Gary Wayne Boesch

Gary “Gary Bear” Boesch, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend, found peace on Friday, June 14, 2019. Gary loved to collect “things” but his most prized collection was the many photographs, letters, notes, memories and love he shared with his four amazing children: Otelah, Amara, Garrett and Austin, their spouses and nine grandchildren. He loved his children and grandchildren dearly along with his brothers, sisters, brothers in-law, sisters in-law, mother (deceased), father (deceased), stepmother. Gary loved to fish, enjoyed a corny joke and was known to fight blazing heat to squeeze-in a round of golf. His “hangman” chalkboard skills were exceptional and, no matter how hard you tried, he often just couldn’t be beat. Gary was a simple guy and immensely enjoyed “goofing off.” A remote control, sports on TV and an iced-tea was all it took to make him happy. Gary took fashion cues from no one. His signature everyday look was all his: a plain shirt, his favorite shorts worn above the navel and sneakers completed his look. He had a life-long love affair with “Pooh eggs” and, as a point of pride, could easily finish-off the entire platter. Gary’s time on the Minnesota farm taught him to live within his means, be resourceful and outsmart his older brother and a cranky pony. His time at Arizona State University taught him to be a civil engineer and his time at the West Point Army Academy taught him how to be an officer, a man and to serve his country. And “serving” was the crux of Gary’s soul. Active in volunteering and the Arizona Jaycees for many years, Gary was dedicated to fostering leadership skills and personal development for young men and women. Gary was not boastful – but kind – yet he beamed with pride when he shared newspaper photos of him carrying the torch in Arizona for the Olympic Games. Arrangements to celebrate Gary’s life have not been set, but will be updated here when plans are in place. The family asks that in lieu of flowers and in honor of Gary, you make a donation to the Jaycees, the American Diabetes Association or to another worthy organization that can make a difference to someone’s life. “Gary Bear” would hope that you will pause for a moment to do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for a “poor unfortunate soul” in his name. Finally, for giving life, love and yourself the best way you were able, “love you, Honey.”