Born on January 12, 1952 in Detroit to the late Glenn and Fay McGillivray, Gary was raised in Royal Oak. On June 21, 1975, he married Diane Dotson at Greenfield Village in Dearborn.
Gary's interest and passions in local government led him on a path to becoming the Mayor of Madison Heights, an active Councilman in Madison Heights, and was an Oakland County Commissioner since his election in 2008. Prior to his interest in local government, he also was active with the Madison Heights Police Reserve.
He was passionate about parks and recreation, serving as Chairman of the Oakland County Parks Commission, and a longtime member of the Madison Heights Parks and Recreation Board. He was also active as a Big Brother and Coach through the YMCA, an Honorary Lifetime Board member of Madison Heights Little Baseball League, and Madison Heights Youth Assistance, as well as many others.
Gary spent 29 years as a district manager with the Daily Tribune. He loved vacationing in Port Austin to the family cottage he helped his father build, and to Traverse City to see his aunt, Barb Ackerman. He enjoyed traveling to see his family and friends.
Beloved husband of 48 years to the late Diane; adored father of Andrew McGillivray and Amy (Josh) Schroder; proud grandpa of Matilda; dear brother of JoAnn Wakefield, Donna Nowak, and the late Carol Raptopolous; best friend of Dennis Hetchler.
The family will greet guests from 3:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Edward Swanson & Son Funeral Home, 30351 Dequindre Rd., Madison Heights, Michigan. Funeral Services will take place at 11:00am on Friday, November 10 at the above location. Visitation from 10:00am until time of service. Interment following at Roseland Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made at a future date as the family is in the process of forming the McGillivray Community Foundation.
