Gary Pendleton

Gary F. Pendleton, 70, wrenched from the love of his life, Inge, too soon. Their over 50 years together was not enough to finish showing each other, and the world, what a true love and a real marriage looked like. He was a man of many parts: a philosopher who understood life deeply; a Navy corpsman who lost friends during the conflict in Viet Nam; a sailor who loved the water and wind in the sails; a student of history with an especial interest in the Civil War; a craftsman who drew elaborate creations from wood; a manager who during his career with Bayer was everyone’s most desired leader; a patriot who felt deeply and passionately about politics and his country; a seafood enthusiast who relished raw oysters; a self-reliant practitioner who could install a faucet, wire an outlet, build a fence, design and build an entire remodeling project and make it look easy.

He had a warmth and an accepting manner that drew people to him and a character, loyalty, humor, and wisdom that kept them close to him ever after. Anyone who could call him friend knew what friendship really is. He suffered through the onslaught of declining health with courage and without complaint.

He leaves behind a world impoverished by his passing. He leaves family and friends hollowed out by his absence from their lives. If his spirit were proclaimed as a sky-written message, time would try to disperse it as smoke drifting in the wind. Holding him close and clear in memory will fend against the time-driven dispersion.

“The future is unknown; the present is fleeting and can’t be held; all you really have is your past. Your job is to make memories.”

No services will be held; there will be an open house to celebrate Gary’s life at the home of his friends, Paul and Novelle, on Sunday, October 5, 2014. In lieu of flowers, donations to Wayside Waifs or to the American Heart Association would be appropriate. Condolences may be left online at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)