Gary Lawyer Obituary

I still miss his laugh and our high school antics together. Fond memories. Forever grateful for them.

So, now it's been 13 years (!) since we lost Gary. Re-reading his obituary, I'm reminded of what a full, meaningful life he lived despite being cruelly cut far too short. His loss still hurts but at least now I'm able to chuckle at some of the antics we pulled in high school.

Hard to believe it's now been 12 years since Gary's death. My high school (!--pushing 60 years ago!) are still so vivid, esp. Gary in his light green VW Bug and me in my dark green one, loaded with friends, tooling around the streets of Sunnyvale. Such good times; such fond memories.

lot of fun and meaning into a life that was cut cruelly short.

It is meaningful for me to re-read the memories of other folks who knew Gary. I do remember doing library work with Gary, during our high school years together, and seeing his throat go in very deeply (because of his asthma) and yet, as others have noted, he never complained and continued being focused on the research we were doing at the time. He left for a college that put into an environment with cleaner air, but would contact me when back in the Sunnyvale area on breaks, but would comment that as he drove towards California, his breathing would get more difficult. He would not be happy to try to live through the air quality conditions that so many, around the world, are now dealing with.

Well, nine years since his passing and more than fifty years since our high school days together and he's still very much missed and fondly and vividly remembered. Our antics --Gary driving his light green VW with the boys skootched in and me and my dark green bug with the girls tooling around a much quieter Sunnyvale back in the day. Lazy, crazy days of summer and our youth. Such happy memories. (And I HAVE finally forgiven you, Gary, for pulling the plug --literally--on my graduation speech.)

I knew Gary mainly through my close friend, Pam Isner. When he was into flying, he just itched to go up with whoever would accompany him, and so when my mom (age 84 at the time) came to town, up and away we went with Gary, over the Royal Gorge, and Canon City area. It was an experience I will always remember, and so will my mom. As I read all the accomplishments and interests and volunteer work he did, I just marveled at how he could fit it all in. He sure left a mark on his world. He was one of the nicest people I ever met.

Gary was a kind, gentle soul. He was part of a high powered speech and debate program at Sunnyvale HIgh School. It was a highly competent group. Somehow Gary managed to participate, get great grades, and also lead our student body. Sort of a 1966 Gary Cooper - kind and graceful under the demands of all of his responsibilities. Always gracious.

How to adequately express my admiration and feelings for Gary?? We were high school buddies. What I remember most was that he was always upbeat, always had that devilish twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. Had horrible bouts with his asthma but NEVER complained, never let it slow him down. Pat and JoAnn say he was the same when he was diagnosed with the dementia-- faced it bravely and with no self-pity. And what an obituary! Plus the scuba diving, Big Brothering, and helping kids with reading disabilities he did thru the Library--(JoAnn wrote me about them.) Look at all he accomplished in a life cut far too short and the many,many friends he left behind. Gary was one class act who will be dearly missed.

I remember Gary as a good-natured, intelligent, and trustworthy individual. That he served as President of our high school's student body in his Junior year and served quite successfully was an early indication of his wide-ranging capabilities and desire to serve others.

I will always remember Gary as I knew him in high school and those years together in classes, student activities, and student government. He was a kind and sweet person--happy, energetic, and thoughtful. I remember him as a person who listened and made you feel valued when you were in his presence. I appreciate the blessing of having known him during those years. May he walk in peace.

I first met Gary in 1975 when he was moving out and I was moving in--and he offered to help me. Later we were roommates for a year, played softball, enjoyed music, baseball and double dates (not necessarily in that order). Over the years we referred clients back and forth, stayed in touch and took in some Sky Sox games. I will miss him. He was a great guy.

Fly fishing, motorcycle riding, love of nature, piano, the theater, so much more, you have touched me and I have grown.

I first met Gary in 1977 when he and I were young Deputy District Attorneys. He was a true friend. He touched the lives of many people, both professionally and personally. He will be missed.

When I moved to Colorado Springs in 1990, Gary was one of the first attorneys I had the pleasure of working with. He was a bright attorney and a kind person. He will be missed.

Even though Gary and I divorced, we continued to be friends and I will always be grateful to have known him. He was a kind and good man. Both myself and our son will dearly miss him.

I had the pleasure of meeing Gary many years ago, when he and JoAnn came to Iowa for a visit. My baby brother, John, (now 43 years old!) made an instant connection. It was fun watching them jam together on the piano and just enjoying each other's company. Then, in later years, I know Gary influenced John when it came time to choose his career. John is now a succesful lawyer and prosectutor. My deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved Gary. May he Rest in Peace.

I had the pleasure of meeing Gary many years ago, when he and JoAnn came to Iowa for a visit. My baby brother, John, (now 43 years old!) made an instant connection. It was fun watching them jam together on the piano and just enjoying each other's company. Then, in later years, I know Gary influenced John when it came time to choose his career. John is now a succesful lawyer and prosectutor. My deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved Gary. May he Rest in Peace.

I remember Gary from many years ago, when he and JoAnn came to Iowa for a visit. He and my baby brother, John, (now 43 years old!!) had an instant connection. It started with their love of music and playing the piano, and then later, Gary's influence for John's chosen profession, a lawyer and prosecutor. My deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved him.

I had the pleasure of working with Gary at the DA's office. He was a kind and gentle man with a smile always on his face. It was a blessing to know him. My condolences to his family and friends.