He was born in Onaway, Michigan on March 7, 1946.
Gary was an engineer at General Motors in Lansing, Michigan and after retirement moved to Americus, Georgia where he became a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity International, conducting tours in the newly constructed "Global Village" that showcased different Habitat houses around the world.
He was an avid golfer, winning many championships at various courses. He was particularly proud of a gold course that he helped plan in Sunfield, Michigan, "Centennial Acres" and played many rounds of golf until his move to Americus.
Gary leaves behind a large blended family.
Cheri DeRosia and son in law David Brown (whom he knew early on was "the one" for his daughter), of Pittsboro, N.C.
Melissa DeRosia of East Lansing, MI
Matthew and his wife Kristy Barrentine of Mobile, Alabama
Kara Barrentine and her partner, Ben Achong of Crawfordville, FL
Tara Barrentine and her partner, Mike Korpela of Puyallup, Washington
He adored all five of his grandchildren and prided himself on being their grandpa.
They are:
Lauren Brown of Asheville, N.C.
Alyssa Brown of Chapel Hill, N.C.
Elena Marie Forman of East Lansing (she got Gary's blue eyes)
and two grandsons, Connor and Bennett Barrentine of Mobile, Alabama.
Also, he leaves behind his mother-in-law, Lois Christie, who adored him and whom Gary and Susan moved to be near to help her. Instead, she took care of them and became their rock, for which her daughter will be forever grateful.
Though the last few years of his life were marked with a debilitating illness, Gary will be remembered for his energy and passion for golf, building houses for Habitat and for getting on the floor and playing with the grand babies.
When asked how he wants to be remembered, Gary said that he hoped he would be remembered as a good husband and father. Those who knew him can further add that he was a good friend, a doting grandfather and a difficult to beat golf partner.
He always said that his two greatest achievements and contributions to the world were his girls, Cheri and Melissa.
His ashes will be scattered at his daughter's discretion and he asks if anyone so chooses to make donations to Habitat for Humanity.
Rest in peace, Beloved.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18