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Gary Manley Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Manley
March 17, 2009
dear ray, i am so sorry for your loss gary was a great man and friend to me. he was an insparation to me in the fire service, a gallent leader, he will be missed dearly my many. all my regards, JEFF DELANO, DISPACTH.#105 C.P.F.D.
Jeff & Sue Malatesta
August 20, 2008
Ray & Val: Sorry for your loss. Sue and I will remember Gary in our prayers.
Gary Matthews
August 12, 2008
Ray,Val & Penny My thought's & prayers are with you all at this time of sorrow. I've known gary & the Manley family for over 40 yrs & have nothing but fond memories of you. I'm sorry I wasn;t there as I'm currently in Minnesota. Please accept my condolences.
Sande Obergfefell
August 10, 2008
I first met Gray at a softball game in 1974 - CPFD was playing. From that day until I moved from Clifton Park he was a friend who played cards at my home and was a soft spoken gentlemen who always had time to listen. He will be greatly missed by his friends and his family.
Heather Smith
August 8, 2008
Heather wants to let you know that she misses you and is very sad,but she knows your with good company.
Rick Robitaille ( past member CPFD)
August 8, 2008
The fire service lost a great leader and firefighter and myself and many others have lost a true friend. I know that he will be truly missed by all that he knew, I know that he has taught me things that i will never forget. may you rest in peace Gary
James Ryan 1st.Asst.Chief CPFD
August 7, 2008
Gary, the fire dept will not be same without you! I have had the pleasure to know you for 15yrs and you had never a bad word to say about anyone.I wish as a Chief in the dept we had a 100 Gary R. Manley's!
You have no idea how much you will be missed! Rest in peace my friend.
Roger Volk
August 7, 2008
Gary was my brother inlaw and a true friend. He was one of the kindest people I have ever met, and a true Firefighter, if you wanted to get in contact with Gary, you called the Fire House. Gary's sister Judy and I truely regret his passing.
Thomas M Riley Sr
August 6, 2008
Gary was my brother in law, a man who loved life and his home the CPFD. If he wasn't taken his sister Mary to a funcation at the fire house he was taking his sister (my wife ) Dot. Gary spent a lot of time at our house having Sunday dinners and playing cards although he had a hard time beating his sister Dot he would always just say ok you won again. Gary spent many Christmas eves at our house and when the family got bigger at his aunt's Lisa's (Matt) and Kristin's (Matt) and nephew Paul and Christina's. Gary was a man of few words and I can never remember him ever saying a bad word about anyone. He would have been so proud of the send off he received from his fellow fire fighters. I only hope that some how he could see what was happening. God took a great and caring Man when he took Gary to join his Mom and Dad,( Russ and Hazel) and his beloved sister's (Mary and Dot). Gary you will be missed by many people and you will surely be missed by your sister Dot's family. You where always there for her, me and the kids and I appreciate that. You will be in my prayers along with Dot and many others each and every day for the rest of my life.
God Bless
Your Brother In Law,
Tom
Michael Riley
August 6, 2008
Garywas my uncle who will be missed more than you know.
He was at every family function: reunions, birthday parties, weddings and graduation parties. . He was a quiet man. Never ever saying a bad word about anyone. His favorite saying was "EAT MY SHORTS" . That's the meanst thing I think I ever heard him say to anyone. My mom, his sister Dorothy, and him were inseperable. Whenever Gary had a dinner or firehouse function to go to, he'd ask my mom to go. I know it wasn't to show off, I think he wanted her there because he knew how proud of him she was , as we all are. When my mom passed away he was sitting next to my wife at the wake and he said to her, "You know, I just lost my best friend" . We will never forget that. After entering the firehouse the night of his wake I said to myself, "This is what it must be like if the head of state passes away. The CPFD must have really loved Gary .
You don't see something like this evertday." That's not all of it, firefighters wore white gloves, full dress uniforms, and in a ceremony that will always stick with me, they would all saluted the coffin and take turns standing at attention holdind axes next to his coffin to show how much he ment to them. It was lke the guards at Buckingham Palace.This went on every 15 minutes for over 5 hours. The whole firehouse was set up in a way that you knew that a GREAT man was being honored here. They had a video playing of him with all of his fire "FAMILY". That was shown from the time the wake started to the time of the last alarm went out letting everyone know that " FIRE FIGHTER GARY R. MANLEY, BADGE # 19 HAS MADE HIS LAST CALL" was broadcast over the radio in every emergeny vehicle in Saratoga County. That's how much they loved him. I don't know if I'll ever have an experience like that again. I know this one I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am greatful that my whole famly was there to here it. I have told countless people about the ceremony and showed them the story about my uncle Gary in the newspaper. No,not alot of them knew my uncle, but they now know what kind of man he was. How many people can have Route 9, north and south , blocked off for thier last ride in his one of his favorite vehicles, "THE BUFFALO",a fire truck? You all can see what kind of man Gary was, and please Never , Never forget him. He is now dancing with his sister's Dorothy and Mary. His parent's ,Russell and Hazle are just sitting back and watching with hugh smiles.
God Bless You.
Your nephew,
Michael
Michelle Snyder & Family
August 6, 2008
It was a great pleasure to know Gary
Our deepest sympathy to his family
Jeff Proctor
August 6, 2008
To all that knew Gary R. Manley:
I have been with the Clifton Park Fire Department for just over 2 years now. When I first stepped foot into the building I was so nervous. I had people telling me I need to remember everyone’s names right away (I’m terrible at names). I had shot into the Firehouse one night when no one was there to look at everyone’s lockers to try to remember names, well I wasn’t alone. As I walked in through the bay doors I saw not one soul, then I hit the radio room and there was a man sitting at the computer (playing Solitaire). For some reason he turned and looked at me (I was caught). So I walked into the radio room and introduced myself and he did the same. He could tell I was nervous so he asked “What are you nervous about?” I told him that I need to know all of the members of the organization and that I couldn’t remember anyone. His stated “Just come to all of the functions with in the Fire department and you will get to know everyone they are all a great group of people! (He was right)” That day was the most memorable day for me with Gary because with his calm demeanor and kind heart I knew that I was going to be accepted by all. I used to love to sit and talk about how long he had has been with this department. From the way he was talking I knew he had devotion and love every minute of his service to this community. Gary used to ask me about how the Military was treating me and when my next rotation was going to be. One day I had stated that he should go over with me and that’s when I heard the infamous “Eat my Shorts!” I laughed so hard. On Tuesday morning I had the greatest honor. I was asked to call the Marching Detail to Attention and Salute Gary at his Last call and then march the formation with cadence all the way to his final resting place. I want to thank everyone from the Fire Department who gave me that opportunity. I am so honored that I had the opportunity to know Gary although it was short it was an honor. Everyone lost Gary physical but not mentally. He will never be forgotten! With Love, Jeff
Pamela (Manley) Morel
August 5, 2008
I am Gary's cousin (daughter of his late father Russell's brother, Arnold). Although I haven't seen Gary since I was a teenager, I remember him as a typical "Manley", caring, quiet but fun loving with a good sense of humor and just a sweet all around guy. By what I have read, he touched the lives of many people with his concern, kindness and a desire to help those in need. His parents would be so proud of him if they were here. I offer my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Gary's family and friends. I'm sure that he will be sorely missed and it makes me wish that I could have known him better.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
God Bless,
Pamela (Manley) Morel
Berna (Terwelp)Quackenbush
August 5, 2008
Almighty GOD, Father of all mercies,and giver of all comfort: Deal graciously,we pray thee, with those who mourn, that casting every care on thee, they may know the consolation of thy love, thru Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Penny, I'm so sorry for your lose. Your brother will be missed by many.
Adam Higgins And Jessica Rogers
August 5, 2008
Our Deepest Sympathy Goes Out to Gary and His family. I have known Gary almost two years since i joined the Fire Department. And ever since then he has been there to Help me through training or just having someone there to ask a question at a call or just around the Firehouse. He would always be there when i needed something. I can always remember when i pulled in the firehouse and his car would be there and he would be playing solitaire on the computer and he would always win. He will be deeply missed by all.
John keyser
August 4, 2008
Over the past 29 years I can not think of a kinder, gentler person than Gary. His main goal in life was to enjoy this planet and the people with whom he shared life's treasures. The fire service and the community have lost a real gentleman and patriot. All of us are just a little richer for having been able to call Gary a friend. Now we have this void that can never be filled.
My deepest sympathies to Gary's family.
Mary Lou Whitney
August 4, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Amy Odom
August 4, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to Gary's family and "Monday night cronies". He will be remembered always and dearly missed.
Earl McMahon
August 4, 2008
My wife and I will miss Gary very much.
Gary was my wife’s dance partner at all the banquets we were at together.
Gary was a good friend. We worked side by side on many committees’ and help start the Town of Halfmoon Chief’s Association many years ago.
Gary was also very helpful to my dad who lived in the McDonald towers before he passed.
Dad would always tell me what a nice gentleman he was.
We will miss a friend, fellow firefighter, commissioner and Chief..
Earl and Janice McMahon..
Rachel Frost
August 4, 2008
It is with great sadness that I say goodbye to such a wonderful person. I have known Gary for 16 years through the CPFD and what a pleasure it has been to have known him. I will never forget the times that I would see Gary at the firehouse or at a function and he would always greet me with "Hi Sweets". I will always remember the memories of the late nights at denny's, the banquets, the fh trips, boat cruises, and even the times you would get me up to dance at the banquets.
You will be sadly missed Gary.
The firehouse won't be the same without you there or your smile.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Gary.
RONALD Bagley
August 4, 2008
God Bless , the manley family! Gary, we'll be missed by all , We shared many of go times ,playing cards with Dot, and all the Holiday's , at Tom's
Dot's and Lisa's and with your Family,My prayers to all! Peace and Love, Ron Bagley
Harold and Ellen Martin
August 4, 2008
Hal and I want to send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Gary. Even though Gary was not related he was a member of our family. He was at our house every holiday for dinner and many many cookouts. We will miss him just as we would miss a father. He had the best personality and was always there to give advice if needed. He will be so missed. Hal and Ellen
Alice Vinciquerra
August 4, 2008
Ray, Val and Family,
I was saddned to read the passing of your brother. I share in your loss knowing what it's like to lose a sibling. I never met Gary but knowing you & Mame, and reading what people have written I know that the world won't be the same without him, and all the good he's done. He will be truly missed by many. Please know that your in my thoughts & prayers in your time of grief. May you take comfort in the memories & cherish the time you spent together.
Kylie Manley
August 4, 2008
Gary was my uncle. He wasn't a man of many words, but that runs in the family. When I was in High School my friends and I use to go to Denny's late at night like all Shen kids did and all of my friends would say "look there is Uncle Gary" and there he would be sitting at the counter or at the table w/Art and the gang. I would go over give him a kiss on the cheek and he would say "Hi Sweets". All the girls were his "Sweets". At every family event he and Aunt Mary would be on the dance floor cutting a rug. The dancing gene runs in the Manley Family but there was something about watching the 2 of them dancing with each other. You could not take your eyes off them.
I will miss you Uncle Gary.
Kelly and Sean Dickinson
August 4, 2008
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Gary's family and his extended family and friends in the community.
We have known Gary for many wonderful years. From working together at an emergency, to seeing him at a funcion at the firehouse, to hanging out at The Burner's UK, to ordering drinks at the chief's show, and many other things, it was always a pleasure to see Gary. He greeted everyone with his warm affectionate smile. He went out of his way to ensure that everyone was doing ok. Whenever we asked how he was, the answer was always a smile and a nod and "Good."
Gary's friendship and support will never be forgotten.
Kathy Riley Matthews
August 4, 2008
Sincere condolences on the passing of Gary. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Kathy & Jim
Ken Hassett
August 4, 2008
I have known Gary for the 26 years that I have been a member at CPFD. When I first joined the fire dept. Gary was always there, attending every event, fire call, drill, and fundraiser. I would often find him sleeping in the Lazy Boy recliner, and recalled does this guy live here? Other members assured me me not, but I had my doubts. Well. as time went on, I was able to learn about Gary. His dedication not only to our organization, but the emergency services in general was tremendous.
The usual joke around the station was that Gary was "father time' and he laid the first foundation block at the original firehouse. Now I look back at that joke phrase, and think to myself, he may have not laid the first block there, but he certainly played a role in the foundation of our success.
As time went on I had the opportunity to serve with Gary in the ranks of chief and presently commissioner. When I was first elected to the chiefs rank, after the meeting Gary congratulated me, and said "Well Bud, you ready for this?" and I replied "are you ready for this?" we both shared a good laugh that evening, and set out to achieve our common goals, what a ride I must add. The rest is history.
Gary, it's been a pleasure to know and work beside you.
Rest in peace commissioner.
To Gary's family, I offer my condolences.
Todd Spinner
August 4, 2008
My deepest sympathay goes out to all of Gary's family. I met Gary close to 13yrs ago when I joined Clifton Park Fire Deptartment. Since then I had the pleasure of spending time with him at various functions such as fire competitions, the bowling show, watching me wash my car in the bays and telling me "you are going to wash the paint off" to many hours of working on the Buffalo. Gary was a great friend and would do anything for you. We will miss you "Gare Bear"!
Marge and Art Hunsinger
August 3, 2008
Gary will always be a once in a life time friend. Gary was like a third son to me and big brother to Art. Dinners at 99 and Chilis will never be the same without Gary there with us.
Love and Prayers Marge (mom) and Art Hunsinger
Penny Bullock
August 3, 2008
I can only say that God took the BEST big brother in the whole world. I can't be there to say goodbye in person but I saw you in a dream. You told me you understood and that we will see each other again. Quite a few years were between us but I always loved it when we saw each other. You usually would sneak up behind me and poke me on my sides to make me jump...you would stick out your tongue and run. You were the greatest & most dedicated firefighter I ever knew. I knew this the night you let me borrow your car. I got as far as Sitterly Rd, the scanner went off in the car, I turned around to go back and when I got to the house mom said you had already left running down the road and got to the firehouse on foot. Now THAT is the greatest firefighter any one will ever know. Keep on dancing the jitterbug when ever the Angels play their music. Rest in peace and until we meet again.
With all my love ,
Your baby sister
Donna Martin
August 3, 2008
Ray and Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. I know that you and the family will miss him dearly. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to you.
Donna M. Martin
Class of '66
Steven McNaughton
August 3, 2008
If there was ever a guy who was loved by all, laid back, could dish it out and take is as easily and as professional as they come when it counted, it was Gary. I knew him for 11 years and can't imagine what it will be like without him around. The "Hospitality room" will not be the same for me without you there Gary. I hope to see you again one day, Sir.
Wayne Redick
August 3, 2008
I only met Gary 7 years ago but I knew the first time he talked and the way he carried himself he was a fountain of character and personality.
I always looked forward to seeing Gary at the CPFD Pancake breakfasts and the annual NYS Chiefs shows behind the bar in the hospitality room.
He was truly a genuine gentleman and a sincere person.
He will be greatly missed in this World.
Timothy Scrom
August 3, 2008
I had the honor to serve as an Asst Chief under Gray in the late 70/early 80s, and continued to see Gary on mutual aid calls. He was a firefighters firefighter who remembered his roots above all else. Gary will be missed as both a friend and as a fellow firefighter.
Joe Rivers
August 3, 2008
I can remember the first time i sat in on a company meeting and was being voted in that night and i scanned all the members in the room and i saw this guy (Gary) and i thought to myself that i can learn alot from this guy and sure enough i did. Gary was a TRUE friend and always willing to be there for me and others as well I will truly miss him. (eat my shorts as he would say) And still Gary you will be there even when we go for a snack,dinner or just coffee i will have a cup and plate for you. You rest now and i will see you again.
Shirley Shovah (Rivet)
August 3, 2008
It was quite a shock to read about Gary. He was a great guy The last time I saw him was at his sister Mary's wake. I happened to have been in New York at the time. My sympathy to those left in Gary's family.
BEATRICE HUNSINGER
August 3, 2008
Gary was part of our family and an outstanding man. Holidays and cookouts won't be the same without him, life won't be he same. Rest in peace Gary, you will be truly missed by all.
Beatrice and Michael
Daniel J. Bonesteel, Captain (Ret.) Clifton Park & Halfmoon Emergency Corps.
August 3, 2008
I have known Gary since I was a young boy of 4 or 5 years old. He and my dad were in CPFD together. Later in life I became involved in the emergency services and had the privledge to work side by side with Gary on the scene of many fire and medical emergencies. It is with much sadness that I say goodby to a fellow emergency service provider, a gentleman and a friend. Chief, til we meet again.
David, Alison and Jessica Pingelski
August 3, 2008
Tall cool one - you will be sadly missed by all of those who have come to know and love you. We have many fond memories of you - dancing, laughing, bowling and just being you. You may be gone, but you will NOT be forgotten.
Fred L Halley Jr.
August 3, 2008
It’s with a heavy heart I say goodbye. Thanks for your help at the many Emergency scenes we worked together. Thanks for all the late night “meetings” at Denney’s.
May you rest in peace.
Fred L Halley Jr., Paramedic
Clifton Park & Halfmoon Ambulance
Arthur Hunsinger
August 3, 2008
Gary we will truly miss you bud!
NICOLE SMITH
August 3, 2008
I WANT TO EXPRESS MY SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF GARY. I HAVE KNOWN GARY SINCE I WAS A BABY. I ALWAYS KIND OF VIEWED GARY AS A SECOND DAD AND RESPECTED HIM AS SUCH. HE HAS BEEN THERE FOR ALL THE MILESTONES IN MY LIFE SO FAR AND WILL CONTINUE IN SPIRIT. HE MEANT SO MUCH TO ME THAT I ALWAYS TOLD HIM IF SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN TO MY OWN FATHER, HE WOULD BE THE ONE WALKING ME DOWN THE ISLE ON MY BIG DAY. IT ALWAYS BROUGHT A SMILE TO HIS FACE! GARY HAS ALWAYS BEEN VERY CLOSE TO AND A LARGE PART OF MY FAMILY. I HAVE MANY MEMORIES TO CHEERISH, THINK BACK ON AND LAUGH ABOUT. FOR INSTANCE WHEN THE DEPT. USED TO GO THE GREAT ESCAPE FOR THE COMPANY PICNIC, YOU COULD ALWAYS CATCH GARY AT THE END OF THE DESPORADO PLUNDGE WITH THE MUG WE GOT A LUNCH, THROWING CUPS FULL WATER AT PEOPLE! AS IF WE WERE NOT WET ENOUGH FROM THE PLUNDGE!! I COULD ALWAYS COUNT ON GARY BUSTING MY CHOPS ON HOW PICKY OF AN EATER I WAS BUT, I WOULD GIVE IT RIGHT BACK WITH WHAT HE HAD TO EAT SYNERS THAT NIGHT! THEN THERE WAS THE TIMES HE CAUGHT ME AT DENNY'S WELL PAST MY CERFEW!! IN MORE RECENT TIMES I WILL REMEMBER HOW EXCITED HE WAS TO BEABLE TO ATTEND THE CHIEF SHOW AFTER BEING IN THE HOSPITAL THE MONTH BEFORE. I DON'T THINK ANYONE WILL FORGET THE "FIRE FLAME" BARTENDING SHIRT HE WORE!! GARY WAS THE MOST FUNLOVING, SUPPORTIVE, RELIABLE AND DEVOTED PERSON I KNOW. HE HAS BEEN SO SUPPORTIVE AND PROUD OF ME THAT I CAN ONLY RETURN THE FAVOR BY CARRING ON HIS MEMORY AND FOLLOW IN HIS FOOTSTEPS. I HOPE TO GIVE AS MUCH TIME AND DEDICATION AS HE DID TO THE CLIFTON PARK FIRE DEPARTMENT. GARY IS PROBABLY THE ONLY PERSON THAT I KNOW OF THAT HAS DEVOTED OVER 46 YEARS OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE TO THIS COMMUNITY AND NOT ONCE EVER ASKED FOR ANYTHING IN RETURN. WHEN EVER YOU ASKED HIM TO DO ANYTHING, HE WOULD ALWAYS BE THERE TO DO IT- NO MATTER HOW HE WAS FEELING OR HOW TIRED HE WAS. . I HOPE THAT MY GARBEAR WATCHES OVER ME CONTINUES TO MAKE HIS PRESCENCE KNOWN. MAY GARY'S LEGACY AS A PERSON, FIREND, FATHER FIGURE AND FIREMAN CARRY ON IN ALL THOSE WHO HAD THE PRIVALEDGE IN KNOWING HIM.
William Owen
August 3, 2008
My Deepest Sympathy to the family. I have known Gary and other members of the family for many years.
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