RIP GeeWiz/Gary

[kittygilchrist]

Gary Brown in St. James. Was married for 30 years until 2010. One son, Sam. Worked for Social Security for 30 years...first writing legal briefs, then managing, then moved to systems and was the systems manager for the Regional processing center, then moved to systems security and anti-fraud...back managing all systems folks in the midwest. Retired when pressure from the higher ups get intense after I called out my boss for unwanted sexual pressure on his underlings. Still friends with almost all the managers I
worked with. I play guitar (worked in bands for years) and am a photographer. I love TV - a great place for a second life.

Regretfully, I must let you know that Gary passed away peacefully at his home this week after a long and chronic illness. I was a new friend of only a few weeks. Gary allowed me the privilege of knowing his incredibly sweet soul, for just too short a time.

You know him as Geewiz on TOTV, for all his witty gritty posts. That might have been a cover for someone God made too tender for this life.

Rest in peace my friend. I miss you.
Kitty

[queasy27]

Regretfully, I must let you know that Gary passed away peacefully at his home this week after a long and chronic illness. I was a new friend of only a few weeks. Gary allowed me the privilege of knowing his incredibly sweet soul, for just too short a time.

Thanks for letting us know, Kitty.

Gary did share some of his medical concerns so I think many of us knew it was touch and go for him. I hope his end was peaceful and that he felt blessed, and loved.

[Bonnevie]

Regretfully, I must let you know that Gary passed away peacefully at his home this week after a long and chronic illness. I was a new friend of only a few weeks. Gary allowed me the privilege of knowing his incredibly sweet soul, for just too short a time.

You know him as Geewiz on TOTV, for all his witty gritty posts. That might have been a cover for someone God made too tender for this life.

Rest in peace my friend. I miss you.
Kitty

omg, that is so sad. He was truly very witty and I had hoped to meet him someday. life is not fair.

[CarolSells]

Oh. My. Goodness! Thanks for sharing, Kitty.

[manaboutown]

Regretfully, I must let you know that Gary passed away peacefully at his home this week after a long and chronic illness. I was a new friend of only a few weeks. Gary allowed me the privilege of knowing his incredibly sweet soul, for just too short a time.

You know him as Geewiz on TOTV, for all his witty gritty posts. That might have been a cover for someone God made too tender for this life.

Rest in peace my friend. I miss you.

Kitty

I am so sorry to hear this. Gary had such a great attitude about life even though he was facing serious health issues. I will definitely miss his humorous posts on TOTV. Wish I had been there to meet him at Kitty's party.

[RETIREDSFW]

Thanks kitty for letting us know. We were at the same table at your house & he told us some of his problems. I am so sorry to hear this and he will be missed.

[Midvale]

A shame. You'd never have guessed from his upbeat posts that he had any problems. Will be missed.

[Taltarzac725]

Sorry to hear this. His posts will be sorely missed.

[pooh]

Such sad news. Thank you for letting us know of Gary's passing. He will be missed.

[jimbo2012]

Sad, we pm'd back & forth on Home Theatre equip, enjoyed his posts.

How old was he?

Didn't he just retire?

[Serenoa]

Wow, sure do hate to hear this. Was hoping I'd be able to swing by "Bad Manors" some day & visit. I'll miss his unique, witty posts.

[DianeM]

What a shame. Just thought of him today ironically that I had not seen postings from him in a while.

[Parker]

Oh dear. Very sad to hear this and was so hoping the health options he was seeking would work out for him. I must say he seemed very centered, and it was obvious to me that he had spent a lot of time figuring out what was important in his life. I pray his journey will be all he hoped for.

[redwitch]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I know how much this must be hurting you, Kitty. His journey on earth was too short.

[zonerboy]

Yes, very sorry to hear this news.
May he rest in peace.

[Lpierleo]

So sorry to hear this news, I had recently read he was waiting for a transplant (I think). Such a shame, I think he just retired here recently. Will miss his posts. To his friends and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

[CFrance]

Sad, we pm'd back & forth on Home Theatre equip, enjoyed his posts.

How old was he?

Didn't he just retire?

I believe Gary was 65 or 66, Jimbo. I could be wrong, but I think that's what I remember. I met him at Crispers in Feb. or March. He was a kindred spirit politically with me, and we talked and talked that day. I always followed his posts. I am stunned and so very sad.

From his posts, I wished for him what he wanted most, someone to love and be loved by. Then there was that sudden post announcing his wait for a transplant. It's hard for me to match up that vibrant person at Crispers with his critically ill condition. He must have been an incredible fighter. God bless him.

[njbchbum]

thanx for posting, kitty. god rest his soul and take it on a beautiful journey. and god blesses to you and the others here, too, who helped gary to enjoy his life and times in the villages. you should each be pleased that you did so much for him.

[Phanatic Luvr]

RIP Gary!

[mgjim]

This is very sad news. I enjoyed reading his posts and hoped to meet up with Gary one of these days. Life is just so fragile and it does seem that too many good people leave too early.

Thanks, Kitty, for letting us know. RIP Gary.

[DougB]

Very sorry to hear about Gary. Thoughts and prayers for his son and loved ones.

[ugotme]

Terrible news!

As mentioned, he spoke of his conditions several times but it is still always a shock!

RIP - Keep up the humor up there !

:pray:

I imagine the man upstairs had this waiting for him: :welcome:

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Oh..This is terrible news. Gary was a member of my Beatlemaniacs club and was a very good guitarist. When I last spoke with him, he told me that he was about to get a liver transplant.

What a shame. He was a really nice guy and will be missed.

[gerryann]

Sorry to hear of this. Although I never met Gary, his posts were fun. I enjoyed his contest to name his new home. He'll be missed. Condolences to his family. Rest in Peace fellow TOTV'er.

[kittygilchrist]

Sorry to hear of this. Although I never met Gary, his posts were fun. I enjoyed his contest to name his new home. He'll be missed. Condolences to his family. Rest in Peace fellow TOTV'er.

Gary's Bad Manor. I love the sign...

[Lbmb24101]

Kitty, THANK YOU?


Though i never met him personally, one could tell he had a great ' joie de vivre' in spite of health issues.

I, like many, enjoyed his witty posts.

May Gary rest in peace!

[Lbmb24101]

Kitty, THANK YOU !!!! ( please ignore the ?, that was an unfortunate typo)

[kittygilchrist]

Kitty, THANK YOU !!!! ( please ignore the ?, that was an unfortunate typo)

Gary would have loved the humor in that..

[kittygilchrist]

Sad, we pm'd back & forth on Home Theatre equip, enjoyed his posts.

How old was he?

Didn't he just retire?

bright guys, both of you. 60?

[kittygilchrist]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I know how much this must be hurting you, Kitty. His journey on earth was too short.

thank you Dee. His cat Rada is here. Know anybody who needs the feline love of their life? Gary's kitty just melts into loving.
K.

[Baileysmom]

This is very sad news indeed. I met Gary at the April TOTV meet and greet at Chrispers and he had a truly great spirit. I believe he really lived his life to the very fullest and that is a wonderful thing. Life is just too short to not make the most of every minute we have. Rest in peace.

[graciegirl]

Kitty. You helped him so much by being a very good friend for the short time he had left on this earth. I loved his posts, his brilliant mind and kind demeanor and razor sharp humor. I loved his astute and caring messages. He was a good sweet man.

I just didn't realize we had so little time left to enjoy the person he was.

I am just shocked and saddened by hearing this. I thank you Kitty for being a truly good friend and sounding board and I thought your help in getting him signed up for a donor liver would extend his life with us.

May his soul be seated right next to the creator of the universe and may he know love and peace forever.

[carm310]

Such sad news. I loved to read his posts, he seemed like such a terrific person and it was confirmed by all the wonderful things everyone has said here.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Sad news indeed. Sandy and I got to meet Gary at the Crispers gathering in Feb. Sorry to hear of his passing.

I'm sure he was very appreciative of your friendship, Kitty.

Bill :)

[jblum315]

I always knew that GeeWhiz's posts would be worth reading. Will sadly miss him

[Schaumburger]

RIP Gary. I met him at Kitty's party last month when I was visiting TV. He was a very good guitar player and a very interesting person to talk to. My condolences to his son; not easy to lose a parent while you are just in your early 20's. Kitty, my condolences to you too for your loss.

[stuckinparadise]

Our prayers our with Gary's family and friends. Rest in Peace

[asianthree]

will miss his wit and true caring posts..it seems he was coming to peace in his last post still with humor

[lightworker888]

Thanks Kitty for posting. So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was a fresh voice on TOTV that added such humor and wit. He will be sorely missed.

LW888

[Love2cruise]

So sorry to hear this, rest in peace Gary.

[eweissenbach]

Sad news indeed. Sandy and I got to meet Gary at the Crispers gathering in Feb. Sorry to hear of his passing.

I'm sure he was very appreciative of your friendship, Kitty.

Bill :)

Likewise, we met Gary at the February Crispers get together and found him to be pleasant and engaging. His posts were always interesting and often entertaining and his contribution to this forum will be missed.

[Newbeginnings]

I will miss his posts, very clever guy..I regret I never met him and had an opportunity when Kitty had her party, but I missed it. How very sad. Thanks for letting us know Kitty..

[chachacha]

although i met Gee Whiz twice, i never knew anything about his illness! i guess i missed a lot of posts and also a chance to become better friends with a unique person. my great loss! kitty, you were a wonderful friend to him and i hope you find a good home for his kitty. you certainly never betrayed his confidences as i was taken by surprise by his death. my sincere condolences to his son Sam and all others who loved him. maybe we will still get to hear Sam play here? RIP

[tainsley]

So very sorry to hear this sad news. Thank you Kitty for letting us know.

[gocubsgo]

Aww, that's a shame! He was so funny and witty on here. Thoughts are with his family.

[Ecuadog]

Rest in peace.

[gomoho]

Gary will truly be missed - Kitty glad to hear you have his loving cat - I know that weighed heavily on his mind. RIP Gee Whiz.

[Barkay]

Will miss our Beatlemaniac musician brother. He loved playing his left handed sixties model Epiphone Casino guitar. Prayers up.

[CFrance]

I did a search for all of Gary's posts, because they were so interesting. One of my favorites was on 6/20, in response to the thread asking who your oldest relative was. It must have been just days before his death. I hope he did not die alone.

Gary's response to the thread was a lovely biography of his "Papa," his step-grandfather. Here it is again for your enjoyment, and as a way to honor Gary. He was quite the raconteur...

"My Papa -- the man who raised me and was technically my step-grandfather lived until he was 101. He died in 2010 - just after my divorce (a bad year - my music partner died from ALS that year, also).

Papa lived many lives. He was of Russian Jewish stock. He was kicked out of his home at 16 for shacking up with a 22 year old divorcee. He went to live with his uncle who was in the fish business. His uncle sent him to Sitka Alaska to work on a fishing boat. Papa came back and sold herring to Jewish businesses throughout Chicago.

During the war he was sent back to the Alaska where he was wounded by a Japanesse bomber.

After the war, he opened his own smokehouse and store. His best friend was Lenny Patrick - a Jewish member of the Outfit and a well known hit man (Jack Ruby worked for him).

He rescued me from my divorced parents (who kept kidnapping me back and forth) by saying he'd have Lenny kill them both if they continued to mess with me. Papa took me in and raised me as his son.

By the late 80's Papa sold his business. We toured Europe together. I remember us renting bicycles at Versaiilles and touring the grounds. He biked fast.

A year later he drove to LA and did what every retired fish guy does - he went to work for a movie special effects company. He became friends with Martin Scorsese. He travelled to Hawaii and Nola. He lived well.

When his body started to fail he raged. Death was a relief - it freed his soul. I miss Papa. "

And we miss you, Gary.

[carm310]

I did a search for all of Gary's posts, because they were so interesting. One of my favorites was on 6/20, in response to the thread asking who your oldest relative was. It must have been just days before his death. I hope he did not die alone.

Gary's response to the thread was a lovely biography of his "Papa," his step-grandfather. Here it is again for your enjoyment, and as a way to honor Gary. He was quite the raconteur...

"My Papa -- the man who raised me and was technically my step-grandfather lived until he was 101. He died in 2010 - just after my divorce (a bad year - my music partner died from ALS that year, also).

Papa lived many lives. He was of Russian Jewish stock. He was kicked out of his home at 16 for shacking up with a 22 year old divorcee. He went to live with his uncle who was in the fish business. His uncle sent him to Sitka Alaska to work on a fishing boat. Papa came back and sold herring to Jewish businesses throughout Chicago.

During the war he was sent back to the Alaska where he was wounded by a Japanesse bomber.

After the war, he opened his own smokehouse and store. His best friend was Lenny Patrick - a Jewish member of the Outfit and a well known hit man (Jack Ruby worked for him).

He rescued me from my divorced parents (who kept kidnapping me back and forth) by saying he'd have Lenny kill them both if they continued to mess with me. Papa took me in and raised me as his son.

By the late 80's Papa sold his business. We toured Europe together. I remember us renting bicycles at Versaiilles and touring the grounds. He biked fast.

A year later he drove to LA and did what every retired fish guy does - he went to work for a movie special effects company. He became friends with Martin Scorsese. He travelled to Hawaii and Nola. He lived well.

When his body started to fail he raged. Death was a relief - it freed his soul. I miss Papa. "

And we miss you, Gary.

Thank you so much for sharing this. It is very touching especially in light of Gary's homecoming with his Papa.

[kittygilchrist]

I did a search for all of Gary's posts, because they were so interesting. One of my favorites was on 6/20, in response to the thread asking who your oldest relative was. It must have been just days before his death. I hope he did not die alone.

Gary's response to the thread was a lovely biography of his "Papa," his step-grandfather. Here it is again for your enjoyment, and as a way to honor Gary. He was quite the raconteur...

"My Papa -- the man who raised me and was technically my step-grandfather lived until he was 101. He died in 2010 - just after my divorce (a bad year - my music partner died from ALS that year, also).

Papa lived many lives. He was of Russian Jewish stock. He was kicked out of his home at 16 for shacking up with a 22 year old divorcee. He went to live with his uncle who was in the fish business. His uncle sent him to Sitka Alaska to work on a fishing boat. Papa came back and sold herring to Jewish businesses throughout Chicago.

During the war he was sent back to the Alaska where he was wounded by a Japanesse bomber.

After the war, he opened his own smokehouse and store. His best friend was Lenny Patrick - a Jewish member of the Outfit and a well known hit man (Jack Ruby worked for him).

He rescued me from my divorced parents (who kept kidnapping me back and forth) by saying he'd have Lenny kill them both if they continued to mess with me. Papa took me in and raised me as his son.

By the late 80's Papa sold his business. We toured Europe together. I remember us renting bicycles at Versaiilles and touring the grounds. He biked fast.

A year later he drove to LA and did what every retired fish guy does - he went to work for a movie special effects company. He became friends with Martin Scorsese. He travelled to Hawaii and Nola. He lived well.

When his body started to fail he raged. Death was a relief - it freed his soul. I miss Papa. "

And we miss you, Gary.

Thank you Cyndy.. I believe death was a relief for Gary too--and that he is free and flying around with Papa today.

[MSG@TV]

Thanks for sharing that memorable post of his. So sad to hear of his passing. Wished I had met him.

[DonH57]

I was saddened to hear of Gary's passing. I was fortunate to at least meet him once at one of the monthly luncheons and wish I had known him better.

[msendo]

I, too, am saddened to hear about the news of Gary, aka GeeWiz. He was quite a colorful character. I had enjoyed his posts, and my husband had corresponded with Gary, hoping to one day meet him in person. He seemed to have touched many people, perhaps more than he will ever know.

RIP

[jackz]

Very Sad to hear of Gary's passing.

SanFranDianne and I met Gary at a Crispers luncheon recently and very much enjoyed talking with him.

May he rest in peace and may his family know he touched many via his postings in TOTV. He will be missed.

[skyguy79]

Does anyone know if Gary will have a memorial service here? If not, shouldn't we try to do something in his memory?Upon reading the last sentence, a thought immediately came into mind and here is a suggestion based on that thought. If someone was willing to plan and organize it, a memorial bench could be purchased if enough of us were willing to chip in with a reasonable donation to cover the $675 cost. Individuals could also purchase a Veterans Memorial Brick if they wanted to for $55. Here is a link to the VCDD page that gives more detail about both programs: Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/Community-Service/services.aspx)

[mainlander]

This is indeed very sad news. Still young by the new standards. Rest in Peace Gary.

[kittygilchrist]

Upon reading the last sentence, a thought immediately came into mind and here is a suggestion based on that thought. If someone was willing to plan and organize it, a memorial bench could be purchased if enough of us were willing to chip in with a reasonable donation to cover the $675 cost. Individuals could also purchase a Veterans Memorial Brick if they wanted to for $55. Here is a link to the VCDD page that gives more detail about both programs: Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/Community-Service/services.aspx)

I like that idea...I'll check on it unless someone else knows how to do it...
Kitty

[RETIREDSFW]

Kitty, let us know what you find out. I am willing to chip in. I enjoyed talking to gary at your house & listening to him sing & play.

[blue72]

A shame. You'd never have guessed from his upbeat posts that he had any problems. Will be missed.

Sorry I never got to meet you in person. I always enjoyed your contributions and humor here on TOTV
R.I.P. friend, you will be missed by many.

[blue72]

Thank you Cyndy.. I believe death was a relief for Gary too--and that he is free and flying around with Papa today.

Ditto

[queasy27]

Upon reading the last sentence, a thought immediately came into mind and here is a suggestion based on that thought. If someone was willing to plan and organize it, a memorial bench could be purchased if enough of us were willing to chip in with a reasonable donation to cover the $675 cost. Individuals could also purchase a Veterans Memorial Brick if they wanted to for $55. Here is a link to the VCDD page that gives more detail about both programs: Village Community Development Districts.

I think the bench is a terrific idea, Skyguy! We'd only need 27 people to chip in $25 each and boom!

Kitty, I'd be happy to help you research this or host the fund-raising using my PayPal account.

[kittygilchrist]

I think the bench is a terrific idea, Skyguy! We'd only need 27 people to chip in $25 each and boom!

Kitty, I'd be happy to help you research this or host the fund-raising using my PayPal account.
Queasy, yes please do...

[kittygilchrist]

update on arrangements for Gary. He will be laid to rest in Chicago. Family are coming next week to deal with affairs.
Villagers are asking for a memorial. It looks like we'll be able to attend the Beatlemaniacs next music session on July 5, Friday at 10 a.m. in his honor. Gary would love that. More info on when it develops and it will be posted in a new thread.
A memorial bench has been suggested--I'd like to sit there and remember him if we can make it happen.
His cat, Rada, was traumatized, but recovered quickly and I'm delighted to say she is a dear one and a beauty. Needs a forever home...
Kitty

[Rbgold]

Gary touched more lives in more ways than he ever dreamed. While I never had the honor of meeting him, I closely followed his posts on TOTV about his journey from Chicago to TV. I would laugh out loud, nod in agreement or shake my head at many of his witty, insightful & soul-searching posts.
He was lucky to have realized his dream to be in TV and develop such warm friendships while he was here. Kitty, my heartfelt condolences to you, his son, his family and Rada.
I will watch the site for info on a memorial bench for GeeWiz. It will be an honor to contribute to thank him for making many of my days so much brighter!

Rona

[kittygilchrist]

Gary touched more lives in more ways than he ever dreamed. While I never had the honor of meeting him, I closely followed his posts on TOTV about his journey from Chicago to TV. I would laugh out loud, nod in agreement or shake my head at many of his witty, insightful & soul-searching posts.
He was lucky to have realized his dream to be in TV and develop such warm friendships while he was here. Kitty, my heartfelt condolences to you, his son, his family and Rada.
I will watch the site for info on a memorial bench for GeeWiz. It will be an honor to contribute to thank him for making many of my days so much brighter!

Rona

Rona, you say it so well...I miss him.
Kitty

[CFrance]

Count me in for the bench. We won't be back to TV in time for the Beatlemaniacs, but I sure wish we were. We'll only miss it by two days.

[senior citizen]

I did a search for all of Gary's posts, because they were so interesting. One of my favorites was on 6/20, in response to the thread asking who your oldest relative was. It must have been just days before his death. I hope he did not die alone.

Gary's response to the thread was a lovely biography of his "Papa," his step-grandfather. Here it is again for your enjoyment, and as a way to honor Gary. He was quite the raconteur...

"My Papa -- the man who raised me and was technically my step-grandfather lived until he was 101. He died in 2010 - just after my divorce (a bad year - my music partner died from ALS that year, also).

Papa lived many lives. He was of Russian Jewish stock. He was kicked out of his home at 16 for shacking up with a 22 year old divorcee. He went to live with his uncle who was in the fish business. His uncle sent him to Sitka Alaska to work on a fishing boat. Papa came back and sold herring to Jewish businesses throughout Chicago.

During the war he was sent back to the Alaska where he was wounded by a Japanesse bomber.

After the war, he opened his own smokehouse and store. His best friend was Lenny Patrick - a Jewish member of the Outfit and a well known hit man (Jack Ruby worked for him).

He rescued me from my divorced parents (who kept kidnapping me back and forth) by saying he'd have Lenny kill them both if they continued to mess with me. Papa took me in and raised me as his son.

By the late 80's Papa sold his business. We toured Europe together. I remember us renting bicycles at Versaiilles and touring the grounds. He biked fast.

A year later he drove to LA and did what every retired fish guy does - he went to work for a movie special effects company. He became friends with Martin Scorsese. He travelled to Hawaii and Nola. He lived well.

When his body started to fail he raged. Death was a relief - it freed his soul. I miss Papa. "

And we miss you, Gary.

Oh my God.....this is a bit of a shock.
That was a recent thread and post.

He was reminiscing of another soul who was free......
Now, his soul is free.........

Rest in Peace.........

As my mom would say, "He now knows what the rest of us don't know"....

"or only wonder about"................

[senior citizen]

Upon reading the last sentence, a thought immediately came into mind and here is a suggestion based on that thought. If someone was willing to plan and organize it, a memorial bench could be purchased if enough of us were willing to chip in with a reasonable donation to cover the $675 cost. Individuals could also purchase a Veterans Memorial Brick if they wanted to for $55. Here is a link to the VCDD page that gives more detail about both programs: Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/Community-Service/services.aspx)


I think that is a wonderful idea for those who were close to him and live in TV.

Whenever we go to Maine, there is a special "lighthouse" park where dozens of such memorial benches are placed for the enjoyment of those who go to stare at the ocean, the lighthouse, etc.........beautiful views.

Each person's particulars are "engraved" on the benches.

Great idea for The Villages......everyone needs a place to rest and ponder.

[kittygilchrist]

I like it too, Sr.
Just posted a thread for a memorial service Fri, July 5, 10-12, Odell with Beatlemaniacs. One of our single friends is setting up a paypal acct. Checks should be okay at the memorial, we'll work it out.
Kitty

[patfla06]

Such sad news about Gary. I didn't know him but remember reading his posts about how excited and happy he was to move to T.V.
God Bless Him!
Way too young and prayers for him, his family and friends.

[BritParrothead]

So sad to hear this news! Prayers for him and his family.

[In awe of TV]

I'm shocked and saddened to hear this news about Gary. I didn't know him but I looked forward to meeting him someday. His posts were always entertaining. I can't help remembering his posts of being so excited for his move to TV and then his plans for the CYV. He was taken much too soon. RIP GeeWiz.

[tommy steam]

RIP Gary.

[kittygilchrist]

the memorial for Gary is Friday July 5, 10-12 at Odell RC. Come when you can, it will be very informal so coming and going is fine.
Kitty

[queasy27]

Anyone who would like to donate for the memorial bench can also contribute through PayPal under account [irolseivad at centurylink dot net].

I'll give it a week and then provide an accounting of funds collected.

[skyguy79]

Anyone who would like to donate for the memorial bench can also contribute through PayPal to account irolseivad@centurylink.net.

I'll give it a week and then provide an accounting of funds collected.As the person that made the suggestion for the memorial bench for Gary, it's only fitting that I be the first to go and make a donation. It has been processed through the PayPal account you've provided. Thanks for volunteering to handle this project!:clap2:

[queasy27]

...

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

the memorial for Gary is Friday July 5, 10-12 at Odell RC. Come when you can, it will be very informal so coming and going is fine.
Kitty

Just to clarify this a bit. Kitty and I spoke and agreed that it would be nice to do something for Gary at one of our Beatlemaniacs meetings. Gary's son is a drummer and Gary had always talked about him coming down and playing with our group. Gary had even invited several people to come and hear Sam play. Even though Gary is gone we have the opportunity to make that happen.
As it happens, this week's meeting is within a few days of Ringo's birthday and the plan was to feature Ringo and his drumming. So, we will have drums there for Sam to play.
Gary loved the Beatles and the Beatlemanics club. We are sure that he would have wanted us to continue on with our meetings and that is what we will do. We will honor him by doing the things that brought Gary to our club and into our lives. Have a discussion about the Beatles and play music. Those are the reasons that Gary came to our club. We will also allow time at this special meeting for anyone that would like to speak about Gary to come forth and do so.
So please come and be aware that this will not only be a memorial for Gary, but a weekly meeting of the Beatlemaniacs. Be prepared to hear some Beatles music and tell some Gary stories.

[skyguy79]

Thanks, Skyguy! Are you Joe?

This only occurs to me now, but could everyone please include their TOTV screen name on their PayPal note so I can follow up individually with the final accounting? Got my spreadsheet going!Yep, my name is Joe. However, you'll have to blame my parents. I had nothing to do with choosing it! :D

[kittygilchrist]

Joe/Skyguy, blaming parents is why I'm saying my name is Kitty. My Dad wanted me to look like Marilyn Monroe, and I just couldn't. Kitty, aka Marilyn.
I'll donate with a check at the memorial event...paypal baffles me.
Hope to meet you at the memorial, Sky..nice name...I like to fly..

[Barefoot]

It's such a shock when a member of our TOTV family is suddenly taken from us. GeeWhiz was funny and caring and insightful. We will miss him and his posts. RIP GeeWhiz.

[kittygilchrist]

I believe Gary was 65 or 66, Jimbo. I could be wrong, but I think that's what I remember. I met him at Crispers in Feb. or March. He was a kindred spirit politically with me, and we talked and talked that day. I always followed his posts. I am stunned and so very sad.

From his posts, I wished for him what he wanted most, someone to love and be loved by. Then there was that sudden post announcing his wait for a transplant. It's hard for me to match up that vibrant person at Crispers with his critically ill condition. He must have been an incredible fighter. God bless him.

Gary had just turned 60...

[senior citizen]

This may not be THE BEATLES or jazz, etc. however, I am posting it in memory of Gary a.k.a. GeeWiz...........

It was sent to me by my almost 90 year old Italian cousin, a retired Army Colonel who served in World War II and is still going strong with a good sound body and healthy mind. He proudly jumped out of an airplane a few years ago at age 86....and skied up to age 80. He's helped all of us with our Italian genealogy.........

Maybe Gary will hear the beautiful violin music "up in heaven".........
PLEASE CRANK UP YOUR SOUND............


Beyond Beautiful

If you erase this without listening - you will miss something truly spectacular.

Paul Anka wrote this for Sinatra, and only a violin can make this sound as beautiful as it truly is. Don't miss this.............Rieu doesn't often play his violin thru whole pieces, this he did!

A renowned Dutch violinist, conductor and composer, and his orchestra did a tribute to Frank Sinatra on his Stradivarius violin at Radio City Music Hall - New York ..

Hope you enjoy this lovely music video

Click here:" My Way" Andre Rieu on his violin in New York

http://www.youtube.com/embed/e-y581HdWfY?rel=0 (http://www.youtube.com/embed/e-y581HdWfY?rel=0)


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[TOTV Team]

His user profile has been changed to 'Eternal Member'.

[eweissenbach]

Gary had just turned 60...

Wow! I met him and would have guessed him for early 50s...

[kittygilchrist]

Weeping....thanks for the video, Senior, I thought of that song too..Gary was a singular guy, and I can't wait to meet his son...got a feeling he's doing it his way too.

[chachacha]

attended the very unusual and fitting memorial at the beatlemaniacs' meeting this morning...finally got to hear sam play the drums! gary would be proud!! he has been laid to rest in illinois, just west of chicago. sorry his user name was changed to Eternal Member because i told his brother to search under gee wiz for his posts :( i hadn't read that. hope he can find them...

[DougB]

His status is Eternal Member. Geewiz is still his user name. You can pull up post using Geewiz.

[kittygilchrist]

Oseh shalom - YouTube
Shalom, my friend. Hello, Goodbye, Peace...