Gary Keith Tollar

You see things; and you say “Why?”

But I dream things that never were; and I say “Why not?”

George Bernard Shaw

These two simple lines explain who Gary was and how he looked at the world around him. It was his life’s work to dream of things and ask why not. Gary was an Industrial Engineer by discipline, an analytical man with a passion for God, family, friends and nature.

Gary loved the outdoors. He would do anything if it kept him outside. Every weekend he had an excuse to be outside from dawn to dusk. Be it gardening, building, repairing, grilling, hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing or white water rafting…he was enjoying Gods glory.

Later in life Gary began to reassess his personal and professional accomplishments feeling a void. He began to focus his attention in helping those less fortunate than he was. If he couldn’t personally help, he would contribute to organizations for veterans, food pantries and even the individuals on the street corner. He once told me that we never know their stories, but they are people too and deserve a little human kindness.

Gary is survived by his wife, Elizabeth A. Teale, son, Garrett K. Tollar, son, Hans D. Erbe, sister, Georgia Copeland, brothers, Kenny and Adam Tollar, nieces, Michelle, Kenna, Anna Lee, Kory, and many other loving family members.

“It’s not about ‘finding’ your soul mate, its becoming one”.

Gary K. Tollar

In lieu of flowers the family would request you make a donation in Gary's name to a charity of your choice.