Gary John Pfohl

1944 - 2011

Gary John Pfohl, 66, of Kirtland, passed away Aug. 5, 2011, after a fearless battle with lung cancer.
Gary was born Aug. 19, 1944, in Gowanda, N.Y., to John and Ednah (nee Gertsch) Pfohl.
The family moved to Eastlake in 1951, and then to Willowick in 1959. Gary graduated from Eastlake North High School in 1962 and earned a bachelor's degree in English literature from the Ohio State University.
He enjoyed a long and accomplished career using his innate writing ability, employing his talent to raise millions of dollars for major educational, social and cultural institutions in cities such as Denver, New Orleans, Dallas and Tulsa, while savoring the history and culture as a resident of those locales.
Always adept at using his hands, Gary later felt called to pursue a longtime passion for the artistry of woodworking and trained extensively in cabinetmaking, creating a second, successful career. He created beautiful, and beautifully crafted, pieces for clients, family and friends that will be used and cherished for years to come.
Gary retired from Best Plating Rack in Wickliffe. Always a fine and precise craftsman in words and in wood, among the many gifts he's left with us are his clever sense of humor, love of puns, and genuine, full-bodied laugh.
He leaves to mourn, his wife, soul mate and "queen;" Mary Ann Gordon (nee Evatz); her children, Jo Ann "Jen" Leis, Samantha Wills (Tolliver); the extended Evatz and Wills families; his sister, Beth (Will) Keller; and a host of relatives and steadfast friends around the country.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ednah (nee Gertsch) Pfohl.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at Old South Church, 9802 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland, OH 44094.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 E. 185th St., Cleveland, OH 44119.
Arrangements are entrusted to Brunner Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor.
Online obituary at www.brunners.com.