Gary Guertin

Preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Guertin and Helen (Voyce) Guertin

Gary was born in Detroit, Michigan in the summer of 1942 to Arthur and Helen Guertin. He attended Cody High School, playing multiple sports including shot-put, baseball and football earning the nickname “Moose” by his many close cousins and friends with whom he grew up. He worked in the family owned Gas Station with his father, located on the corner of Bangor and Buchanan in Detroit. He was offered scholarship to several colleges and later earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from University of Louisville in 1964. During his time in college, he played football for the university as a defensive tackle. He was considered a high potential player and went on to play semi-pro for the Richmond Rebels and started with the Washington Redskins as a rookie on the training camp. He retired from football after a spinal shock injury. Gary did some coaching and teaching for a while before going to work with his dad at GM. Gary retired as a supervisor from GM and later he obtained a second retirement from American Axle.

On July 27, 1963, he married his High School sweetheart, Peggy Ann. Together they raised three daughters in their Livonia, Michigan home; Kristin Saleh, Andrea Guertin (Randy Tichenor) and Renee Reed. Then along came five grandchildren that they adored; Alexander Saleh, Zachariah Saleh, Benjamin McKaig, Christopher Reed and Hannah Reed.

Gary had a love of Family, animals and travel. Family get together’s were looked forward to along with family traditions of good polish dishes during the holidays, a good belt of Irish Mist to help celebrate and taking care of family and friends. Since he was an only child, he had a strong sense of responsibility towards his mother and spent a lot of time at her lakeside home. He passed these values of tradition and family to his children and grandchildren. Gary had a strong love and compassion for animals and owned several pets throughout his lifetime including several dogs, a bunny and two parakeets. These animals gave him great joy and laughter. Gary enjoyed traveling to Tennessee for golf with good friends, taking family vacations, and we will always remember the annual trip to Cedar Point in the family van. He would always have a video camera in his hand to record all of the fun times and happy moments to share with everyone.

He was an attentive father and enjoyed taking his children and their friends to movie night at the drive-in, playing “shark” in the family pool, going roller skating and bowling and going out to the lake. He loved toys and electronics and remained a kid at heart. His interests and hobbies were adopted by his children and grandchildren. Gary and Peggy had many interests together, participating in a Golf League and bowling team with many of their friends. They enjoyed trips to their Tennessee Condo often taking friends to spend time with and play golf.

Gary and Peggy’s five grandchildren were the light of their lives. “Nana and Papa’s house” was the place to be. The place where the all of the traditions were still diligently celebrated. Papa would greet his grandchildren with a bear-hug and a pat on the head with his giant paws. He participated in his grandchildren’s activities, attending each when possible. He took great pride in his grandsons when they took an interest in sports. He was ecstatic when he finally had a granddaughter which he enjoyed.

Gary lived a full life and was loved by all. He was always welcoming and greeted everyone with a giant, contagious smile and a deep, jovial laugh. Gary’s ultimate passion was his family. He simply loved being a husband, father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by everyone that was lucky enough to be part of his life.

Gary's family will receive friends for a visitation on Friday, November 29, 2019 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Harry J Will Funeral Home, 25450 Plymouth Rd., (Just east of Beech Daly) Redford Township, Michigan 48239. A 7pm Rosary service will be led by Deacon Kevin Breen.

The Funeral Mass, led by Father Manny Chircop, will be at 10:00am on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at St. Genevieve Catholic Church, 29015 Jamison St., Livonia, Michigan 48154 (at 5 Mile and Middlebelt roads) Final viewing will begin at 9:30am. Luncheon to follow.

Gary will be laid to rest near his parents in St. Hedwig Catholic Cemetery, Dearborn Heights, Michigan.

Contributions in Gary's memory may be made to:

Michigan Humane Society

30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220

Bingham Farms, Michigan 48025

https://www.michiganhumane.org/donatenow/

or

St. Jude Childrens Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, Tennessee 38105

https://www.stjude.org/

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