Gary A. Lawrence

WHATELY - Gary A. Lawrence, 72, of  Whately passed away on January 7, 2016 with his family by his side. Born March 29, 1943 to Murray and Evelyn Briggs Lawrence, Gary was a lifelong resident of Whately, MA. Gary attended grade school in Whately and graduated Frontier Regional High School in 1960. Gary received his certification in Architectural Drafting from Springfield Trade School in 1962.
Gary was employed by several construction and engineering firms.  He retired as a self-employed civil engineer.
A military veteran, Gary joined the U.S. Army in 1964 and after serving 6 years, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force Reserves as a member of the Civil Engineering Squadron, stationed at Westover Air Force Base.  After 26 years of service, Gary retired as a MSgt. 
Gary proudly gave his time to the Whately Board of Health, Whately Transfer Station Committee, Whately Solid Waste Committee, Whately Cable Committee and Whately Little League. 
Gary married Linda Glazewski in 1969. They had two children together and were married until her death in 1999.
Gary was always quick with a joke. Throughout his life he enjoyed cooking, gardening, fishing, eating out and camping. Gary loved traveling and spending his summers on the beach in Rhode Island. Gary loved the company of cats, especially while relaxing in his recliner. He also kept a meticulously cut lawn. 
Gary leaves his daughter Rachel Lawrence and her partner James Bickford of Holyoke, his son, Greg Lawrence and his wife Niki Lankowski of Whately, four grandchildren, Helena and Sasha Middleton of Holyoke, Mya and Henry Lawrence of Whately, his sister Gail Jackson and her husband Ronald Jackson of South Hadley, and several nieces and nephews. Gary also leaves his beloved companion, Kimberly Clairemont of Conway, MA.
Gary's family wishes to thank the staff of Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst MA for their kind and generous care of Gary and his family in his final days. 
Per Gary's request, there will be no calling hours and burial with full military honors with the honor guard from Westover Air Force Base, and firing squad from VFW Post 3295 in South Deerfield, will be at the convenience of the family.  A Celebration of Gary's Life will be held on Monday, January 11, 2016 at the Whately Inn, where the family will receive friends from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers Gary asks that donations be made to the Whately Recreation Department. PO Box 181, Whately, MA 01093; Whately Congregational Church, PO Box 247, Whately, MA 01093 or Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 N Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002.
The Wrisley Funeral Home, South Deerfield, has charge of arrangements.
Expressions of Sympathy are available at: www.wrisleyfuneralhome.com