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Gary Glick Obituary
Born in McAllen, Texas, on Aug. 17, 1954 to Kenneth and Gerry Glick, Gary Glick was nicknamed "the reef man" for creating and building the largest artificial nursery reef in Texas and one of the largest in the world.
Glick's life was filled with adventure, passion, and dedication to both his family and his work. On Nov. 26, 1983, Gary married the love of his life, Ann Marie Fleming. Together, they built a life around their shared love for the outdoors. They were blessed with one son, Harrison Glick. Like his father, Harrison also became a keen hunter and marksman, continuing the traditions that Glick cherished.
Glick's educational achievements included earning both a BBA at UT Austin and an MBA at St Mary's University San Antonio TX. He went on to become a successful real estate developer with Thompson Properties, dedicating much of his career to building communities in West and Central Texas. His impact as a developer was significant, but his greatest pride came from his work in conservation.
A passionate preservationist, Gary founded in 2017 the RGV Reef, building a 1,650-acre sustainable artificial reef off the coast of South Padre Island. His work on the reef reflected his lifelong love for the ocean and his commitment to preserving the natural environment for future generations.
Glick's adventurous spirit extended beyond land and sea. He was a skilled aviation pilot and scuba diver, and he spent countless hours fishing and hunting, activities that brought him joy and peace throughout his life.
Above all, Gary was dedicated to being a loving husband and a devoted father, always prioritizing his family. Gary's legacy will live on through his family and friends in his work in conservation, and the countless lives he touched throughout his career. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife Ann Marie Fleming, son Harrison Glick, sister Jill Soben, brother Bob Glick and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to support the non-profit RGV Reef at rgvreef.org or by calling 512-5769745.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Glick
3 Entries
Susan
November 2, 2024
Gary was a very dear friend of mine from high school. We were on the same tennis team, both attended CYR in Pharr Texas, and have been to the Skipper with him hunting when he got his first deer !! I knew his Mom and Dad, sister and brother Bobby. Was so saddened to hear the news but know he was a saved Christian man and I´ll see him again in Heaven. My condolences to his family
Susan ( Morris ) Stanford
Scott Gessner
October 16, 2024
What a guy. To have been taken in by this incredibly intelligent, generous, inquisitive soul was a gift. Gary married my friend from high school, Annie. As often happens with new partners of old friends, there's an incubation period before acceptance. I suspect that worked both ways. As time passed, his patience, tolerance and openness allowed me to develop an appreciation and respect for his ethic; and get a glimpse of the complex guy my friend had chosen as her soul mate.
Over the years a foundation was laid that allowed me to see that his founding of RGV Reef was allegorical to the way he treated friendships. He created more fish than he caught. As a friend I felt he invested more in others than he withdrew. I overheard him on the phone counsel prospective buyers of property he developed. He was paternal, caring and so honest with them. On one visit to the Glicks' from my home in California, I brought a piece of petrified wood I picked up in the 4-corners region. Gary immediately picked up on the fracture patterns in the rock and we spun off into several hours of fracture mechanics leading to the art/science behind flint working. He was informed, insightful, creative and tangential in his thinking. I learned so much talking with Gary. Not just informationally, but emotionally. Annie got on him for "hogging me," but honestly, I loved every minute.
Not long after Gary was diagnosed with his first cancer, he told me that he wasn't the only one with cancer, it was also Annie's - meaning she was going through the emotional roller coaster as well. During my brief, infrequent visits I witnessed Gary engage with patients in the oncology waiting rooms with a smile and positive attitude. It was heart-warming and infectious. He shared stats that showed how attitude improved longevity in patients with his diagnosis. I realize his long time friends and family knew him so much better, but that's the Gary I grew to love. One of those few people who inspire us to be a little better. Our family condoles with Annie, Harrison and all of you who knew and loved Gary.
Pastor Wally & Jane
October 16, 2024
Have a great bunch of memories of being at the house help build the Ranch building, and taking us to the Skipper. And his dad helping us when we took our trips to Florida to camp. Pastor Wally and Jane
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