Sure do miss seeing Gary and his performances.  I hope he knows how much we miss him.

I really miss Gary.  I was lucky enough to work with him on numerous gigs and recording projects over the years.  We first met around 1972 at a Sam Rivers workshop at MSU.  His musicianship and creativity were unparalleled and he always brought a positive attitude toward the music.  He is greatly missed!

Gary was a student at Michigan State University in the early 1970's.   He had a reputation in the School of Music of being absolutely one of our most outstanding talents.  Once when performing a solo with a very difficult accompaniment, I gathered my courage to ask if he would accompany me.  I was relieved at how willing he was to do it.  Besides handling the part with astonishing ease, he was a really a nice and pleasant guy to work with.  Thanks again, Gary.  May God grant you eternal rest.  


I was lucky enough to lead a quartet with Gary as pianist for a while at a dive in Ferndale (the former Delta Lady, now called Sneakers), with Jack Dryden on bass and Tom Starr, Renell Gonsalves or Cary Kocher on drums.  I was the worst cat in my own band, which was fine by me!  Between the amazing rhythm section I somehow managed to snag and the largesse of Mori Cohen, the place was packed every Thursday night.  Although it was the joint’s best night by far, the racist bar owner fired us because we brought a mixed crowd.  That broke my heart; this even more.  Gary was the best musician that I ever worked with.  I wrote a really difficult, Monk-like tune and brought the lead sheet for the band to play.  He was first to set up his gear and looked at the tune for about 30 seconds, studying it intensely.  Then, he ceremoniously threw the lead sheet on the floor and said:  “what key do you want it in”?  Rest in Peace, truly, the Amazing Gary Schunk!

Well he was my older cousin by five years and the first of five. He was really really into his music and hated it when I would ask him to play the theme from Batman. But I did anyway. I had a lot of respect for him and his piano playing. He was a true artist and I was lucky enough back in the 80s I believe to see him play. My heart breaks for Natalie. Rest in peace Gary

I just saw Gary's Memorial Mass.    It reminded me of the enormous talent Gary shared with us on the bandstand with him.   There are musicians who made me feel like I should have bought a ticket to their show.  Gary was definitely up there at the top billing.

Thank you Gary for sharing your love and talent with Detroit.  Condolences to his family. 

I worked with Gary quite a few times over a 40 year period.  He was a total joy to play with, and he always elevated a  performance with his incredible musicianship and unique sense of humor.   I really cherish the time that I spent with him.  Detroit will never be the same without Gary.  Rest in peace, my friend. You will be missed!

I only worked with Gary a handful of times, in the time between finishing my degree at Wayne State, and moving to Chicago--about 1993 to 1995. It was a real blessing when Gary agreed to participate in a recording of my music in my first sessions as a bandleader at the tender age or 24, and gratis to boot. He missed our one rehearsal due to illness, but came ready to the session and blew us all away with his deep understanding of the dense harmonies that underpinned the music. His pandiatonic language was perfectly suited to the writing. These recordings can be heard today at duaneharvey.net . We has some nice conversations around that time as well about harmony, leading a band, and music in general. Rest in peace my friend, I only wish we had been able to do more. --dh



I am a vocalist and I worked with Gary a few times.  He was my favorite accompanist ever. So attentive and perceptive.  I always wished I'd recorded with him! Love you Gary. Blessings for your journey. 

Gary It's been wonderful knowing and working with you brother. You are truly loved and missed. Rest in Power King!

Gary was one the finest pianists to come out of Detroit ! I will miss him !

I am so saddened by the sudden loss of our musician friend, Gary. I knew Gary as many. A kind, soft spoken guy, and an AMAZING talent.  As many have said, when he played piano,  it was like he brought you to another hemisphere. What an amazing player! Whenever I played music with Gary I would go home saying to myself...Dang! I've got to practice! My heart goes out to his family. He was a great guy...

Thank you for your amazing legacy and immeasurable inspiration to all of us. Peace and love to all of you and yours. 
Pete 

On behalf of the Capuchin brothers I offer my deepest sympathies on the passing of Gary. It is truly humbling to receive memorial donations in honor of Gary's life. Please be assured of the brother's prayers for the entire Schunk family during this great time of grief. May perpetual light shine upon Gary.

Gary accompanied two of the cantors at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, Michigan for years. Gary was so talented. He music was inspirational. Whenever he played, I always acknowledged him and his talents. If I had a joke, I would tell him it, and it was fun to watch his smile. From classicial to spiritual to jazz, Gary was capable of everything. I will never forget him.

Gary was a monster of a talent, it was always a joy to play with him! He will be greatly missed....condolences to his family.

I was just listening to Linda Yohn's show and she mentioned that Gary had passed away.   I knew Gary in the 80's when I was involved with the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival.  Besides my memory of his wonderful artistry, I just recall what a wonderfully kind person he was.   My thoughts go out to his daughter, your Dad was a great guy.

Gary was a stellar jazz pianist.  He played with my husband Wendell Harrison many times and I looked up to Gary, watching him perform.  He was always very helpful and had a calming spirit.  His spirit will still be at work even though he has left his physical body, so let's speak his name often and set a place at our table for him.  

Gary was one of the most creative, artistic and skilled musicians I’ve ever heard. It was a privilege to perform with him. May he Rest In Peace.


A friend, a mentor, a band mate, a source of inspiration. May you flow with the universe as you did with music. Sail on my brother. RIP

I am grateful that I shared the stage with Gary on many concerts and music venues throughout the Detroit Metro area and beyond. He always lifted the band up to another level of musicality--feeding us with chordal patterns that inspired.  I will miss him as a musical brother of monumental importance.  RIP dear Gary. 

Gary was a beautiful spirit on any bandstand he graced. Always swinging, funny, gracious and kind. A joy to work with. RIP!

I heard Gary perform at different musical venues over the years. As a pianist I appreciated his talent and musical technique. I regret that I never got to meet and talk with him personally. He will be greatly missed. He was one of the very best Detroit musicians. 

Gary had the talent of a musical genius. His presence would elevate 
 the level of any group he played with. We will miss hearing his playing on our musical landscape. God Bless him and his family.

OBITUARY

Gary Schunk

September 27, 1953 – April 2, 2021

Kaul Funeral Home

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