What a beautiful eulogy. The fact that you grew up to be the kind of man who would write such things, and value such traits, is a lovely tribute to the man who raised you.
I didn't have a lot of time to share with Gary, but it warmed my heart every time I would think of how happy he made my sister.

Gary's Eulogy

(read by Gary Jr.)

Thank you for coming to celebrate the life of Gary Bruce Arrington, Sr., my Pop.    It is a testimony to his character and a life well lived that you have all joined us here today, some of you from quite a distance. I deeply appreciate your show of support at this hard time.     My Pop was very protective of those he loved.  Family was always important to him.     As a boy he watched over his sisters, making sure they didn't get hurt or go hungry. There were times when he would carry groceries for those who requested it so he could earn money to bring his sisters donuts and chocolate milk when they needed a meal.  There is a photo of him, sitting on a photographer's bench, putting out a protective arm to make sure his little sister Judy didn't fall off while he and my aunts, Judy and Wendy, were having their picture taken.  He continued to be that way throughout his life.  Once you were under his wing he would do anything to make sure you were safe.  He would also be ready to tell you, in no uncertain terms, when he thought you were doing something that might bring harm to you!  He was always candid and real.  His motto was "to think it is to say it".  There would be times you wished he wouldn't "say it" but the receiver of the unvarnished truth always understood the love and caring behind it all.      He grew up poor in Philadelphia.  There were some things, like dessert, that he never could get as much of as he would have liked.  It was a memorable day for him when he could buy a coconut custard pie and eat the whole thing without sharing.    He had a big smile, a big laugh and a big heart.  This endeared him to many, including his wife, Lynn's, family.     Lisa, a niece, said it well:  "He was kind and funny and welcoming.  This gregarious man came into our family and it was instant love: he made us happier and accepted all our quirks and idiosyncrasies in good humor."     He was very loyal to you once you were on his list of good people.  He went to the same barber, Von, for over 35 years.  He mentioned his boyhood friend, "Edge", often.  He would say Edge's parents were like second parents to him.       It was very clear to all who saw them together, how very much he adored his wife Lynn.  His eyes shone brighter, his smile was bigger and he was just more Gary when she was around. And he brought out the same in Lynn. At a recent hospital stay he introduced Lynn to his nurse as "my wife, who I love dearly."      He could start a conversation and keep it going with the best of them.  He would passionately share his opinions on whatever situation or topic you were discussing.  But he would also ask for your thoughts and listen intently to them.      He had a 20 year career, in a civilian position, with the Navy Department.  His favorite duty was to inspect Naval barracks worldwide.  He got to see more of the world that way then he would have been able to on his own.  He often mentioned that he would like to revisit some of the places he had seen, with family members.         As much as he liked to travel and be part of bigger family events he also liked quiet times at home. He did have standards about how things should be and rules to follow: always make the bed and say grace before meals!     My Pop loved fishing.  He enjoyed being by the water, waiting for a bite and consuming a little beer, here or there. But, most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his fishing buddies:   me and my Aunt Judy and whoever else was available and ready to spend the day in his company.  There was only one bane to his fishing enjoyment:  mosquitoes.  They just loved him.   He complained about it to his  doctor one time, asking why they were biting him and not going near anyone else. His doctor's reply was, "they like you because you're a sweet man."    That was a good diagnosis!      I will end this with a prayer.      It is called "The Fisherman's Prayer"     I pray that I may fish until my dying day.  And when it comes to my last cast, I then most humbly pray:    When in the Lord's great net and peacefully asleep, that in his mercy I be judged Big Enough to keep!

Gary was not only my big brother but my best friend.
He would tell me when he was trying to run my life that people would pay him in the past for his advice. And we would laugh so hard because I would say "I don't need your advice!"  
We talked every day. We loved the same TV programs.  We always had someting to laugh and talk about.
Every summer we would get together and go fishing and would have the best of times.
He was the best friend I will ever have and it's not goodbye, it's I'll see him later.  I will miss him so.

Uncle Gary, you will be missed dearly.  Gone but never forgotten.  
I remember when you would come to our house and ask if I had heard about the newest updates for our phones.  It was funny how you were always hip about the new things our phones could do. You would ask me and Daia about Showbox that you couldn't get on your phone.  It had all the new movies on it and you would get so mad.  I would always feel so accomplished when you would say you were so proud of me.  Your laugh made us laugh like a shining star that lit up the room. Thank you for all the memories you shared with me.
Rest in paradise Uncle Gary.  I love you.  You will truly be missed.

So sorry for your loss, Ms. Wheeler, Kim, Mike, Erica, and the rest of the family. May he rest in peace.

Warm, intelligent, generous, gentle-hearted and fun loving, this wonderful man was the perfect match to my dear sister, Lynn. I'm with you in your loss, and holding you and all your family close in my thoughts.

"When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth  you are weeping for that which has been your delight."  Kahlil Gibran

Gary will always be in our hearts and we will rejoice in the memories of him that brought us joy.  Much much love,

Kate Ducharme & family

My Condolenses to Lynn n Kim n Aaron you will be in my prayers n heart these next few weeks With Love n Prayers for all the family

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Gary Bruce Arrington

17 juillet 1948 – 24 janvier 2017

Witzke Funeral Homes Inc.

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