| Author |
Message |
Luke Bonagura (Lukeatuscoach)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 8:50 pm: | |
Hi Folks:
I received a call, this afternoon, from Mary the office manager at Dean's Coach, Durham, N.C. to advise me that Gary Dean passed away suddenly and peacefuly at his home on Tuesday 6/20/06.
Gary was a very knowledgeable GIANT of the bus industry, a Good Business Friend of Mine, and will be missed by ALL. We talked for an hour last week and I was making plans to go spend some time with him, as we had never met, and we are about the same age!!! Well, the Good Lord had another idea!!!!
I am posting this here , at MAK, and at Yahoo GMC Group. If someone else who knew Gary would pick up the ball and spread it on to the other Boards, I would appreciate it, as it is late for me. Thanks in Advance!!!
Happy & SAFE!! Bussin' to ALL. And ENJOY!!!each day, as we don't know how many HE has planned for us.
LUKE at US COACH |
David Evans (Dmd)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 9:30 pm: | |
I had talked to Garry last week. When Mary called this evening I knew it wasent good. Garry was a great friend and a really good person. His shop put out some real craftsmanship. We had been searching for years for the nosepiece for 3703. Garry gave us the one off his 4101. He has had heart problems for awhile now and of course never gave up smoking or giving advice (no lecture here Luke)Garry has written many coach articles and collection of stories about his growing up in the bus industry. When you pull into his shop you would get a greeting right away from Sparkplug his dog and Mr Gore would get you over to the coffee pot. Garry would be on the phone or out in the shop with Robert the mechanic working on a charter or church bus or the current project, usually a older GM repower or upgrade.We used to pull in unanounced and never failed to get time for a part search at his salvage yard or info on a problem. Garry has several brothers and sisters and a large extended family which we feel lucky enough to be part of. Garry Dean's funeral will be held Saturday at 2pm at Chapel Hill Bible Church, 260 Irwin Rd. Chapel Hill NC. |
James Stacy (Jim_stacy)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 10:16 pm: | |
What a treasure we have lost. Probably the greatest source of info and parts for older GM's. If only he had taken as good care of himself as he did his friends/customers.
Lets hope Robert Moore, Mary and Mr Gore will carry on.
Jim Stacy |
motorcoach1
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 5:39 am: | |
he lived in the years of great bus civilization of man kind we all will miss him. gear Jammier heaven. Dale from Marysville will be there to greet him |
Gene Lewis (Genelewis)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 10:54 am: | |
I agree Luke, we have Truely lost a GIANT. He will be missed.
Just last week I talked with him and like you was planning on seeing him in the next 3 or 4 weeks.
I feel most blessed in that while doing my Eagle he was right there with knowledge and assistance at all phases of the conversion. Some of my fondest memories are visiting with him at the shop, the yard or at lunch.
I have spend the better part of many days with Gary just getting an education on buses. He has forgotten more than a lot of folks will ever know.
I feel a great loss myself as well as the loss the bus industry will feel.
My thoughts and prayers now are for the family in their loss.
Enjoying the journey in NC,
Gene Lewis - 05 Eagle |
pete hyser (4501pete)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 8:55 am: | |
I had the pleasure to hang out with Gary for a couple of days at a music festival in Silk Hope NC. We had a blast..very down to earth, had an invite to do the town with him whenever I made it back down. Due to the shattered legs last year I was not able to make it this year..but I was really looking forward to taking him up on his offer..
Though only hanging out with him for a few days, It meant alot to me to hear what he had to say about my scenicruiser and the good shape its in from the work Luke and Bernie have done..
a Giant in buses..yup a giant as a person..even bigger,
Peace Brother.. |
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