Garrett "Gary" Girard

Gary (Garrett E.) Girard of Stonington, CT and Englewood, FL, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, at home in Florida with his best friend and loving wife, Lois, by his side, from complications of cancer after a long and previously successful battle. He was born October 3, 1943 in Webster, MA, the only child of the late Edmond J. and Ann F. (Wrabel) Girard.

He lived his early years in and attended schools in East Hartford, CT, where he met his wife Lois Klock, in high school. They married on June 4, 1966, after he graduated from Boston University, with a B.S. Degree in Broadcasting. They were married almost 46 years. He served in the US

Air Force Reserves.

Prior to B.U., he attended UConn at Storrs, where his broadcasting career began with his involvement with their student radio station WHUS. During his college years he worked on-air at WPOP in Hartford, and remained there for 20 years from announcer, to sales and to sales management. He then joined WNLC/WTYD in New London as General Manager, followed by Eastern Regional Manager for the National Association of Broadcasters in Washington DC. He then joined Connecticut Radio Network International in New Sales Development.

His entire career in broadcasting culminated with a life-long dream of developing and owning his own radio station, WKCD 107.7 FM going on air in 1995 in Mystic, CT. A stroke in 1998 led to the sale of the station and an early retirement, of which he enjoyed every single minute. He loved life and did it his way.

In the '70s he enjoyed summer weekends at their home at the Cape in East Dennis, MA. From the '80s and '90s to 2005 he loved boating out of Noank Shipyard in Noank, CT. His other interests included world travel and antique radio/TV collection. He was in Who's Who in Advertising 1990-1991 Edition. He was on the Board of Directors of the Ad Club of Greater Hartford, Board of Directors of the Connecticut Broadcasters Association, Board of Directors of the Mystic Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors of Southeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, and Public Relations for United Way of Southeastern Connecticut.

He is survived by his loving wife Lois, his beloved dog Docker, and a sister-in-law, nephews, aunts, and cousins in CT and MA.

At his request, services are private. Memorial donations in his name may be made to Suncoast Humane Society, 6781 San Casa Drive, Englewood, FL 34224

Lemon Bay Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been selected to handle the arrangements. You may express your condolences to the family at lemonbayfh.com

--- 'MAY THE MUSIC NEVER END' ---