Gary was a wonderful friend, and I will deeply miss him. Although we were only able to meet in person a handful of times—far too few—we spent countless hours over the years talking on the phone.
A couple of decades ago, Gary, Monty Pearson (whom Gary affectionately called “Mountain Man”), and I held weekly calls that often stretched two to three hours. We discussed business, shared stories, and talked about everything under the sun—just as men do. This was before the days of free long-distance calls! We called ourselves “The Three Musketeers,” and those conversations remain some of my fondest memories.
Gary was always generous with his time and wisdom, especially when sharing his experiences from the grocery store business. I learned so much from him—concepts like loss leaders and special event days—even though our backgrounds were different. His stories about his “Tomato Business” are especially memorable and always brought a smile.
Our friendship grew even closer through our home-based business adventure with EYI. We faced both great opportunities and challenges together, and Gary was always a trooper—steadfast, positive, and determined to make things work. One highlight was attending an incredible event at a grand resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. We shared unforgettable moments there, with no expense spared.
In recent years, as Gary faced increasing health challenges, our calls grew shorter, but they remained just as meaningful to me. Even amid his own hardships, he always offered words of encouragement and managed to find the brighter side of any situation. I will never forget how uplifting his support was when I experienced my own health scare with my aorta. His kindness and positivity during that difficult time meant the world to me.
What I cherished most about Gary was his listening ear and his ever-positive outlook. No matter the circumstance, he always had something encouraging to say. Above all, I appreciated his faith and his unwavering belief in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Even as he faced challenges later in life, he continued to share his gratitude and praise.
Gary’s kindness, wisdom, and friendship have left a lasting mark on my life. I am grateful for every conversation, every lesson, and every laugh we shared. He will be dearly missed, but his spirit and legacy will live on in all who knew him.