You sailed through the storms and now your in God's safe harbor Please save a place for me my friend.

Mike Barry
June 6, 2021

We joined the Naval Reserve at the same time in December of 1969 and went to boot camp and on a familiarization cruise in March 1970. Garry was enthusiastic and funny and even though he got sea sick and sunburnt, he was hooked. I left the Navy after my initial tour, but he stayed the course, navigating a satisfying career. What was odd is that his father, Revere and my dad were great friends at Penick and Ford and even travelled to Detroit to see his family. I did not have the same privilege of that kind of relationship with Garry, but I have often thought of him and wished him well. I wish him now, Fair skies and following seas.

Jim Houlahan
June 7, 2021

Garry was my brother and my best friend. He lived his life his own way and had experiences others dream of. His giving personality, love of others, and genuine warmth touched people world-wide. We love him and he will always remain with us.

Sam Joseph
June 7, 2021

What sad news. I’ve known Garry for my lifetime. He was a wonderful man who took leave to meet our new baby while we were overseas with the Air Force. Many years later we got together again stateside. Over 50 years of wonderful memories in CR with Sitty and family. RIP friend.

Cindy Carrillo
June 7, 2021

Garry and I served in the navy together on the USS Oklahoma City, CLG 5. Garry was my powder passer on the center gun 6 inch triple gun turret. We served in Vietnam, and after years of not being in touch, I reached out on the internet and found him several years ago. My wife and I met him in Philadelphia airport on a layover, it was great to see him. We drank some beer and talked about the past. I piped him off the ship, RIP shipmate. Scruff Tomlin

Richard “scruff” Tomlin
June 7, 2021

I worked with him at Cedar Rapids Kernels , met up with to watch compass Rose band ! He always had a smile on his face .

Jayne Kilgallon
June 8, 2021

I also served with Gary on the 'Okie boat' in Vietnam. We stood many, many watches together, and I regarded him as a true friend. I never met anybody who was as friendly, and willing to help anybody out at any time, no matter what we were doing. Gary would never complain about anything, no matter what. My everlasting regret will be not stopping in Iowa to see him during my travels around the country. I hope he will forgive me. Rest in peace sailor. Tommy Ogle, BM3, first division, USS Oklahoma City CLG -5

Tommy Ogle
June 9, 2021

I had the privilege of spending time with Garry at concerts and parties in connection with the parrothead. I was there when he laid Kathy to rest. Garry always had a smile on his face. His charity of spirit, of encouragement, and of optimism is enduring and uplifted and touched many people. He will be missed.

Susan H. Adams Betts
June 9, 2021

Garry - you will always hold a special place in my heart because you had the biggest one of all! I hope you're dancing like no one is watching with your true love. I'm sending prayers for peace to all of your family and friends who will miss your physical presence. M3

Renee Marquiss
June 9, 2021

Garry was a proud alumnus of Jefferson High School, Class of 1970. He was very active with our alumni group and was on the planning committee for recent reunions. It is so sad he won’t be attending our 50+1 Reunion this fall. I am lucky also know Garry as a Parrot Head and member of Isle of Iowa Parrot Head Club in Cedar Rapids. We attended many of the same events. He was is his happy place surrounded by friends and trop/rock music. And Garry...I promise I will never post the video of you dancing to the Compass Rose Band at the Island Fever Showcase in the Surf Ballroom. Sail on, friend...

Susan Lagerquist Anderson
June 9, 2021

Garry was a proud alumnus of Jefferson High School, Class of 1970. He was very active with our alumni group and was on the planning committee for recent reunions. It is so sad he won’t be attending our 50+1 Reunion this fall. I am lucky also know Garry as a Parrot Head and member of Isle of Iowa Parrot Head Club in Cedar Rapids. We attended many of the same events. He was is his happy place surrounded by friends and trop/rock music. And Garry...I promise I will never post the video of you dancing to the Compass Rose Band at the Island Fever Showcase in the Surf Ballroom. Sail on, friend...

Susan Lagerquist Anderson
June 9, 2021

Rest In Peace my brother…..

Dave & Barb Carlson
June 9, 2021

My heart is absolutely broken at the loss of my friend Garry. He was an incredible friend to everyone who he met. Our parrothead family mourns his death but I know he was greeted with the chants of all of us who have gone on before. “Here we are… “. Sending his family my love and condolences.

Shannon (sunseeker)
June 9, 2021

I’m honored to call Garry my friend. We had a friendly competition of who saw the most Buffett concerts and it was always neck and neck. I’ll hoist a cold one for you at the southernmost point in Nov. Sail on my friend.

Stephen Douglas
June 9, 2021

Garry will be missed, as he always had huge enthusiasm, a big smile and an even bigger heart. It was an honor to get to know you and hang out when we could. Sail on, my friend.

James White
June 10, 2021

Garry. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. We are honored to be able to call you a friend. Rest easy. Until we meet again ?? - Tom &Vicky Hischke.

Tom and Vicky Hischke
June 10, 2021

Garry, I am so sad you are no longer here with us, but I am grateful you are no longer in pain. May you rest in eternal peace and by now I hope you’ve found your loved ones and had a wonderful reunion. Love you my friend

Lisa Walsh
June 10, 2021

Garry, thank you for being my Parrothead friend for over 17 years. We had some fun times together celebrating Jimmy Buffett’s music. We will raise a toast to you in Key West. Sail on my special friend.

Debbie Wiles (dnw)
June 10, 2021

Garry, Happy you are out of pain and with Kathy and your Mom and Dad and all who have gone before you. You were a wonderful friend to so many people and their love for you honors you and a life well lived. I remember you telling me about when you and Kathy went out for the last time..... now you are together again...forever. That makes us happy through th tears..... See you when we get to the other side...until then Fly high and continue to be that special person you have always been , my friend. Phins Up...WAY UP! Dan ( parrothead216) & Judy M3 <3 M3

Dan & Judy
June 10, 2021

Garry, you were an incredibly generous individual and took the time to know others. Meeting you at Buffett was my gain! Remembering and honoring you by taking care of the animals at the Cedar Rapids, IA Humane Society. We have lost a good one and heaven has gained another angel. Rest easy Garry.

Marianne Peterson
June 21, 2021

I didn't know you personally, Mr. Joseph, but I just read your post for Warren Zevon's Leave Me in Your Heart on YT. I was touched by your words, even more so because like you, my father died from cancer , and I am truly amazed at your courage, facing a downhill battle with such grace and humility. May you rest in the light always.

Bridge Lynch
July 9, 2022

Garry, we kept you in our hearts for a while. Rest well, sir.

Rick Stevenson
May 19, 2023