Gary N. Stoner

Dear Art
Gary and I were roommates at his home on Cedar Street in Kalamazoo. He was always the neat one and I was the slob. Gary was teaching and I was in my fifth year at Western. I have great memories of hanging out together and especially of our trip to Florida and sleeping in sleeping bags near the beach at Fort Lauderdale. We kept in touch off and on throughout the years. I am really sorry about your (and our)loss of such a great friend, coach, and a mentor to so many young...

I knew Stoner at Wester Michiagan University Delta Upsilon Fraturnity 1968. He was a cool guy. I was joing the fraturnity and was older and feeling out of place. He made me feel welcome and was one of the reasons to join this group of guys.

You never know how much someone means to you until they are gone. Coach Stoner was a great coach and a great friend. I have so many awesome memories with coach that are going to be with me forever. I believe everything happens for a reason, and that Coach came into my life and to Lindsey Wilson for a reason.He is a part of me now and I will never forget the role he played in my life.

Dear Coach Stoner's family and extended family--his runners,

My mom and I met Coach Stoner on an official visit to Lindsey Wilson College just a few weeks ago. We could tell from the moment we met with him, that he was a truly dedicated coach who valued his family and his team. That is the kind of coach I work best with, someone who loves his family, his runners and appreciates hard work.

We met him the evening before we were to tour the campus. When he said he...

I was so lucky to have Mr. Stoner for a teacher and coach (Wattles Park Jr. High in Battle Creek - his first four years as a teacher, I believe). This was over 30 years ago, but I still remember how he changed my life for the better. He was the first adult man who ever told me that I could accomplish great things, and because of him, I have become a successful adult. I am a teacher and a coach because Mr. Stoner was my teacher and coach. My heart goes out to his family, and I am so grateful...

I was lucky enough to have Coach Stoner for one season in college at Central Methodist in Missouri. What a cool man! I was amazed at his dedication to the sport and his knowledge of running. He was so laid-back and funny, but amazingly into our results! He will be missed, but not forgotten.

Gary I guess I knew you would be a coach when you grew up , after all your coaching you and brother Art gave me in wrestling,and we were fellow polevaulter, I sure wished I could have known you better as an adult.I will never forget you.
You're High school fellow competitor and friend.
Ron Huffstutter