Gary Alan Ely

Gary Alan Ely, born July 4, 1956, in Lincoln Park, Michigan, and raised in Southfield, passed away March 5, 2026, after a courageous battle with multiple health complications. He was the beloved son of the late Alex and Tressa Ely.

Gary spent much of his career working as a salesman for a lighting supply company, occasionally working alongside his father and brother over the years.

Outside of work, he lived a life full of curiosity, adventure, and creativity. He loved traveling and explored much of the world. Gary lived in both England and Scotland during his early twenties, an immensely meaningful period of his life. He always jumped at the chance to drive across the country, especially to the western United States. Wyoming was his favorite state.

Gary enjoyed the simple pleasures in life-being out in the sun, listening to music, and enjoying a great Italian meal. His mother was his favorite cook, and he reminisced about her cooking almost daily.

Gary had a great passion for music. He played the guitar and even spent time in a band with his buddies when he was younger. He loved many kinds of music, from blues and Motown to 1970s punk and new wave. He shared his love of music with others and especially enjoyed teaching his daughter, Cara, about it when she was a young girl. Gary also loved to draw and had a natural artistic talent.

Those who knew him experienced his dry, sarcastic sense of humor and his love of laughter. Most importantly, Gary was an exceptional friend. He maintained lifelong friendships with people across the world, including many from his time living in the UK.

One of Gary's most meaningful experiences was traveling to the United Kingdom with his daughter, Cara, something he had promised her for many years and was proud to finally do. He also took his sons, Alex and Ben, on road trips across the western United States and loved sharing his passions with them.

Gary is survived by his loving children, Cara Shea, Alex Joseph, and Benjamin Clark; his adored grandson, Gavin; his brother, David (Dawn) Ely; his longtime partner, Barbara Adams; and his former wife and dear friend, Roxanna.

He was one of the kindest men anyone who met him ever knew, and he will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A Memorial Mass will take place on at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Farmington, Michigan, with date and time to be determinded. Please check back for more details.