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Gary Shell Obituary
Wilmington
Gary Shell was born in Washington D.C., on 10/28/1947. As a child he lived in Rocky Mount and Raleigh graduating from Broughton High School in 1965. Gary attended Wilmington College and graduated in 1969 from UNCW. The early jobs he held as a school bus driver and swim team coach/lifeguard helped him to develop a desire to work with children. His career began with passion as a teacher in Maple Hill, New Hanover, and later Pender County. After 11 years, his passion took him to the City of Wilmington's Parks and Recreation Department. He served the City for years before taking a position with Woodstock, Vermont as their recreation director. His six years in Vermont were meaningful where he made lifelong friends before returning to the City of Wilmington. Gary retired from the City three years ago.
Gary's contributions with the City were numerous. He was particularly proud of the City's outdoors program, passage of the county parks bond issue, development of environmental education and Halyburton Park, and the City's cross-city trail. He understood the "big picture" and where the trees are in relation to the forest. He understood compromise and the role that relationships play in getting things done effectively.
Gary loved people. His sense of humor encouraged, challenged, and supported those who had the good fortune to really know him. He placed an extraordinary value on his friends and loved ones and they are numerous. His passion for the mountains and backpacking took center stage upon retirement as he experienced the Appalachian Trail. His journey enabled him to meet many special friends who he also cherished.
After a year long valiant fight with cancer, Gary leaves behind the many that loved him so. His mother, Dot Hillstrom, his brother Tom Shell and wife Betsy, all of Raleigh. His brother Bruce Shell and wife Cindy of Wilmington, loving and devoted partner Barbara O'Cain of Cary, many loving nieces and nephews, extended Hillstrom family and countless friends.
A memorial service is planned in Wilmington at Halyburton Park on June 11 at 6:30pm.
Memorial donations may be made to the National Brain Tumor Society, 124 Watertown St., Suite 2D, Watertown, MA 02472, or to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy at www.appalachiantrail.org/donate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Shell
May 25, 2011
Gary's AT namesake, Crabby Appleton, always signed his journals with: "Travel Light, Live Light, Spread the Light, Be the Light"...Gary was the light in many lives, his smile, the twinkle in his eye, the sound of his laughter, his wit, and kind and gentle manner were his hallmarks. Loving him was easy, missing him is perpetual.
Bruce Shell
May 24, 2011
Gary served the City of Wilmington for 22 years, Woodstock Vermont recreation for 6, and taught school for 11. As his brother, I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of positive comments from the people he impacted.
As Ned stated, a life well lived.
Tony Clark
May 16, 2011
I consider Gary to have been a friend and mentor. We hiked many a mile together on the AT, every one of them made more enjoyable by his company. I consider myself fortunate to have known Gary, and regret that I'll never have an opportunity to tell him how much our friendship meant to me.
May 15, 2011
I did not know Gary but I have known Barbara actually all of my life. We share the exact same birthday and were born in the same hospital. I know Gary must have been an extraordinary man for her to love him as she did. I know with God's love and compassion you will have the beautiful memories to cherish. Love in Christ. Susan Kolander, Montgomery, Al.
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May 14, 2011
Gary, like the rest of the Shells, never met a stranger. He knew so many people, from his students in the early days of his career, to the rest of New Hanover County as a "grown-up". We will dearly miss him. Thoughts and prayers to all the family. I'm not sure Halyburton Park will be big enough to hold all of Gary's closest friends! Cathy and David Moniot
Patricia Tomkinson
May 14, 2011
Alhtough Gary may have graduated from Wilmihgton College, it is really East Carolina Universtiy where I first met Gary. He used to travel a lot over to ECU to visit with his future wife, and my good friend, Annette. He had a great smile and genuine sense of humor. Although I remember him as an eighteen year old girl, I have to say his photo taken recently still made me remember the young nineteen year old! He will be sincerely missed. Pat Tomkinson
Ned and Suzanne Glascock
May 14, 2011
A life well-lived. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Wayne Teachey
May 14, 2011
May your fond and loving memories of Gary sustain you in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
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