Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Obituary
Guest Book
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cindy Millar
May 3, 2024
I will always remember Gary, my brother-in-law´s, crazy sense of humor. He loved making people laugh. When Diane and I took care of our dad he was always there to help and always had encouraging words. He was a mentor to my son who, at the age of 4 memorized the aircraft trading cards to recite back to Gary, loved spending time with him and at the age of 39 I believe he has touched him spiritually. He was a good man!
Captain and Mrs. Steve Richardson, Delta (RET)
April 8, 2024
I worked with Gary at our airline and enjoyed a friendship that spanned almost 40 years. What a pilot, gentleman and friend. He will be missed. Alis suis volat
David Bixler
April 6, 2024
As unique of an individual as I have ever met. He loved everything he committed to, especially flying and his family. Lost contact with him but will remember him forever. Prayers to Diane and his immediate team. RIP Gary and thanks for the memories.
Jim Cirilli
April 6, 2024
Gary and I met in 1974, early in our aviation careers while working as flight instructors for Ultimate Flying Service at Troy Executive airport north of Detroit. I probably owe my airline career to Gary. Soon after he left Ultimate and had landed a job at Zantop Airways, I got a call from him advising me to give them a call and head over to the airport to apply for a position as a first officer. I was still pretty low on flight time at that point, but I'm convinced that I was hired on Gary's recommendation. Will always be grateful for that.
He had a quick laugh and good sense about him. Still remember playing cards at his place so many years ago.
Though we drew apart as our careers went in different directions, I saw Gary many years later while on a layover in Minneapolis, probably near the end of his time at Northwest. Upon seeing me, came right up and we spent a good time talking and catching up, just as we might have done had we been in constant contact. Recently, having been alerted to Gary's health struggles, I was able to connect one last time to wish him well. Gary will always be number one in my book. RIP Gary, it's been quite a ride.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
STEPHEN D HIGGINS
April 5, 2024
When we first moved into The Mark, Gary befriended me and introduced us to, as wells as included us in, his circle of friends. He made our transition to Scottsdale easy; I will always remember him for that. He was a good friend and as a person, good to the core. We will miss him immensely.
Sincere condolences and many good wishes to Diane and the family.
Arnold & Joanne Lindberg
April 3, 2024
Diane and family we are so sorry to hear of Gary´s passing. Gary was a great mentor for me in my pursuit as a pilot at Northwest Airlines! I always enjoyed my PHX layovers and meeting up with Gary and you for lunch or dinner. He always seemed to have something lined up to see or do when I came into town. Be assured that your in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time!
Arnie & Joanne Lindberg (MEM)
Sarah Pritchard
April 2, 2024
My sincere condolences to the Schulte family from Sarah Pritchard (friend of Melissa)
Gary Drainville
April 2, 2024
Gary was one of my first friends when I moved from the SF Bay Area to Detroit in 1965. Attended high school and college with him. I remember going with him and the gang to the West Side Drive In the day he got his driver´s license. It was a wild trip!
May he rest in peace. Gary Drainville
Noel Longton
April 2, 2024
Gary and I flew together in the early days. He and Diane are great friends and I can tell you he was a fine pilot. He loved his family and stood fast in his faith.
He will be missed by all who knew him. What a guy!!
Gary Vessell
April 2, 2024
Gary loved golf with The Foursome . He was also a very good writer and humorist. All in all, just a fine fellow
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more