Gary Plantiff

There are so many things we think of when we think of Gary. There was his love for you, Jeanne, and then, of course his love for FOX NEWS. We fondly remember him and some of his sayings like "a poor man's lemon pie" or when he had a "Gentile Sufficiency", just to name a few. Whether saying good night for the evening or when we'd leave after visiting him in the hospital, we always get a "Bless You" from him. Gary was a unique man and we miss him, that's for sure. Our heart aches for you dear sister. We love you, Danny & Rose

There are so many things we think of when we think of Gary. There was his love for you, Jeanne, and then, of course his love for FOX NEWS. We fondly remember him and some of his sayings like "a poor man's lemon pie" or when he had a "Gentile Sufficiency", just to name a few. Whether saying good night for the evening or when we'd leave after visiting him in the hospital, we always get a "Bless You" from him. Gary was a unique man and we miss him, that's for sure. Our heart aches for you dear sister. We love you, Danny & Rose

Aunt Jeanne, (that's how I always knew you) ,

I am so very sorry for your loss. it has been years since I've seen you but I remember you well and I remember Gary to be a very sweet man. My prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Find comfort in All the wonderful memories you will cherish until you meet again. Love, Robyn Hastings (Allen & Pris' daughter)

When I think of my Uncle Gary, it really reinforces my belief that people are like snowflakesGod has a blueprint on how to create each one, but he takes the time, and makes the extra effort, to ensure that each and every one is very unique.

And Gary Plantiff was certainly unique.

I will remember my Uncle Gary as a man who had very strong convictions about lifeand all of its many componentsbut who certainly changed and softened many of his views as the years went on.

Uncle Gary was a private person in many ways but, with the assistance, urgingyou might even say demandingof his loving wife, my Aunt Jeanne, he changed and softened along the way. I remember when I was a teenager Aunt Jeanne telling me that before they were married, Uncle Gary once said, You know, when family comes to town to visit, they will not be staying with us.

As you can imagine, after Jeanne said that was not going to work for her on any level, he quickly softened his stance. And before long, we would not only stay with him for weekendsand then long weekendswe would spend the better parts of entire summers with them. I knew he looked forward to his new teenage and preteen nieces and nephews spending these summer months together. They were great times.

Think about how many men nowadays in our busy society would welcome their in-laws to stay the summers with them? Doing everything they wanted to do, from taking them out to eat every day, to having daylong excursions to the desert and even out-of-state mini-vacations. While all these trips were fun for us kids, I knew he loved them as well.

When I would stay with them in my teens and 20s, Uncle Gary always made it a point to ask me what I wanted to do while therethat usually meant going out to the desert to shoot guns, explore and, of course, have some high-quality visiting time along the way. We talked about things we both cared aboutnamely politics, poker and moviesand he would even listen to and engage me on things he really didn't care about, such as sports, music, etc. We loved talking, arguing errrrr debating as he would say. It was the game, the experience, if you will.

All this, despite Uncle Gary once infamously saying during a trip to Lake Havasu, You know me, I don't like to talk much. I'm sure anyone who got Uncle Gary on the phone would back that up, right?

To paraphrase an old adage, It's about the journey more than the destination. When Uncle Gary and I would plan a trip to the desert, I felt the adage should be, It's more about the preparation than the destination. Because if we decided on a Tuesday to go out to the desert, we couldn't actually go until ThursdayWednesday was all about preparation, getting ready for the adventure. And that was the best part.

If you knew Gary, you knew that meant properly preparing the Bronco filling the 5-gallon water tank, topping off several canteens and packing all the emergency gearthe tent, flares, flashlights, batteries, dried food and, of course, enough guns and ammunition to fend off multiple motorcycle gangs while on the journey. In fact, we probably had enough to survive a return to a new-world apocalypse Uncle Gary was not much for moderation when it came to these things. But that's what made it so much fun.

I also remember him doing things for us kids, all in an effort to fit inwhen his natural instincts would not have allowed it. Why? Because he loved his wife and he loved her family His new family.

Question: Anyone who knew Gary Plantiff think he would ride bumper cars, or play tennis, or go to Wet N Wild for the day, if he didn't love us? We knew it, and that was important.

I remember when I was in college I flew out to Las Vegas one year and stayed with and Aunt Jeannie and Uncle Gary over the New Year's holiday. Unfortunately, I got sick early on. Before long, Aunt Jeanne had also taken ill. So on New Year's night she went to bed in the late afternoon. Of course, that day and evening I was bound and determined to watch every bowl game, despite sleeping through most of the day. Uncle Gary stayed home that evening and took care of me. He watched all the football gamesall the way until the final snap of the last game. I kept falling asleep. When I'd wake up, Uncle Gary would tell me everything I had missed, in great detail, with both drama and enthusiasm.

Did he love football or really care one iota about any of the results? Of course not, he did it because he loved me And I'll miss him.

As you go through the difficult days ahead, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and that though Gary is gone physically, his spirit and love are still with you. May God's love give you comfort and courage.

Jeanne, I am very sorry for your loss, we can't begin to imagine what you are feeling. Our thoughts are with you and your family during these difficult times.

Gary was such a kind and gentle soul. I loved his stories and will miss him very much.

It's hard to put into words what I am feeling

Gary & Jeanne, two peas in a pod...

The first time I saw Gary, he was picking up Jeanne at the airport after an out of state tennis match. When Jeanne saw Gary she ran to him and planted a big kiss on his lips, pretty passionate too just like in the movies. My teammates and I looked at each other and thought how sweet they must be newlyweds. A short time later I asked Jeanne how long she & Gary had been married, I thought months, maybe a year no they had already been married for many years. This was true love I feel blessed to have witnessed this loving relationship.

I'm going to miss Gary's unique personality, I'm going to miss Gary never saying to me again hey there sweet potato pie I'm going to miss Gary and Jeanne sitting across from me at lunch (supper), I'm going to miss you Gary

Love,
Arlene

Jeanne, my deepest sympathies for your loss.

Thank you Gary for being such a great friend. You and Jeanne have always been such a great support to my mom and it always made me feel better to know she had you two by her side. Your kindness and friendship will be missed.

Jeanne, we are so sorry. In this incredibly difficult time, we will try to focus on the many great memories we have had together. The visits to yalls house, playing on the Wii together, the trips to the desert (the underwear tree) the Christmas we spent together at our house, and of course, the stories. Oh, how we will miss Uncle Gary's stories. We love you and are praying for you.
-----Todd, Karen, Tyler and Kyle

Our dearest Jeanne. We are so sorry for your loss. I know Gary was the love of your life, your best friend, your everything, your protector, simply put....the best man ever for you. What a sweet man he was. Take comfort in knowing he is at peace and in no more pain. I know you will miss him dearly. We love you like you are our family and wish we were there to help you thru this painful time. Just know that you are in our constant prayers and thoughts. We Love you so much and wish you didn't have to bear this grief.
May God Bless you with comfort. Much Love, Allen & Pris

Jeanne,
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved Gary. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jeanne my thoughts are with you and your family. May you find comfort knowing Gary is at peace.

Marilyn Neely

We miss you already, Uncle Gary. The girls "love you more than the universe" and ask you to watch over them.

Jeanne, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband Gary. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Pat Freeman

Our sincere condolences for your loss.
Mary Maragos & The USTA NV

Sure going to miss our Uncle Gary. He always loved us like family and never seemed to mind that our Aunt Jeanne came with a passel of kids! He showed us around Vegas in his huge Thundrbird, told stories our Mothers didn't approve of and gave us his whole heart, even if he was a little "guarded" about his own privacy and security. It was hard on him having a loud mouth Texas niece who was always talking to strangers! He coped and loved me anyway. He was a fascinating man who loved politics, show business, movies and technology. He was generous with what he had and always made me feel welcome. In the summer of 87, he and Aunt Jeanne welcomed me with open arms for a semester at UNLV. That summer was a much needed escape from a bad relationship and ultimately was a turning point in my life. During those months, Uncle Gary treated me like his daughter and was very protective. In a few years at my wedding, he came to celebrate and we danced together. I couldn't help but feel grateful for his encouragement and support because it prepared me to meet the love of my life. He was a special man who loved our Aunt Jeanne madly. I know he will be missed by many. Love you always Uncle G...thanks for the memories.