the art of being gary

Gary (gar-y):

A merciless teaser, a monopolizer of silly banter and a know it all, Gary has entertained us throughout the decades with his euphonic chortling that would rival any elk. His most favorite of ditties is ‘ABC’.

A–I’m adorable, B–I’m so beautiful, C–I’m cuddly too!

This joker has entertained the masses with his funny stories, his infectious laugh, his kindness and of course his sweet charm. He is also known as Garibaldi or Balls but most importantly Dad.

When Gary is not antagonizing his family and friends, singing a happy ditty or enjoying a tasty pork chop he explores his passions–lounging in a recliner and watching the “boob-tube”.

Gary has persevered as a fashion diva throughout the decades–from permed hair styles to tight pants to the

dreaded menagerie of floral patterns shirts.

When he is not concerned with his debonair looks he finds himself enjoying the good life–retirement and his wife Sheila.

She is a fan of fiber, yodeling music, a nice glass of milk, fishing, camping and chicken.

synonyms: Gentleman, Scholar,

Adorable, Beautiful, Cuddly

antonyms: Sour puss, Chatty Cathy

This book has been designed with love for my Dad. There are no words or actions that can come close to describing how much I love him or how proud I am of him. He has been my greatest influence to my accomplishments and my goals in life. Without his continual support and love I would not be who I am today.

Thank you Dad! You are the sweetest, most charming person that I know and the best dad in the world. You are my best friend–my confidant who has kept me laughing when times were tough and giving me strength when I needed it. You inspire all who are around you with your infectious laugh and compassionate unconditional love. I am happy that you found Sheila–a sweetie just like yourself to enjoy the wonderful and silly world of Gary.

And just to remind you...

You can tell a lot about a person by what three things they love the most. For Gary, fishing, camping and chicken are something that makes him happy, they also happen to describe his personality.

the art of being gary

fishingcampingchicken

... Defines Personality

Fishing

A worm is airborne, the line is spent and with a final coup de gras, plummets into the watery depths. Ever hopeful of a fish’s nibble, Gary finds his happy moment. Fishing!

While fun and relaxing, fishing also has a greater meaning for Gary. Just as major defining moments in Gary’s life has giving him an adventurous spirit and depth, it also symbolizes what is important to him–the love of his family and a reminder of where he came from.

first thing you learn about fishing is how to catch the worm

the perfect spot

There have been many memories that have touched our hearts over the decades–many of which have included Gary’s brother Dave.

There was never a time when we don’t remember ‘Balls and Virgil’ working side by side, joking with one another all the while.

From camping, four-wheeling, or fishing Gary and Dave have been a pair that have delighted and inspired us with their candid, free willed spirit.

a good fishing partner

“Oh, about a dozen and a half–although I had to throw all of them back because they were too small!”

Joking and fishing go hand in hand. While worms are soaking and the beer is warming, i ts the fr iendly banter that we love the most.

How many have you caught?

If fishing is about remembering and reflecting on what is important in your life, it goes without saying that a family is high on the list. The love and bond of a father and daughter is an amazing thing.

Riding a 3-wheeler, shooting a gun, driving or learning to reel in a fish, Dad has always been the one to mark these steps.

and a little love

A little time to yourself to remember your family

Camping

putt putt putt...vroom! Tarring off into the wilds of Utah, Gary and friends take their adventures on the path less traveled. From four-wheeling, hotdog cooking and sarcastic quips, camping is the heart of Gary’s favorite things to do.

Gary’s hot-doggin’ sauciness hits an all out extreme when camping is on the list. Just as camping is a favorite past time, ol’Gary also appreciates the good things in life–road trips, mixing it up with family and friends, special outings, movies, Sci-fy Channel features, laughing at others, and most importantly sporting a true garment of manly fashion: overalls!

Under the canopy of leaves, the weary camper rests his head and dreams of perfect solitude.

where only the deer and the antelope roam

Where friends are easy to find–incredible outings of Dave and Buddy

Great memories are improved by great friends. Sometimes those friends are found in the most unsuspecting places. It could even be a sandy colored old dog named buddy.

Always together, Dave and Buddy traveled throughout the mountain side, the bike underneath them, the wind in their hair and love in their hearts.

Just a couple of pals on a drive

Some adventures can take you by surprise. Gary and Sheila never expected when they came to visit Colorado that they would be rafting down the Arkansas River.

The brisk morning air was enough to have us worrying, but once we got on the river we had one of the most exciting times together.

That day we took on the river and came out a stronger group of family. These small but adventurous events in our families lives has drawn us all closer together.

taking on the river

Kyle, Jody, Gary and Sheila Show off their new outfits before they take the plunge in the ice water depths.

survivors

There have been a lot of special moments in my life. Most of them have been when my mom and dad are by my side. They have always made it special for me and I know that I couldn’t have accomplished so much without them.

Dad and Sheila has always given me support and strength to continue on, work hard, love lots and never let go of what makes me truly happy.

Graduation time

While time can not stand still, these happy moments will always be fastened to our memories. We had so much fun barbecuing, going out to Davies Chuck Wagon, posing for pictures at Jody’s Graduation Ceremony.

Times are a changin’

Art graduates show off–exhibit for family and friends

Tassels and gowns, and marching and art...all in an artists graduation day. It was a special day for me, but what made it really special was my dad, Sheila and mom coming to see me. Thank you!

Show time

Havasu Wedding

Weddings are not for the faint of heart. I can say this after the craziness of my beach theme wedding in Lake Havasu.

Thank you Dad and Sheila for making mine and Kyles wedding special. You two were there for all of it, from the barbecuing, set up and the beautiful cake. I especially thank Sheila. No bride can say that she had something as beautiful and delicious as this flower encrusted rum cake.

a million thanks

Where hugs are rare, smiles are hard won and love is surprising, Jody and Kyle were lucky to find each other in the desert lands of Iraq.

Two years after Jody and Kyle found each other, they were married in Lake Havasu underneath a shady palm tree, surrounded by their family and friends.

In Love and War

Jody and Kyle’s Wedding

Chicken

Winner Winner! Chicken Dinner!

Gary’s idea of rustling up some grub is a chicken dinner. Some of Gary’s most special moments are nibbling on a tasty chicken wing.

The happiest moments in Gary’s life–besides chicken is being wi th his loved ones. Whether it is a cherished laugh between b ro t he r s o r a special smile between father and daughter or a wife’s exuberant bellow of Jazz pride define Gary’s happiest moments.

Happy moments are being with the one you love,

sharing stories and making new ones. Two peas in

a pod, Gary and Sheila are a bundle of laughing,

joy-seeking and candy-loving couple. Adventurous

and intriguing, these two are constantly finding

new memories to create.

One fine day

Gary and Sheila stroll through Georgetown, an old mining town hidden in the Colorado Rockies.

Good times

Dad, I love you. I want you to know how important you are to me. I hope that with this book of memories you know how much you mean to all of us. If you ever wonder, just open this book and you will see how much better you make our world.

Let me tell you about it...

THANK YOU