I started a 3FC Virtual 5K thread in his memory:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/weig...mory-gary.html

Oh I am sorry to hear that, my heart and prayers go out to his loved ones. While I never spoke to him in person, I have lurked here for a long time and read many of his posts. That is so sad, rest in peace.

:hug::hug: to the family! He will be missed by mine!:hug:

RIP Gary!

I never knew him personally, but I have seen his posts around and he seemed like a top notch guy. Rest in peace.

This was a man who made an impact here. I don't think we interacted much but I definitely remember the loving way he talked about his family. He's celebrating in Heaven now, which is a reason to be joyous. Though his family must be heartbroken and I'm sad about that. God bless them all.

I did not post in the areas he usually did, but I do remember his 5K's and his positive, fun loving attitude. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers for his family.

Gary's presence here on 3FC made an impact on many of us, even beyond what he could even guess. He was an example to me of faith in action - not just words - and of cheerful determination and perseverance. His family is in my prayers.

Very very sad to read. I enjoyed his posts greatly, and could tell he was a wonderful man. RIP. Prayers to his family. :(

I'm so sad to hear of Gary's passing. He was a great inspiration and support for many of us. I could always count on him to be a prayer partner.

I added a link to the first page but if you want to donate to Relay for Life, Gary's wife Angie is collecting donations in Honor of Gary
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?px...58&pg=personal

My heart is sad today coming here and reading about Gary's passing, EZ, may you rest in peace my friend. I will miss his chatter around the boards, he was such a great family guy, funny, kind, caring, spiritual, personable guy & he always made me smile & laugh on this forum, he called me "Evil" and I will always remember him dearly with fond memories! Angie my deepest sympathies to you & yours, God bless. In honor of the 5k, I will wear my comfiest biker boots & do a long walk in memory of dear Gary, being he liked my style in boots, these boots were made for walking! When I am done with my walk, I will stop by a bar for a cold brewski taking one for team Gary! I miss you already bud, RIP.

Whether it be a man or a woman suffering with a terminal illness, this is a neat story for all the spiritual folks here & I thought I would share it with all of you.
______________________________________

Woman and the Fork
There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with
a terminal illness and had been given three months
to live. So as she was getting her things 'in
order,' she contacted her Pastor and had him come to
her house to discuss certain aspects of her final
wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the
service, what scriptures she would like read, and
what outfit she wanted to be buried in.

Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing
to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered
something very important to her.

'There's one more thing,' she said excitedly..

'What's that?' came the Pastor's reply?

'This is very important,' the young woman continued.
'I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.'

The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not
knowing quite what to say.

That surprises you, doesn't it?' the young woman
asked.

'Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request,'
said the Pastor.

The young woman explained. 'My grandmother once told
me this story, and from that time on I have always
tried to pass along its message to those I love and
those who are in need of encouragement. In all my
years of attending socials and dinners, I always
remember that when the dishes of the main course
were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean
over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite
part because I knew that something better was
coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish
apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!'

So, I just want people to see me there in that
casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to
wonder 'What's with the fork?' Then I want you to
tell them: 'Keep your fork ..the best is yet to
come.'

The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he
hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would
be one of the last times he would see her before her
death. But he also knew that the young woman had a
better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better
grasp of what heaven would be like than many people
twice her age, with twice as much experience and
knowledge. She KNEW that something better was
coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young
woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was
wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over
and over, the Pastor heard the question, 'What's
with the fork?' And over and over he smiled.

During his message, the Pastor told the people of
the conversation he had with the young woman shortly
before she died. He also told them about the fork and
about what it symbolized to her. He told the people
how he could not stop thinking about the fork and
told them that they probably would not be able to
stop thinking about it either.

He was right. So the next time you reach down for
your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that
the best is yet to come. Friends are a very rare
jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you
to succeed. Cherish the time you have, and the
memories you share. Being friends with someone is not
an opportunity, but a sweet responsibility.
Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND...and
I'll bet this will be an Email they do remember,
every time they pick up a fork!
And just remember...keep your fork!
The BEST is yet to come!
God Bless You

RIP EZ. You will be missed!