Garold "Gary" Wesley's Obituary
Garold “Gary” Joseph Wesley, of Kalkaska, Michigan, passed away peacefully November 1, 2018, in Grand Haven, Michigan, having lived bravely with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) for three years. He was 74.
Gary was born July 30, 1944, to Harold and Lucille Wesley, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. He graduated in 1962, from Pontiac Central High School, where he earned his varsity jacket and letters for football.
All who knew Gary, knew his heart and soul were most at home at Wesley’s Pine Shores on Pickerel Lake in northern Michigan. He vacationed every summer there, at a cabin built by his grandparents. It was also where he met a pigtailed little girl named Rebecca “Becky” Jean Beaty. They married in 1967.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Eastern Michigan University, Gary moved his family to Peoria, Illinois. Here, he was introduced to running, which proved to be a life-long passion. His proudest personal running accomplishment was completing the Boston Marathon in 1985. He supported the local running community, the Illinois Valley Striders, volunteering at local races and serving as a board member. He gave thousands of hours serving as the registrar of the Steamboat Classic race, earning him the title of “Mr. Irreplaceable”. In 2016, he was inducted into the Steamboat Classic Hall of Fame.
Gary was a dedicated MSU Spartan fan. He and Becky spent every fall since 1985, driving 14 hours to and from Spartan Stadium for football games.
Gary loved hikes in the woods, fly-fishing, sailing, rowing, sunset cruises on the pontoon boat, being a cheerleader for his children and grandchildren, and attending all the important life events of those he loved.
In 2013, after 41 years of service, Gary retired as Executive Vice President from Edward Hine Company, a commercial printer. In 2015, he was diagnosed with ALS. Months later, he introduced “ALES for ALS” to Short’s Brewery in Bellaire, Michigan. This program raises awareness and funds for ALS treatment and research. He and Becky lived their dream of “golden years at Pickerel Lake” as long as they physically could. During his last months spent in Grand Haven, he was blessed with the love of many friends and family, and the faithful, tender care of his wife of 51 years.
He is survived by his wife, Becky; daughter, Carin (Edward) Snider of Grand Haven, Michigan; son, David (Miriam) Wesley of Studio City, California; grandchildren, Sarah Snider of Pleasanton, California; and Logan Snider of Grand Haven, Michigan; brother, Alan (Karen) Wesley of Clarkston, Michigan; sister, Denise (Tom) Erhart of Petoskey, Michigan; sisters-in-law, Carroll Guinn of Cedarcreek, Missouri, and Elaine Beaty of Hopkins, Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Lucille Wesley; in-laws, Myron “Mike” and Ardith Beaty; and brother-in-law, Elwin “Butch” Beaty.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE will take place at 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 17, 2018, at St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church, Kalkaska, Michigan, Fr. Mike Class, S.J. presiding. A luncheon will follow. Donations in Gary’s name can be made to either the ALS Association Michigan Chapter, 675 E. Big Beaver Rd. Suite 207, Troy, MI 48083; or Susan Mast ALS Foundation, PO Box 5712, Traverse City, MI 49696. Memories can be shared with the family at www.sytsemaFH.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Garold?
What’s a lesson you learned from Garold?
Share a story where Garold's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Garold you’ll never forget.
How did Garold make you smile?