Gary Alexander Chernay

Gary is survived by his wife, Tracey; children, Kristin LeQuier of Alto, GA and Heidi Albright of Monroe, MI; and grandchildren, Antoinette, Nathaniel, Benjamin, Joshua and Elijah LeQuier. He is preceded in death by his parents Antoinette and Alexander Chernay.

Gary was born on June 19, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Grosse Point High School in June of 1961. Gary went on to attend his beloved Alma Mater, the University of Michigan, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1965. He also pursued graduate school, earning his Master’s in Business Administration and a Juris Doctorate. Gary was active in his fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi, at the University of Michigan.

Following his extensive education, Gary worked his entire adult life as an attorney. He first practiced law in the Detroit, Michigan area and then moved to South Florida working as a partner in the firm Stephens, Lynn, Chernay and Klein in Miami. Gary relocated and established the firm’s West Palm Beach office. Later he joined Cohen, Norris, Chernay in North Palm Beach as a litigation partner.

On July 25, 1987 Gary exchanged wedding vows with Tracey Setchell at St. David's in the Pines Episcopal Church of Wellington, Florida and together they enjoyed family life with Gary’s two daughters from his prior marriage. Gary’s children remember him as a kind, engaged, and fun-loving father who encouraged them to both be themselves and to pursue their goals. Gary would travel with each of his daughters for one-on-one trips, took them on many college campus visits from an early age, and took them on a Hawaiian cruise which was a favorite memory of his. He was a very proud father who was especially gratified that both girls graduated from college; Kristin from University of Miami and Heidi from the University of Michigan.

Gary was a loving and supportive husband who encouraged Tracey to seek her Master’s Degree and to pursue her career which led them to live in many different cities including Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nashville, Rochester, Fairfield and ultimately Las Vegas. Gary had an adventurous spirit and often quoted “all who wander are not lost” and he found many friends and something to enjoy about each city in which he lived. When he moved into Spanish Trail Country Club in 2009 he announced that he was “at home” and he so enjoyed his life there at home, socializing at the Country Club and playing Fantasy Football each season.

Gary enjoyed connecting with people and he had a very big heart. He was an active and dedicated member of Grace in the Desert Church where he volunteered to chair the Angel Tree Committee at Christmas and where he attended Education for Ministry (EFM) classes. He was a generous individual who loved helping others and his favorite charity was Noah’s Animal House which allows victims of domestic violence to bring their pets when they take shelter. Gary was passionate about the University of Michigan and participated on the Major Gifts Committee when Michigan set out to raise a billion dollars for the university.

A funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, June 12 at 2:00 pm at Grace in the Desert Episcopal Church, 2004 Spring Gate Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89134 with a reception to follow at Spanish Trail Country Club at 4:30 pm. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gary’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Noah’s Animal House (noahsanimalhouse.org). Condolences can be sent to palmeastern.com. The family would like to thank their neighbors, friends, and the church for all the prayers, support, understanding, compassion, and meals provided at this difficult time.