Gary Brent Betts

When I was given custody of my three young grandchildren (ages 5,4, and 2) Gary was the Pastor of the United Methodist Church of Patchogue. I knew my grandchildren needed to establish a relationship with God so I enrolled them in the Sunday School of the United Church of Patchogue. Bringing them to Sunday School every week also aided myself in reestablishing a working relationship with God that had become distant over the years. I believe my grandchildren learned a lot, made many friends and learned how to be friends. In Youth Group they enjoyed weekends at Camp Quinipet on Shelter Island, lock-downs at various local churches to protest people not having enough to eat. They went on trips with various local Youth Groups. The raked leaves for members of the church as a fund raiser. My oldest grandson went with a group of local members to participate in doing home repairs for older people. The always were doing something worthwhile for the community. Gary taught me and my grandchildren how to be compassionate and sympathetic without feeling "better than". I was devastated when he left. I thought of him many times over the years and hoped he and his family were doing well. He was a good friend to me and an excellent servant of God.
With sincere sympathy,
Helen Smith