Gary's Graveside Service

My Uncle Parley and Aunt Charlene, cousin Karen, her husband and Mike
My mom's brother, Uncle Parley, Karen, husband and Todd

All of Gary's sons and his best friends were the Pallbearers. I thought I didn't have any tears left after the viewing the night before, but apparently I did. Mike and Randy were in charge of the music. Since there were no plugs at the Cemetery, that was quite a task, but they did a remarkable job. You can see Dennis holding his ear plugs in place which they passed out to all of us, but I had heard some of these songs before from Gary, and I loved them.

Graveside Service Cont.

My cousins, Toby, Julie, Diane and Susan

Ron, Gerry, Jolene and LuAnn

The Stout Cousins!!

Telisa, you were missed every second! Chad was home sick and Tara was also very sick and has been in bed ever since the luncheon ended. The purple shirts were given to all Gary's kids by Randy Graves, one of Gary's best friends and band buddy. They have the name of Gary's band "Kalaban" and the album cover that Gary designed.

The Three Wives Club- My Sisters

On October 12th, 2009, as Den and I were stuck on the 93 North freeway from New Hampshire to Boston, I received the most shocking phone call of my life. My brother Todd called to tell me he thought our brother Gary had passed away. He was standing outside his Condo, the police wouldn't let him in; just told him that there was a deceased man inside. I immediately called his wife, Lena and she confirmed through wails of tears that Gary was indeed dead. Shock, sadness, grief, bereavement and heartache ensued for me and my entire family. There was a small part of me that was relived because of Gary's intense physical pain for years and years, but my heart bled for his wife and 7 children. Gary's is my younger brother and he truly suffered physically like no else I know. Even though I knew, I still wasn't prepared for his early death.
Gary's wishes were for no funeral, just a viewing and a graveside service with an opening and closing prayer, the eulogy read and four songs of his choosing played loudly! I had my concerns, but it turned out the songs were very appropriate and quite lovely. I could just see Gary sitting at his drums playing his heart out to these tunes. After, his Chinese Ward provided a very nice luncheon at a nearby chapel. For me the day was very uplifting and healing. As you see pictured are me with his two former wives and current wife, the love of his life; Lena, Pam and Carin, whom I love very dearly. Telisa was unable to attend, so she sent a cookie bouquet to me and Stephanie. We loved it!!!!! I'm trying to understand what I need to learn from Gary's untimely passing. Maybe, that in life, we need to love our family more, forgive faster and never ever ever judge one another!!