Gary Philip Chervin

.Gary Chervin, age 57, passed away suddenly at home on June 8, 2014, of natural causes. He is survived by his partner-in-life, Bruce Bush, with whom he lived for almost 35 years. Over that time, Gary and Bruce shared several homes and many beloved dogs and cats.

Gary Philip Chervin was born and raised in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, the youngest of three sons of Phyllis and Stanley Chervin. His older brothers, Jim and Jack, predeceased him, as did his parents. Gary was like a son to Bruce's parents and, indeed, it was to be near them that Gary and Bruce moved to Hickory, North Carolina four years ago.

Gary graduated from the University of New Mexico, settled in Albuquerque, and worked as a teacher and later, as an information technology executive at a life insurance company. Besides partying with his friends, Gary enjoyed gardening, music, and walking with the dogs, especially in the mountains.

Gary was an impeccably honest man with strong morals and a deep sense of justice. He seemed quiet and reserved, but those who knew him well got to enjoy his wicked sense of humor and appreciate his many acts of kindness. His favorite charities were animal humane societies, homeless shelters, and wilderness protection organizations. Gary often helped friends in need directly and without hesitation.

He and his gentle nature and radiant smile will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary's memory may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Catawba Valley (UUCCV), PO Box 9164, Hickory, NC 28603.