Missy Gartner

In 1987, the summer after I turned 13, Uncle Gary and Aunt Susie took me on a road trip to Pecos, New Mexico. It was my first experience of traveling slow across the country, looking out the window and soaking in the beautiful new topographies that have transfixed me ever since. We listened to Wham and Elton John and The Manhattan Transfer, swinging all the way to the dude ranch. When we got there, we fished in the beautiful rushing creek and I rode horses through the mountain trails. I met Gary and Susie’s New Mexico friends (a mish-mash of people of all ages and backgrounds) and as we shared breakfasts, lunches and dinners as a group together I got an insight into my uncle and aunt through a completely novel lens, via a found family of ‘strangers’. I put that word in quotes because Gary really never met a stranger—his heart and mind were eternally open— and this was my first real-world experience of consciously witnessing it firsthand.

I remember when they dropped me off at home Uncle Gary had a serene smile as he watched me joyously bound inside from the car, excited to share stories about my week's adventure in rustic New Mexico. Gary and Susie changed my life forever and for the immense better when they included me on that trip, to one of THEIR special places. Words really aren’t enough to describe how much Gary has meant to me, and to so many others because of his generosity of his time and his spirit. Some people in your life are ineffably good, and you hope to have in yourself even just a smidgen of their character - for me, this is my Uncle Gary.

Mike Jamison

I think the most impressive thing about Gary that comes to mind is that I never recall hearing him talk ill of anyone regardless of their affiliation, black or white, liberal or conservative.  His other great attribute was his concern for the education of today’s youth.  He was so proud of the work he was doing in that area and I truly applauded his dedication. As a friend he will always be missed and remembered. 

Barry DePauw

February 18, 2024

Gary,             

You know the best part about having you as a friend… whether its 2 days, 2 months, or 2 years; the minute we connect it feels like it was only yesterday that we last talked.  

I am probably not the only one who has shared these thoughts, but Gary you have a “gift” not many individuals possess.  You are a “Story Teller”.  You have the ability to relay an event, reflect on a situation, recall an activity, share an experience, whatever… and turn it in to a vivid and live tale.  Many times, through the years you have captivated me with your stories.  I give it credit to your wit, your Texas colloquialisms, energy, the engaging humor, and the enjoyment you receive delivering your Story to your friends!!!

Another technique is you always have a “gotcha” or “kicker” included in your “Story Telling”. That is the enjoyable moment I have looked for many times and ended up laughing until I split-a-gut. I know, I know, I know…by now you’re saying, you’re full of shit.

I am going to give you a couple of quick examples I have laughed and thought about for many years.

Remember your tale about the blizzard, white-out snow storm when you and Suzie were coming up to Colorado for Thanksgiving.  To this day I still do not know whether you got a room or slept on the floor of the motel with a bunch of stranded truckers.  You were 144 miles from Fort Collins and had to turn around and head back to Houston.  Your animated description of the drive had me experiencing the cold, lack of visibility, gaggle of stranded strangers, and the desolation of Limon.  The “Kicker”: “Next time we are going to fly”!!!

Another one, you were working with a private space launch company on the Texas coast and came up to Washington DC for a meeting.  After sharing what this crazy group of cowboys was trying to accomplish, you said you had been to the Pentagon.  Sucked me right in the middle of the “Story”.  Of course, the question was why the Pentagon??

Here comes the “Kicker”: “We’re up here from Texas and want to buy an ICBM.”!!!

I know you have other friends who recognize this “gift” and have enjoyed the “Story Telling”.  There is not a time when I have been driving in a snow storm or watching a rocket launch on the News, that I do not think about you.

Love you guys,

Barry

Bridget Wade

Gary Gartner

I could not imagine a better letter than G!

Our good and gracious LORD gave Gary Gartner that perfect name. Gary is gracious, giving, gregarious, good, gifted and on and on.

I have felt the greatest pleasure in getting to know Gary. Gary brings out the very best in everyone he knows. Gary challenges you to be the best you can be yet, has a gentle hand in his way.

Gary is filled with a wisdom and a courage that knows no bounds. Like a boy, Gary desires to learn, know, investigate, and improve the people around him.

I smile at the thought of wonderful Gary Gartner! I am better for knowing him!!!!!

Blessings to Gary and may God be a comfort!

Bridget

Ollie Aldrich

Gary is the consummate fisherman, foregoing live bait for artificial bait, and catching more fish than everyone else. We fished in several lakes in Mexico, and he always gave our guide my filet knife. We "borrowed" the travel trailer from our duck hunting lease, and went fishing on Lake Esperanza in Mexico. Our guide on Lake Esperanza was a man who lived at the lake. His fishing gear consisted of a beer can, fishing line, and one hook. When he got hooked on a submerged tree, he dived overboard to retrieve his hook. We gave him lots of our gear when we left.

We hunted ducks, doves & deer in lots of places in Texas, sleeping in cars, trucks and tents, but several times in some very nice places. Once on a white-winged dove hunt in Mexico, we stayed in a "motel" in Jimenez. A man who identified himself as a Deputy Sheriff in Houston, and who was rather boisterous, stuck a large knife in the wall in his room for security. We recently re-counted that experience.

KC McAlpin

Feb. 18, 2024

Gary Lucien Gartner has been my best friend for 65 years. We were so close that after my parents moved away from Houston in 1965, I lived with Gary’s family and shared his room with him, while working on the Houston ship channel to earn money for college. That cemented our bond of friendship and I cannot recall a single instance during those summers in which we quarreled with each other. That is a testament to Gary’s patience, good humor, and love. Gary’s wonderful family called me No. 4, signifying that I was considered the fourth son in the clan. Gary had a great sense of humor and an active imagination and thanks to him, long before the age of video games, we never ran out of adventures and things to do.

After I left Texas and through all the decades thereafter, Gary and I stayed in touch, periodically calling each other and catching up by telephone. Like all best friends we shared our innermost thoughts with each other because our trust in each other was absolute. And then even when we argued about the things we did not agree on, we always knew those things would never break our bond of brotherhood.

One revealing indication of Gary’s character is that he and his adorable wife Susie have remained married for some 57 years. That is not due just to Gary, as anybody who have been married knows. But it is a big clue to Gary’s capacity for steadfast and enduring love, and thanks to that steadfast love, it was reciprocated to the fullest.

There is no way I could condense the countless experiences and memories that Gary and I have shared as friends for 65 years. But one of the characteristically loving things Gary did for me was to call me after my recent divorce. He instinctively knew I was hurting inside and he took it upon himself to call me every month or two to find out how I was doing, to encourage me, and to lift me up.

So, if you ask me what Gary has taught me through all the decades of our friendship, it is just this. Gary has taught me the meaning of brotherly love.

Thank you and God Bless You, Gary,

Love, No. 4

Glen Cole

Hi Gary,

Growing up across the street from the Gartner family is one of my favorite memories of Lanark Lane. Especially I remember the day that Glen came home from the hospital. Mom and I came across the street to meet the new baby and you can imagine how excited I was to hear her name was Glen. I was only eight years old at the time. Or soon to be five days later. At that time in my life, you were running around the neighborhood with David and Douglas. You were the older brother, but I was more interested in your little sister, for sure.

Then we all moved out to Willowend. My memories at that time were hanging out with Glen, and having meals with her amazing older brothers; Don, Harvey and you…. we did have fun didn’t we?

But, I have to say my fondest memory of you is when you began working with Dad at the Hallmark. You were his right hand man. He was so dependent on you for so many things, and I can’t thank you enough for that. And as he aged, and I started to worry more about him, you were the person I would call to get information and comfort. Just hearing your voice made things so much better.

I sent you so much love…. The first Glen 😘

Kay Wasden

Gary, you have had the largest impact of any one person on spreading the word about COR, getting funding for COR, and building connections for COR. And you have had a huge impact on me personally as well. You encourage me to never be embarrassed or ashamed to ask for funds, reminding me to always believe in the work COR does and to be confident in the value of that work. You have introduced me to so many wonderful people! You have built this amazing legacy of support for our city's poorest children, and chosen such terrific people to be part of that support system. I am honored to now be a part of that group. One of my favorite traits about you, Gary, besides your sense of humor and sense of fun (despite the seriousness of the work we do together), is your positivity. You never see a set-back as the end. You are quick to rebound, regroup, and turn to the next possibility. That is the biggest lesson I have learned from you. The work is ongoing, and valuable, and support will be found when we find the right people to ask. Discouragement needs to be short-lived.

When I gave my brief talk at your concert, I said that your generous spirit, tireless efforts, loving heart, and infectious personality have made you the ideal person to do all you have done for HISD and our city, and to gather our community behind that work. Those same traits make you a delight and a joy to be around. You see the best in people, and bring out the best in people, and I dearly love you for that. Thank you for being my friend.

Catherine Waltrip-Lesch

My uncle Gary has always been a kindler. He sees people keenly, recognizes what moves them, and then feeds that motivation.
When I was a teenager, he drove me to parts of Houston I’d never seen before, showed me buildings that looked uninhabitable, windows billowing plastic, facades crumbling, torn roofs sagging incongruously against a bright blue sky. “People live in there,” he said solemnly.

Once he sparked the flame, he added fuel in the form of solutions. He set me up with opportunities to volunteer. He invited me to events, gave me lists of things to give, organized ways for me to experience fully the impact of caring about your community. He didn’t just inspire me, he gave me something to do with that light.

The light he sparked still burns, and I remember that sunlit, broken roof when I inspire my kids. I will use this flame to ignite others, passing the torch again and again, so the fire he lit will light the world for generations to come.

Gary, I hope I’ve been able to demonstrate to you how much I love you. You inspire me to be generous, to be joyous, to be kind, to be positive, to be strong. You inspire me to say yes to life, to be dutiful and loyal, to embrace what I love.

Which is to say: you inspire me to be like you.

Forever (and ever),

Catherine

Chris & Amy Turner

We very fondly remember our trip to Cancun Mexico when we were at a very nice restaurant when Jessica decided to act like, well Jessica.  Putting lemon in the wine, talking back to everyone, bad attitude.  You brought out your Southern Stern Uncle Gary voice and told Jessica -you mind your mother!!! Of course, Jessica stormed off crying and fled to the bathroom.  

We could have used that voice A LOT when Jess was growing up. 

Thank you for the wonderful words of advice when we were married.  It has served us very well.  We love you so much!  Chris and Amy

Drew Patterson

Gary, hanging out with you was a great part of my high school story, but more than anything, it’s been the heartfelt conversations we’ve had in the past few years that have inspired me. Your optimism as well as your honesty about your low moments have helped me with my challenges. Our talks about Paris, spirituality, and the weather, family and friends have always lifted me up. I look forward to our next conversation, Gary.

With much love,

Drew

Phuong Uyen Tieu

Around a month into my new position leading Wraparound, I had a meeting with Mr. Gartner, whom I only knew as an advocate for our work. During our discussion, he shared his ideas and vision for impacting students and families in the community. I found myself thinking, “We share the same goal!” However, I knew I needed to prioritize a needs assessment and team evaluation. Summoning courage, I honestly conveyed this to him. Though initially surprised, he understood and offered invaluable advice, putting me at ease. Our connection continued, and I frequently sought his guidance and support. Mr. Gartner became not just a mentor, but a father figure and exceptional thought partner, his optimistic mindset proving infectious.

We need more of Mr. Gartner in this world.

Doug Hannah

Gary and I became neighbors in about 1950. Needless to say it was a simpler time then. We rode bikes, played little league baseball and

church league football, spent our quarters at the Bellaire fun club, and went to square dances at Mark Twain elementary. I appreciated his friendship especially on Sundays when I could leave Church early with his family and visit his grandparents, or travel with the family to the beach in Galveston or Morgan’s point. You don’t often get a chance to have a friend for more than 70 years!

Laura Wooley

Gary

My favorite memory of us is when I was 9 years old and I had just moved to Houston. I would come to your house often. You and Susan were so kind to treat me as one of your own. On one particular visit you got your guitar out and sang Rainbow Connection to me in the sitting room. To this day, every time I come to your home, I think about that special time. Whenever I hear that song, I immediately think about you. I can hear your voice singing it as clear as day. 

Your stories about our family from years back always make me feel good. You have so many! The way that you laugh while you tell them makes me laugh too.

Love you!

Laura Wooley

David Willard

Gary is truly a great friend and individual. Everyone wanted to be in his inner circle of friends.

He makes everyone feel special when in his company.

He has always been a hard worker and plays hard when time is available also. His favorite things in life are hunting and fishing and golfing and cooking and family and friends.

He loves his Bar~B~Q and James Coney Island hot dogs and pulling pranks on people!

I’m still waiting for him to divulge who hid a Duck head in my brand new Jeep Grand Wagoneer after a successful duck hunt! After a few days, that new car smell was gone forever🤣

Lisa Cornelius

Gary thank you for being like a brother to me. From giving me my very first real estate job to working with Mobile Learning Services and helping with Sherman Elementary, you afforded me the opportunity to learn and also be a part of your philanthropic heart. I was honored to have you serve as one of my Moms pallbearers. How awesome was Le Soufflé in France? The very best!  So glad to experience Paris through your eyes. Much love to you always…Beta

Lester Lehman

Gary and I fished a lot in Port O’Connor. One day we were wade fishing in the surf.  This was way  back when Gary was smoking. He hooked a very nice trout and while bending over to land the trout his lighter fell out of his shirt pocket into the water.  While fumbling around trying to retrieve the lighter the trout came unhooked - double apoplexy!! When he got back into the boat his first comment was “I am done smoking.”

Gary, Susan, Libby and I spent many happy days in PO’C together. Gary was a wonderful cook and we shared many good meals together and sometimes a little too much wine!

Barbara Moore

I met Gary and Susan almost 20 years ago at the YMCA. We all liked to work out first thing in the morning to start our daily routine. Occasionally, we would get together for cocktails, vodka of course, and we discovered that we loved reading and travel.

Gary was not only an avid reader, he was tech savvy. Knowing that I loved a bargain, he put the applications on my computer so I could download books from the public library for free!

Gary is very bright, helpful and always has a smile on his face. Gary, although your routine is now different, I admire your determination and attitude. I also applaud your choice of a wife.👍❤️🥰

Jamie Grissom

When Gary first called me in 2019 to say he wanted to partner with my organization to bring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to Houston AND had funders to support it, I was very skeptical.  But within 10 minutes of sitting down with Gary, I knew he was the real deal. Over the next few months, we worked to build out the program and soon had over a thousand kids registered. Knowing Gary now, I should have never have been skeptical. He is one of THE most compassionate, positive, thoughtful, and determined volunteers with whom I have ever had the pleasure of working. I love when I look down at my phone and see it's Gary calling. He always shares stories of new projects he is working on to help children in Houston. Hearing the joy in his voice and picturing the twinkle in his eye as he finished the story with “Isn’t that cool” are some of my favorite conversations. There is no doubt his work has made a difference for children across Houston.  Gary is just the best and I am lucky to know him!

Jessica Turner

Uncle Gary has definitely been the Funcle (Fun Uncle) on my Mom’s side of the family. Of course, Uncle John didn’t really leave a big bar for Uncle Gary to get over. My favorite memory was when Uncle Gary took my brother and I to blockbuster and let us rent Scream- we were 5 and 7 at the time and Aunt Susie had a fit since it was rated R.  Finally, I loved watching him read with both Riley and Zoey.