Gary was born June 9, 1958 to Joan Downs (Hunt). For much of his youth he lived in Mason, MI with some years also spent in Florida. He also spent time living at Houghton Lake, MI, where he graduated in 1976. Gary's most fond memories from childhood were the times he spent with his Grandpa Hunt, using his ham radio.
Gary joined the military in 1977, where he was a military police officer. He trained the police dogs, which was something he enjoyed very much.
Gary briefly worked for the Ingham County Sheriff's Department as a physical education instructor, while taking law enforcement classes at LCC. He changed his path upon acquiring a job with General Motors where he worked for many years before having to leave due to the severity of his MS symptoms.
Gary married Gail Parks in October of 1981. They were blessed with three beautiful Daughters. They all share his love of classic rock, laughing loudly, and teasing each other.
Gary was a member of several associations such as the VFW, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Loyal Order of Moose, the Houghton Lake Association, and the Oldsmobile Outdoor Club. Gary enjoyed fishing, playing board games and cards, playing Keno and the Michigan lottery using his family's birthdays for luck.
His oldest grandson inheirited his blue eyes and his ability to talk to anyone. He earned the affection of his youngest grandson through offers of sugary treats, and he was his Granddaughter's best customer for Girl Scout cookies. He treated Lucas as his own and enjoyed playing Yahtzee with him.
Gary was preceded in death by his Mother Joan Downs (Hunt), his Uncle Tom Hunt, who was like a Father to him and two of his dearest friends, Mike Bennett and Joe Williams (The Three Musketeers have reunited.) He is survived by his children, Sarah (Zack) Macomber, Nicole (Chad) Rogers, Jennifer Hunt, their Mother Gail Hunt, along with his grandchildren Chandler, AvaGail and Levi Rogers, and Lucas Macomber. Brothers Gerald (Sandra) Spaulding and Guy (Jessica) Collins and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Gary's family would like to thank his friends and neighbors who visited, checked on him, and helped him in different ways. We express sincere thanks to his friend Joe McKee who stayed with Gary in his final days.
There will be a celebration of Gary's life at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Mason, MI on Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 2-5. His children would love any pictures or stories you have to share.
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