Hugh Gary Banker

Hugh Gary Banker, age 87, peacefully passed away in his home surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. Gary was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and lived his entire life in the Phoenix area. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Harry and Edna Banker, brother, Cal Banker, sister, Pat Williams, son, Jeff Banker, and spouses Janice and Chauncelor Banker. He leaves behind two sisters, Nancy Cottle & Sue Giles, a brother-in-law, Joe Giles, a daughter-in-law, Susan Banker, and two grandsons, Geoffrey and Brandan Banker.
Gary's schooling included attending Creighton elementary from 1941-1949, Phoenix Union High School from 1949-1953, Phoenix College from 1953-1955, and Arizona State University from 1957-1959. For the two years between Phoenix College and ASU, Gary proudly served in the United States Navy in the Fleet Aircraft Service Squadron, Barbers Point, Hawaii.
He returned to Phoenix in 1957 and began a relationship with Janice Grove, whom he met when they both worked at Memorial Hospital in Phoenix. They were married on June 7th, 1958, and settled in Scottsdale. Sadly, Janice passed away in 1998 after battling cancer. Gary remarried in 1999, to a long-time family friend, Chauncelor Brown. They were married for 23 years until she passed away in 2021.
Gary started a career in the insulation industry working for Williams Insulation in 1960. After serving as President of Williams Insulation, he and his good friend, Jim McCall, founded Banker Insulation in 1977. He built up Banker Insulation into one of the Southwest's largest insulation companies, which is still in operation today. Gary's son, Jeff, also joined him in the business and played a huge role in creating the multi-state enterprise. It was one of Gary's great joys to be able to work with and see his son every day. As an owner, Gary was a large driving force in Arizona business.
For the next 46 years, Gary and his company brought insulation services to thousands of Arizona homes, schools, and buildings. Gary steadfastly served as the CEO of Banker Insulation right up until his death. He was a pioneer in bringing new insulation processes and methods to the construction growth of Arizona.
During his professional career, Gary served in many capacities for national insulation organizations and committees, such as the Arizona Insulation Contractors Association (1960-1970), the Advisory Board for Owens Corning (1979-1984), the Advisory Board for CertainTeed (1981-1988), the National Insulation Contractors Exchange (2016-2023), the Insulation Contractors Association of America (1977-2023), and the Executives Association of Greater Phoenix (1970 – 2023), serving as president in 1981.
Gary had a passion for aviation and attained his private pilot's license. Later, he acquired a King Air 90 and enjoyed many professional and personal trips with associates, family, and friends – including 58 trips from Phoenix to Catalina Island.
He loved to talk politics, business, travel, and aviation – debating and thinking through various ideas and philosophies. He welcomed different takes on things and wanted to hear the rationale behind them. He always surrounding himself with interesting people with whom he could teach and learn from.
In addition to Gary's incredible work ethic, pragmatic business sense, and enthusiastic engagement in social viewpoints, he was also driven to be of service to others. Routinely donating to charities, such as the Phoenix Children's Hospital and the Arizona Humane Society, Gary sought to help where he could. One of his proudest accomplishments was assisting in, and providing funds for, the renovation of Governor Hunt's Tomb.
Gary was an eternal optimist; he encouraged others to work towards their goals and enjoyed seeing them succeed. He loved his family dearly and wanted the best for them. They could always rely on him for advice and opinions on any topic. He was a loving family man, and a caring friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 1st, 10:00 a.m., Messinger Mortuary, 7601 E Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ. A luncheon will follow, 12:00 p.m., L'amore Italian Restaurant, 3159 E Lincoln Drive, Phoenix, AZ.
In lieu of flowers, you may make donations in memory of H. Gary Banker to The Phoenix Children's Hospital, www.gratefulforpch.com, Hospice of the Valley, www.hov.org, or Arizona Humane Society, Memorial & Tribute Gifts - Arizona Humane Society (azhumane.org).