Gary James Both

Gary James Both passed away on Thursday, June 8, at the Grand Traverse Pavilions. He was surrounded by his loving family who were at his side over the past few months as he courageously fought an aggressive form of brain cancer. Gary was born June 23, 1967 at South Macomb Hospital and grew up in Warren before his family moved to Northern Michigan in 1978. They built a home in Cedar and Gary enrolled in Glen Lake Schools. He played basketball and football and became a life-long Laker follower and avid fan, and especially enjoyed watching his nephews on the court and field. Gary and his childhood friends enjoyed Northern Michigan’s great outdoors and spent many hours fishing at School Lake near his home. He was also a loyal fan of his hometown Detroit sports teams. Gary graduated from Glen Lake in 1985. He worked in various jobs over his adult life, including for Grand Traverse Industries and his brother’s landscaping company. Although he faced some health-related challenges, Gary always maintained a positive attitude, a warm heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He was a friend to everyone who knew him and had a special relationship with his counselors and caregivers from the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program and the staff at the Pavilions. The family is deeply appreciative of the work of the ACT team that significantly enhanced Gary’s quality of life over the past few years. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Jack Both. He is survived by his mother Susan Both; brother Cliff and his son Jamisen and his wife Lisa and their son Jack; sister Laura O’Brien and her husband William, their son Christopher and his children Jackson and Liliana; sister Cindi Both and her daughters Taylor Dall and Suzanna Both; sister Tammy Both and her sons Hunter and Zachary Gushurst, and several loving cousins, aunts and uncles. The family spent many holidays, birthdays and special occasions together and will always treasure their memories of Gary. The family is grateful for the kindness and compassion of the Pavilions’ staff to keep Gary safe and comfortable during his illness, and for the efforts of the Covell Funeral Home. The family also thanks everyone for their messages and condolences over Gary’s passing. A celebration of Gary’s life including a golf outing for family and friends will be held in the near future.