Gary Dean Course

Gary Course, longtime resident of Parma, Ohio and short-term resident of Keene, NH passed away October 21, 2026. He was the beloved son of Edward and Margaret Course, of Chicago, IL, devoted father to Jennifer Course, of Brattleboro, VT.

Gary was born and raised in Chicago, IL. He attended Faulkner Elementary and graduated from Lane Tech High School in 1956. He then went to study Engineering and English at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN in 1961. Part way through college, Gary ventured to Great Britain to reside in a suburb of London, inspired by his love of steam engines, travel and the English countryside. He studied history at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, upon his return.

Gary placed family at the center of his life. He adored his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins and his roots in the Chicago area. He shared stories of helping his father at the family oil and moving business (Edward Course and Sons) on Armitage Avenue and his grandparent’s Scandinavian heritage. In summers, they traveled to Lake Delevan, WI as well as Long Lake, IL which he enjoyed with his close cousins Glen and Shirley Westphal, as well as many other family and friends.

Gary married Jennifer’s mother, Marcia Garrison in 1964, and later moved to Lakewood, OH. For a majority of his time living in Ohio, Gary worked at Dickey Grabler as a Tool and Die Maker for over 35 years.

Gary was a talented machinist and avid train enthusiast, particularly steam engines. His wide variety of interests was reflected in the many books he acquired and cherished. Topics ranged from animals and wilderness living, to the Wisconsin Ice Age and geology, to politics, industrial history, astronomy and philosophy. Particularly in the latter half of life, he was a devout Catholic, studying scripture and many religious texts. He was a parishioner of St. Charles Borromeo Church of Parma for over twenty-five years. He marveled in the wonders of the universe and God’s divine love for all.

Gary gifted others with his sense of humor, his curiosity for how the world worked, his graciousness toward others and his enormously generous spirit.

Gary is survived by his daughter, Jennifer, son-in-law Tim Zinn, grandchildren Mateo Lopez Course and Marcela Dean, extended family members Lyn, Glen, and Brian Westphal (and families), Ron and Linda Kohl, as well as countless beloved friends both near and far.

A private memorial will be held in Keene as well as subsequent services both in Parma, OH and Ridgewood Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL in early 2027.

Donations in his memory can be made to St. Charles Borromeo Parish of Parma, OH and the Cleveland Metroparks.