Gary was preceded in death by his Father, Donald Bain Brockway and Mother, Murieal (Karshner), his Sisters, Sue (Wunderlich) and Donna (Lewis).
Gary is survived by his loving wife Ellen (Heitman) Brockway. His brothers James, Harry (Sharon), and Michael. His sons Donald (Cristia Earp), Michael (Virginia Church), and Patrick (Leslie Cicala). His grandchildren: Daniel, Anna, Abigail and Baby Girl Brockway-May 2023.
Born on August 09, 1948 in Flint Michigan, Gary grew up on Lobdale Lake in the Linden/Fenton area. In 1956, Gary moved to Detroit, attended Holy Cross Elementary, Cadillac Junior High School, and then finally graduated from Cooley High School in 1967.
Gary raised 5 Sheep Dogs for show and loved to fix everything including his bicycles, then later his prized Triumph GT6 Fastback. Gary was known to frequent the notorious Grandy Ballroom and the Hideout to showcase his phenomenal dancing skills.
Gary started working at Ford Motor Company in 1967 and worked with them for 42 years. Having been drafted into the United States Army and serving during the Vietnam War 1969, he was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism as well as the Purple Heart. After the war, Gary returned to work at Ford. He met his wife Ellen in 1974 and married her in 1977. Gary and Ellen had 3 boys (Donald, Michael, and Patrick) in 1980, 1982, and 1986. They raised their family in Redford, Livonia, and then Brighton before settling into their current home in Livonia in 1993. In 2004, Gary was featured on “Toolbox: The Screwdriver” on the History channel to share his deep knowledge and love of tools. Gary was instrumental in modernizing Ford’s tooling and repair program. After retiring from Ford, Gary moved on to consulting roles within the auto industry, finally retiring for good in 2014.
Throughout life, Gary enjoyed gardening, wood working, making stained glass windows, fishing, golfing, sailing, chess, trivia, and always loved being outdoors.
Most of all, Gary’s favorite place was going to the cottage at Long Lake in Alpena. Gary (The Captain) was known to stroll up and down the beach, making friends, and passing out jello shots and beer bongs. Gary loved to spend time on his pontoon with his family and friends. Gary had a peaceful heart and never met a person that wasn’t his friend. He made friends everywhere he went, living life to the fullest.
A visitation for Gary will be held Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Harry J Will Funeral Homes, 37000 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152 with a rosary at 7:00 PM.
A funeral in state will occur Friday, February 17, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St Edith Catholic Church, 15089 Newburgh Rd, Livonia, Michigan 48154 with a funeral mass at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gary's memory may be made to:
Paralyzed Veterans of America
The Gary Sinise Foundation
ALS of Michigan
The Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HarryjWillLivonia.com for the Brockway family.
