Gary Charles Townsend

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.

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...

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...