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Gary Townsend Obituary

Gary Charles Townsend Born March 23, 1953, passed on September 6, 2015. As a young man, Gary crafted beautiful silver and turquoise jewelry; worked at a guest ranch (which he really enjoyed) and loved riding his Harley until an accident left him brain injured at age 27. His strong will and the love and devotion of his family allowed him to live a full and happy life at home all these years. Gar, it is time for you to be whole again and ride your Harley up to heaven where Mom and Dad are waiting with open arms. P.S. take the scenic route and enjoy the ride! Survived by sisters, Susan (Ben) Brown, Pat (Don) Weinzapfel, Peggy Townsend (Soren Megling) and brother, Michael (Deborah) Townsend; six nieces and nephews and he was a monkey's uncle to nine grandnieces and nephews. A Special thanks to best buddy and longtime caregiver, Brent Piner. Thanks also to Soreo Hospice, especially Jose and Jennifer. The family is planning a Celebration of Gary's life at a later date. Arrangements by MARANA MORTUARY.
Published by Arizona Daily Star from Sep. 19 to Sep. 20, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Townsend

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Josette Williams

May 25, 2017

I met Gary when I was 5 years old. He was my uncle's friend. I remember him being very nice to me, and I use to love it when I would see him and my uncle on their motorcycles in my grandparents back yard. I was very upset when I heard about his accident, but I always wondered all of these years how he was doing. I am glad to know what an amazing family he had. From a child's point of view, I really liked him a lot.

September 16, 2016

The Townsend Gang-2011

September 15, 2016

Gary and Mom

September 15, 2016

Gary and Dad

September 15, 2016

Gary on his 1956 Harley

September 15, 2016

A birthday photo of Gary before accident

Peggy Townsend

September 15, 2016

Loryelle De La Pena

September 6, 2016

I can't hardly believe it's been a year, Uncle Gary. I have reflected on the impact you've made on my life and the gifts you gave me are immeasurable. You see, you taught me from birth to see no "differences," no "handicaps." I knew you simply as Uncle Gary: the man you knew my name as soon as I walked into the room, the man that laughed when I danced in the den to the song "Ragg Mopp," the man that always let me sit on the armrest of his easy chair. I had the pleasure of seeing you for everything you were, and I felt you always accepted me for everything I am. What a beautiful gift you gave me! I'm so glad to have been able to share life moments (big and small) with you like birthdays, summer swims, and trying on my wedding dress for you before I got married. I feel you all around, in the words of a song or along with a breeze. I carry you in my heart! PS - please continue to visit Pat, and say hi to Mamo and Papa! We all miss you, and sending you all my love.

Peggy Townsend

September 6, 2016

It has been a year since Gary left us physically, but he is still with us in our hearts and in our memories of him. Gary's vibrant smile, his sense of humor, and his witty personality are what I miss, but will always remember about my Big Brother. My mother told me that Gary use to sing to me when I was a baby (I wish I could remember him doing that)but let me close with these few words for him from a Merle Haggard song..."Silver wings shining in the sunlight..." Go Gary, fly, you have earned your wings!!!
Loved always and missed deeply
The Townsend Gang

Don Weinzapfel

September 3, 2016

To Gary,
I knew you when we were younger, and I knew you when we were older. I knew you when you were healthy and strong, and I knew you after the day that changed your life and everyone around you. You lived two different lives. In your first we were friends, but in your second we were brothers. It might have seemed that when you were in need we were there to help, but it was actually you there to help us. Thx Gar, we think about you everyday.
With the love of a brother, Don

Pat Weinzapfel

August 16, 2016

To my favorite "big brother" in the whole world,even if you are my only one.It's been a year now and when I walk into your room I still expect to see you smiling at me. I am grateful to have had my happy, funny, loving brother for all the years you were here. Caring for you shaped my life. You taught me patience, kindness and unconditional love. I miss you being here, though I've dreamed of your house in heaven. We've stood on your front porch looking out at the spectacular sky, twinkling stars and it gives me comfort to feel like you are whole again and home. Keep visiting me in my dreams and know that you'll live in my heart for the rest of my life.

Your "other favorite sister"

Julie Shapiro

October 10, 2015

Dear Sue,Mike,Pat,& Peggy,
We were so sorry to read of the passing of Gary. You were all such wonderful siblings to him. We know your parents are very thankful and proud of you for looking after him and giving him a wonderful life. We know you will find peace in knowing he is now with your parents and will be looking after all of you now. God Bless in His Love and Light.
We love you,
Julie and Howard Shapiro

Gibby Huerta

September 30, 2015

Gary was a Bellatrix brother and as a kid, so much a part of the neighborhood activities. He, Mike and Callan were always involved in some kind of project including building go carts to race, putting on concerts in the backyard with homemade guitars and drums to building underground forts in the desert. Not to mention all the sports we played in the streets or in somebodies yard. What a fantastic group of kids to grow up with. I'd like to express my deepest condolences to the Townsend family and may Gary find eternal peace and happiness in the heavens above.

Deborah Townsend

September 24, 2015

How thankful I am to have known Gary my brother-in-law. I always thought we had the same personalities, quiet and reserved. He would cover for me when ever I would laugh uncontrollably at a situation I shouldn't be laughing at.
I think he understood my sick humor.
He loved his brother Mike and his entire family. He has had such a hard life since his accident but with the love and helpful hands of his loving sisters he lived for many years that others might have succumbed to. I know you have a new body Gary and I am so thankful for that and the promises of God. Heaven is real! Love you, Deb

Sara Megling

September 21, 2015

Thank you for sharing Gary with us, Lord. Now keep him safely with you. Love you Townsend family.

Mike Long

September 21, 2015

My condolences to the Townsend family. My memories of Gary was he liked to have a good time - have a couple of cold ones and tell some stories. I will never forget the time Gary, Mike, a bunch of others, and I went tubed the Gila River -- it was just fun back in the 70s.

Terry Francis

September 21, 2015

Pat,Sue,Peggy,Mike,Don, I am sorry for your loss. Gary is in the arms of our lord now. And I know he knew was so lucky to have your love and care all of these years.I know you will be very lost with out him for awhile. I will miss him too.all of my family is praying for comfort.

Scott Bovard

September 21, 2015

My condolences go out to the Townsend family. Gary is forever in my heart as each of you are, I love you all so much. My prayers are with you during this time of loss.

Patty CALLAN

September 21, 2015

I'm so sorry for the lost of Gary. Had a lot of fun growing up with all of you. My heart goes out to all of you. I know how it feels to lose your brother. Now maybe Danny and Gary can meet again and reminisce about old times. Love to all, and he will be missed. Prayers to all.

Mary Walinski(Mader)

September 20, 2015

Gary and I attended Palo Verde High School. Gary was a very nice guy and a good friend. So, sorry for your loss.

Dave Cole

September 20, 2015

Susan,

We are very sorry to hear about Gary's recent passing, and we hope that you and your family will find healing and peace.

Dave & Debbie Cole
PVHS Class of 1969

Jeff Britt

September 20, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Townsend family.

Peggy Townsend

September 19, 2015

Gary you will be forever my big brother. I will love you and miss you always. Enjoy your ride

Karen Grainger

September 19, 2015

Sue, Pat, Peggy, and Mike,

I am so sorry for your loss. I am happy, however, that Gary is out of his pain. Sue and Pat, you did a great job taking care of Gary all these years. He was blessed to have such wonderful caregivers. I know you miss him though and it is hard. Thinking of you all. Wow, he sure looks like Mike here.

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