Gary Alan Churchill

Gary Alan Churchill, age 70, of Ithaca, died Wednesday, July 15, at Masonic Pathways in Alma.

Gary was born March 27, 1945, in Alma, the son of Dale Alton and Opal Pauline (Hoffer) Churchill.  He served in the U.S. Army in Viet Nam.  He retired from working  at Parker Hannisin after 27 years. One July 13, 1974 he married Sally Ann Terry.  Gary loved raising pigeons, he tied his own flies for fly fishing, and especially enjoyed going to the coffee shop both mornings and afternoons at JJ ruby’s and The Hearthstone Oven.

Gary is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sally; his daughter, Julie Churchill (Joseph Earegood) of St. Louis; his son, Wyatt Churchill of Ithaca; his grandson, Daniel Murgittroyd; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale Churchill and Opal Barnes; and his brother, Dale Churchill.

A memorial service will be held at 12 noon, July 25, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Pastor Dave Perry officiating.  Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A luncheon will follow at the Ithaca Senior Activity Building.  Interment will be in Ithaca Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Masonic Pathways, Heartland Hospice or to Ithaca Senior Activity Building.

Comments

[Judy Riedel Tugen]

So wish he could have gotten better. Gary was one of the kindest and friendliest guys. He was a freshman when I was a senior and he remembered me. His dad and my dad were on the fire department at the same time. Enjoyed his stopping at the table when Ellen and I would to to JJ Rubys. Always a smile. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends. I know he had lots and lots of friends just because he was such a good hearted person. So glad he made the All Class Reunion. May all of the wonderful memories he left bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.

[Larry Brown]

So glad I chatted with Gary at the All School Reunion last year. He was my neighbor on Maple Street when I was a kid. I will never forget that he taught me the card game. "52 card pickup" on my back porch. I could hear him laugh all the way home as I had to find all the cards on the floor :).

[Ray Johnson]

Brother you will be missed forever,miss all the years of bowling and thanks for being my best man forever. you will be greatly missed

[Mary SAnchez SYrjala]

I will forever cherish our last hug at the reunion. You were a great friend to our family. Rest in peace until we meet again.

[Larry Riley]

Always enjoyed the times or paths would cross at Walmart and we would sit and visit for awhile. Also sometimes he would be out in the morning when I delivered his newspaper and we would visit.

[Joy Kinney]

My condolences to the family and especially my cousin Julie Churchill. It is never easy to lose a loved, especially a parent.

[Linda Maxwell]

Sally,
I want you to know you are in my thoughts & prayers. So sorry for your loss. Love & Prayers, Sam & Linda Maxwell

[Kathleen Krueger]

Your family is in my prayers. May you find comfort in each other and may happy memories help you through the sad times. So sorry for your loss. Julie, I'm saying extra special prayers filled with love for you cousin. I know how hard it is for a daughter to loose her father. I'm sorry for your pain and loss and hope you find some comfort in fun and loving memories of better times.

[Debra Gager Reaume]

Sally, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you have been ever since I heard that Gary was sick. My love to you. Deb

[Bud Gross]

Gary you are truly going to be missed by many of the people lives you have touched RIP my friend

[Patty Rohn]

Gary was a rare find as a friend. I have known him for many years. I know he has made many friends during his lifetime from so many places. He will be missed by many. May the family find peace in that Gary enjoyed life to the fullest.

[Larry & MaryAnn Stehlik]

I'm really going to miss Gary . All the times he and I fished together, I will cherish those memories for ever. My sympathy goes out to you Sally, Julie, Daniel, and Wyatt. I will keep him in our prayers.

[Carol and John Deady]

So sorry for your lose. We were called to Lansing early Saturday and were sorry to miss the service. Gary was a great friend and I know if there is roller skating in heaven, he is there. He will be missed by many.