His 23 year old son, Andrew, was inspired by his Dad’s quest for knowledge and his wonderful sense of discovery and adventure. Gary’s brother-in-law chimed in saying, “Yes! Whenever Gary entered a room, you were immediately aware of his great knowledge, sense of adventure, and willingness to share because of his infectious smile and kind demeanor.”
One of the places Gary found passion and adventure was through books, especially children’s books. He worked for Fowlett Book Company for many years, and later became an independent Book Seller. Andrea and Andrew loved attending numerous Book Conventions and Expos with him.
Andrea also spoke of Gary’s natural compassion for giving and said he would always reach out to others in need. Andrew also expressed how in awe of his Dad he was because of his dedicating so much of his life helping people … he described it eloquently by saying, “Dad loved the work of helping people … it was never an occupation for him, but it became his life’s work.”
For many years Gary served as a volunteer Chaplain at Cook County jail, ministering to the inmates. He used his basic Scouting lessons and communication skills to help the inmates take control of their lives and start fresh. Gary will always be remembered by those who know him best as tirelessly working for the underdog and walking the walk.
As a youth in Idaho, Gary developed many of his skills and passions for life as a Boy Scout. He continued in Scouts even though his son had aged out of scouting and became an Eagle Scout (uniformed leader) of the highest order.
Gary always said he was proudest of the two Religious Badges he earned as a Boy Scout and Cub Scout. Gary became an Assistant Scoutmaster and Commissioner for Troop 924 in Evanston at the Northminster Church for many years. A Commissioner is a behind the scene type of coach to a scouting unit and when the units get into trouble with too few scouts or not enough parents volunteering, the Commissioner is asked to step in and fill in until the problems are resolved. He was a hero to numerous units in Evanston because, Gary continued helping the frailest of units.
Gary also served as a “Lifesaving Commissioner” as the Cubmaster for Packs 922 and 924. His most recent position was as the “District Commissioner” who oversees 43 Commissioners that work with all the units from Lake Cook Rd. to Chicago in the Northeast Illinois Council. He gave four and a half years of exceptional service and had just stepped down in June 2010.
The three major awards that Gary earned were the Henry Crown Award which is a Unit Award given to front line uniformed adult leaders that have provided “significant service” to the lives of registered youth members. The Potawatomi District Award of Merit is the highest award that a District (geographical area) can give to an adult. On a Council level (this includes three Districts and stretches from the border of Chicago to Wisconsin) Gary received the Silver Beaver Award which is the highest award a Council can give to a Scouter. Normally there are only 5-7 awardees per year from the 4,000 volunteers at our Northeast Illinois Council.
Gary has also served on numerous Jamboree Staff trips to Scotland and England and most recently the National Jamboree at Ft. A. P. Hill in Virginia. He just had returned 8/4/2010 from a two week stint encouraging the 40,000 scouts and leaders to go to International Jamborees that he loved so much.
Gary has touched the lives of hundreds around the world through his leadership and ministering qualities … and all will miss him dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held with joy at the new Boy Scout center on Saturday, August 28th, 2010 from 3pm to 5pm at the Frank Jadel Center at Camp Sol R. Crown, 11651 304th Ave., County Hwy. B, Trevor, Wisconsin 53179. Expect approximately 1 hour drive from Evanston. All those who wish to honor Gary are invited.
Arrangements under the direction of Wm. H. Scott Funeral Home, Wilmette, IL, 847-251-8200.
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