Becky Schafer (Maley)

Gary Lynn 05/15/1949 - 11/16/2022  Gary was a chill guy, with a dry hilarious sense of humor who never lost his temper. He was born in Ashland, OH and graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Fine Arts. He supported himself during his master’s studies by selling artwork and doing body work on cars. After college he headed west to Boise, ID, where he worked as an estimator. He met Linda Gillette and they married on April 15, 1989, a date he chose with two objectives: to be married before he was 40 and a date easy for him to remember. He soon developed a keen interest in computers and attended Boise State University to study CAD programs. He then got a job at Western Trailers; some of his mechanical trailer configurations on large trucks are still visible on roads today. He became active in CAD user groups and was a beta tester for AutoCAD, achieving a “top gun” status which earned him the privilege of having his name hidden in an Easter egg in the subsequent AutoCAD release. In 2006, he and Linda moved to Camano Island in Washington and lived in a 5th wheel trailer on 5 acres while they built their house. He went to work for Index in Stanwood, then Everett Engineering, where he worked on interesting projects including the design of parts to modernize many old railroad bridges and “Bertha”, a famous tunnel-boring machine that needed repairs. In retirement he freelanced a little, enjoyed the outdoors and boating, and worked on home projects including the design and construction of Linda’s koi pond.

Gary struggled with heart problems for many years and died peacefully at home.He is survived by his wife Linda, his sister Connie Metzmaier (Steve), and his brother Scott Lynn (Pam). He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Steve Lynn.

Byll Reeve

It's difficult to come up with the "right" words. Gary was a life-long friend, even though we weren't in touch all that much for many of those years. But ours was the kind of friendship that, despite however long it had been since we were in contact, we picked right up without a dropping a stitch. 

My first memories of Gary go back to 8th grade study hall, where he, Jeff Wallace and I got the idea to make a monster movie, and the Pramydues were born. Gary starred as the misshapen monster, Mulchous Face, meeting his end in the Ashland cemetery. He always had a wry, sardonic wit, and would come up with great bon mots.

Gary learned a lot working for his dad at his auto body shop, skills that would later serve his artistic talents. One of his first art works I recall was an incredible metal/wood piece that won a prize in a state-wide competition, I believe. And I was fortunate to be the recipient of his artistry in the hammered copper lamp he gave me and my first wife on our marriage. And Gary was the one I called on to stand beside me at my wedding in New York City.

We probably got closest during college, as he would come to Columbus fairly frequently, and in graduate school I visited him in Athens several times. Next came long periods of infrequent contact and then we reconnected via mail and eventually in person (usually at class reunions).

We had been in touch via FB the past several years, and his love of boating and pride in his home in Washington was evident. As was his love and respect for his wife, Linda, someone who I think was the perfect match for him.

While I can tell myself that, sure, he knew I cared and thought about him from time to time, truth is I didn't reach out very much when I knew that he was having a hard time physically. Good friends deserve better, and I let him down. So, if you've read this far, think about those you haven't told that you love them, and do that.

Gary, I'll see you in the next installment.