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In memory of
1953 - 2017
Norm Galliett
January 16, 2025
I knew Gary back in the early 70's at Carrs (we both worked there). He was a very good guy with good values. Back then he loved his yellow Camaro and he lived life to the fullest. Over the years I saw his name numerous times and was glad to see he lived his passions and excelled at everything he did.
Anne Thompson Dunham
February 21, 2017
So very sorry to hear of your loss Sandy and family. We were just recently catching up on life since we were all kids swimming on one of the "Adventure Alaska" family camping trips together. I still remember Gary on his log raft having the best time aiming straight for the middle of the lake. Jon and I will be thinking of you Sandy and keeping you all in our prayers.
Leslie Sofarelli
February 20, 2017
2011 was a special year. The year I got to meet Gary and Deb. ADV riders themselves, they welcomed me into their home as if I was family. Way too young Gary...to leave this earth. My thoughts and prayers are with Deb and your family. You will be missed and ride on.
Bonnie Heffentrager
February 13, 2017
Gary always had a smile and a good word for all of us. My condolences to Sandy and family.
Sue Dolman
February 12, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. My deepest sympathy to Sandy and all the members of his family.
T R
February 12, 2017
Sincere condolences on your loss. May fond memories and loving words comfort your family at this difficult time. (Isaiah 57:15)
Nancy Jone
February 12, 2017
Memory Eternal
John Snyder
February 11, 2017
I first met Gary when he was a meat cutter at Carr's on Gambell. Later I had a cabin at Shell Lake and would fly over and visit him at Canyon Creek. Gone way to soon.
Tiger Gish
February 10, 2017
Sorry for your loss, Gary use to work with my mom Nell at Carr's. Lived in Nunaka Valley to.
frieda koper
February 10, 2017
Deb... Mom and I only learned today of Gary's passing. We had hoped you not stopping by the shop meant he was at home with you. we are so sad to learn that this was not the case. our hearts hurt so deeply for you. please know you are in our thoughts daily.. much peacelovestrength to you.. and please come by the shop when you have the strength and energy... tina and frieda koper
Terry Marquart
February 9, 2017
I met Gary when I came on APD>. He was a good man to have on any call. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences are with his family at this difficult time.
Sandy (Reed) Mattingly
February 9, 2017
Gary was such a gung ho and passionate recruit in the Academy that we fondly nicknamed him "the Lieutenant." Though his life was so full of service, adventure, and love of friends and family, Gary is gone too soon. Peace and understanding to the family.
Debby Foster
February 8, 2017
Peace and eternal Love ~
Debby Foster
February 8, 2017
Love, Light, and Peace to you Deb, to Gary, and to family and friends. Hugs dear friend. Your riding friends with Last Frontier MC Club send you love also ~
Jon Scudder
February 8, 2017
The members of Alaskan Apple Users will miss you Gary. He always provided insightful thoughts to the conversations. I bet he has all the cool Apple devices now :-)
Warren Horowitz
February 8, 2017
Deb, Nancy and I are so sorry for your loss.
Warren Horowitz
February 8, 2017
Gary was a fantastic neighbor, always friendly and smiling, with a very distinctive voice that you can never forget. He was also a great lover of dogs and used to take our last dog Tanner on walks while we were at work unbeknownst to us. Gary will surely be missed by everyone who's lives he has touched.
Nancy and I and Lily will surely miss you.
February 6, 2017
Dear Deb, George and I are so sorry! We haven't kept up with you. Please know we love you very much! Love George and Linda
Ann (Hayman) Seymour
February 6, 2017
Deb, Sandy and family,
I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Gary's death. I met Gary in 1979 (or maybe 1980)through my husband, Chuck Hayman. Both were police officers at APD. I'm pretty sure Gary was the reason we purchased a Taylorcraft airplane as he loved flying and wanted Chuck to experience it.A We spent many hours in the air together - having weiner roasts in the snow, going to dinner in Wasilla or heading to Canyon Creek for a few days. After Chuck's death, Gary was my rock. He was there when we scattered Chuck's ashes over Canyon Creek and he was there whenever I needed him.
Friends like Gary come along once in a lifetime and I was privileged to call him my friend. Even though we hadn't been in touch much over the past few years, I always knew he was a good friend and always would be.
Deb - even though I haven't met you I know your heart will be full with memories of this gentle man and all he did for people. You were so blessed to share years with him. My love to you, Sandy and the Apperson family.
February 5, 2017
Deb,
I am deeply saddened to learn of Gary's passing. I am a former student of Gary's and I know that he touched the lives of many (mine included). You and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers during your time of sorrow.
Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Teresa McJilton
February 5, 2017
Gary,we are heartbroken.Aunt Teresa and cousin Renee.
Aunt Frankie Himmelman
February 5, 2017
Gary, you are gone too soon,although God always has a plan.You were a great human being and you will be missed. My condolences to the immediate family. With Love.
Toni Hansen
February 4, 2017
Greg and I have such fun memories of Gary. Greg was his first FTO and we had so much fun with him. He took us flying, I'm terrified of planes, and he landed on a sand bar. Just about scared me outta my mind. He laughed so had he could hardly climb out of the plane to pry my hands off the bar so I to could get out. I'm so sorry for his passing. He will be sorely missed. I hope the family will take comfort in knowing they will see him again. God bless Gary and his family!
Teresa Panek Ives
February 4, 2017
Oh Deb, how I cried when I learned of Gary's death. I had one day hoped to bring my family to visit you two in Alaska. I will never forget Gary, and I am glad that we all had a chance to spend time together at graduation. I'm so sorry Deb. He wrote me many times of how much he loved you and shared with me all the wonderful adventures you two had. Please know that I will find a special way to honor Gary every year, not on the day that he died, but on his birthday, because he truly knew how to live, and love. My sincerest condolences to the whole family. I should be so lucky as he to make such a positive impact on others from near and far.
Catherin Diehl-Robbins
February 4, 2017
Deb & family, Gary was one of a kind. Always had the Community Service Officer's (CSO's) back, loved to meet up for lunch and had such great stories. May the wonderful memories of him sustain his family during this difficult time. Gary is being missed by all of us.
Gary & Deb June 21, 2012
Scott Easler
February 4, 2017
Roger & Mary Heiligenthal
February 4, 2017
This is a sad time indeed. We offer our condolences to Deb and all of Gary's surviving family. May he find peace with God and find happiness in his hands.
Gary greeting Susan and I at the airport upon our arrival. A complete surprise, but then Gary was like that!
Art Jacobson
February 4, 2017
I only knew Gary for a short time having met him when I traveled to Anchorage in 2015 with my friend Susan to run a marathon. Even though he didn't know me, he welcomed me with open arms as if we were lifelong friends. He was like that, and it's a truly unique gift in life. Gary put me on his email list so I was able to follow all his weekly hiking adventures. No matter the weather, there was Gary smiling broadly for the camera. I will always remember him that way. The world has lost a great man. My sincere condolences to you Deb.
Aunt Ginger Hruz
February 3, 2017
Gary was the most down to earth person that I have every met. He was special and very kind and I will always remember our special visit with him when he came to Maryland. It was his birthday and we celebrated it together. Such a nice visit and nice memories of that time. My heart goes out to his wife Deb and his family. He was a great and kind person.
Aunt Ginger Hruz
February 3, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sheila Toomey
February 3, 2017
I an stunned and saddened by Gary's death. The only comfort is knowing he lived a full and rewarding life -- helping others and having a good time doing it. He is gone too soon. I will miss him.
Sheila Toomey
February 3, 2017
I am stunned and saddened by Gary's death. The only comfort is knowing he lived a good, full life, a joy to himself and others. He is a loss to us all.
Lorrie and Jim Morris
February 3, 2017
There are no words to say. We loved Gary as did everyone who met him. Our hearts go out to the Apperson Family.Gary was my nephew and we were only one year apart. I loved reading or hearing about his adventures. Gary, you will be in good company up there in heaven. You made quite an impact while here on earth. Rest in peace sweet man.
Dawn Kenyon
February 3, 2017
My condolences to my friend Deb and the entire Apperson family. Gary and Deb introduced me to geocaching and its adventures. Our buddy Gary will be greatly missed. "Cache On Gary"
Becky Leonard
February 3, 2017
It was so enjoyable working with Gary as my supervisor, and friend, for many years. We got a lot done but had a lot of fun doing it. Gary had a great personality and was always willing to be helpful when needed, yet he didn't crowd or hover over us, allowing us to work our calls ourselves. I enjoyed reading the posts of his motorcycle trips with Deb and his accomplishments as adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin. It is sad that he will no longer be with us, but the memory of him will be forever in our hearts. I will miss you greatly Gary. RIP brother!
Raye Hecker
February 3, 2017
Garagg was a good guy. Rest in Peace brother. Praying for the family.
Darnell Little
February 3, 2017
Officer Apperson was truly an police officer who took his job as it should have been he treated everyone with respect yet did his job likewise Anchorage has lost an people person Policeman may God bless his soul and grant healing to his family
February 3, 2017
Gary was one of my first Sgts when I started at APD. I always enjoyed working with him. Has always happy and fun to be around. He will always be one of my favorites.
Sandy and Deb and family my God comfort you at this time and always.
Cyndi Bradley.
Eddie West
February 3, 2017
I can not be there in person, but will be in spirit. God's speed my friend!
Daniel Chlebos
February 3, 2017
Knew Gary from U of Wi.- Platteville. Great mind yet a very humble person. He will be sorely missed. Peace be with you my friend; and your family.
Rebecca Czyz
February 3, 2017
Sandy and family, my condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Trent Grasse
February 3, 2017
I only met Gary 2 years ago. I will always regret that I did not get to know him longer. Despite it having only been a short time. It was truly a privilege to know Gary. I first met Gary on the advrider forum. I was asking questions about installing new tires on a motorcycle. Gary corresponded with me online about it then he invited me over to his house to help me change the tires on my bike. And it still strikes me the generosity with his time and expertise as he helped me fit those tires. He didn't know me from anyone. But he still wanted to help. It didn't take me very long to figure out Gary was a special guy. I wish I had more time with him. But I know he is at peace now.
Even Having only known him a short time. It is still easy to appreciate how remarkable a life he led. He served his community as a police officer. He was justly proud of the job he did protecting and serving the people of Anchorage. He lived many great adventures as an APD officer but also flying airplanes and traveling by motorcycle. Too often people reach the end of their lives without having lived like Gary had. It's true what they say. that it is not the years in your life but the life in your years.
Gary will be missed by many and for good reason. He was Intelligent, thoughtful, and generous. Everything he undertook in life he did excellently. He was a great cop, a great College instructor, and a great friend. There is no question that he left a better world than he found. His family knows that. The community he served knows that. His students know it. I know it. There are many people left behind to remember Gary and what an exceptional life he lived.
Legacy Remembers
Posted an obituary
February 3, 2017
Gary Apperson Obituary
Gary Apperson, 63, passed away on Jan. 28, 2017, from cancer complications. Gary Edwin Apperson was the son of Helen Kim (nee Hruz) and Edwin Apperson, born in Baltimore, Md. As an Air Force family, the Appersons moved around a lot, and found... Read Gary Apperson's Obituary
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