Gary W. Schmaing |
| Posted 2009-01-06 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Sunday, January 04, 2009 Gary W. Schmaing, our beloved husband, Dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. After surviving major surgery in November, he suffered a quick battle with cancer, before going to his final resting place in his home with family by his side on Dec. 28, 2008. Family wishes to give special thanks to Hospice Of The Pines for their concern and compassionate care. They were the greatest. Gary was born on June 17, 1930 in Fargo, N.D. In 1943 the family moved to Billings, Mont., where he graduated from Billings Senior High and Business College. As a teenager he boxed for the Golden Gloves until his left arm was shot accidentally during a duck-hunting trip. He was the youngest President of the Eagles. He retired from the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office in 1992, after 33 years of dedicated service as Deputy Sheriff. Afterwards, he relocated with his wife, Agnes, to Phoenix, Ariz. There, they managed a Mini-Storage and then became Directors and Houseparents for an Adult Development Home, until they moved to Prescott, Ariz. in 1995, where they worked for Creative Networks as Companions in a home for DD adults. In 1999, they purchased their own home in Prescott Valley where they continued to work with DD adults. Gary loved golfing, playing pool, camping and fishing in his younger years. He was a member of various organizations. He loved to visit with friends and watch the shuffleboard games at the American Legion. He also loved to go to Donna's Hut, which was the first place to offer a special welcome to the couple when they moved to Prescott. His friends were very special to Gary. He was very opinionated and never hesitated to say what he was thinking. There was only "One Gary!" He especially loved children and animals. His favorite pastime was feeding and watching his birds. He loved to play cards on his computer too. Gary's family was his pride and joy; children and grandchildren alike. He had an exceptionally close bond with his granddaughter, Lataya and step-grandson, Jon. He loved them all dearly. He was the "rock" and lifetime hero to the entire family. He was a devoted and loving husband, Dad and grandpa! "We love you 'Papa'"! Gary leaves his loving wife, Agnes (Aggie); his beloved Chihuahua, Buddy; his loving children, son Tom, daughter Malea and son-in-law (Gregg), daughter Manetta, daughter Maureena; the mother of his children Donna Rita; 11 grandchildren; one step-grandson; six great grandchildren; three sisters, Gloria, Donna and Carol; three brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law; many nieces, nephews and friends. He was loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his beloved Chihuahua, Teddy; his parents and five brothers. A Celebration of Life will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009 at the American Legion in Prescott. A second Celebration of Life is scheduled from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009 at the Eagles in Billings Heights, Billings, Mont. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Hospice of the Pines. Hampton Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements for the family. Information provided by survivors. |
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