Mary B Ward
We have been friends with Gary for over 65 years, from early school days on. Gary was top-notch in our book. He was always friendly and polite and loved being together with friends and family. In fact, we were more like family than just friendly folks! His sense of humor and wit kept us laughing, and he was always up for a good joke or prank.
After graduating from high school, Russ and Gary went their separate ways – Russ to the US Army and Gary off to college. It would be a few years before reconnecting, but in the meantime...Gary and Pat would both marry (not to each other), split-up, and reconnect. Yay! A funny note on that front is that Gary called us for Pat’s phone number, and we said ‘nope’...it’s up to Pat if she wants to connect back with you, Gary! Luckily, she did!
People marveled at the way our group of friends stuck together. It seemed like every Friday or Saturday, we were at the each other’s houses fixing dinner (grilling in the summer and simmering in the winter) and enjoying each other’s company. We still remember Gary fixing fried green tomatoes in an electric skillet on the deck! And, corn in the summer from Shaw’s! Going out to dinner was a regular routine. Group vacations (with Pat planning most of them) kept us together on land, sea and in the air. We went to Florida, the Carolinas, San Francisco (wine country), San Diego, Bermuda, Hawaii, on cruises and more! Definitely a lasting friendship!
While we were sad when the Welker’s moved to Florida, we were also happy for them. They loved being there, and of course, golf was Gary’s favorite pastime. We visited from time to time and have fond memories of our Florida times together. Those green fried tomatoes would resurface, but in Florida it was at the Dixie Fish Company. Luckily, both Gary and Pat have family in Ohio that brought them north from time-to-time, as well. And, of course, we are always just a phone call away for “do you remember” questions and trivia riddles.
Gary will always remain in our thoughts, our memories and our hearts. Rest in peace, our special friend.