long term employees and a dedicated team. His social and personal community in Michigan included being chairman of the Board of Oxbow, Amity Meadows Condominium Association, and a member of the AWARE Board of Directors. Garry chaired the committee that initiated the "Annual Community Service Award," which recognized gay men and women who have given to their community to make the area a better place to live, work and play. In California, Garry was a member of The Center for Spiritual Living, Palm Desert, the San Diego Chapter of Black Tie International, Prime Timers of the Desert, a member and active volunteer for The Golden Rainbow-SAGE Center, and a supporter of the Palm Springs Opera Guild. Garry's innate ability to play the piano by ear made him the hit of many parties. If you could hum it, he could play it. His wit was keen and his imagination expansive. Garry and John loved to winter in Florida and enjoyed homes in Key West and Ft. Lauderdale. John died in 1999. Garry discovered Palm Springs in 2001. He loved what the dry desert air did for his asthma and decided to make it his winter home. With Garry's gregarious personality, he attracted many friends and enjoyed a very active social life. He will be missed by people in many walks of life, nieces, nephew, aunts, uncles, and a rainbow of people who looked to Garry for friendship, leadership and love. Celebration of Life services will be held in Palm Springs this winter and in Michigan next spring.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: mydesert.com/obituaries