Gary was born to G. Leonard and Mary (Clark) McCormick on February 13, 1943 in Ainsworth. He attended grade School in a one room schoolhouse northeast of Sparks and graduated from Keya Paha County High School in Springview. He married Carol Smith of Ainsworth in 1960, moved to Colorado, and became an accomplished bricklayer. From this union four children were born: Gerry, Sonia, Bruce, and Brandi. Gary started his own company in 1968 specializing in custom fireplaces. He loved the outdoors, running a small crew, and creating what he called beautiful works of art. He never had to advertise as his reputation of integrity, fairness, and professionalism was well known. His free time passions were fishing, hunting, camping, and exploring new entrepreneurial adventures. He bought a bowling alley in 1975 to balance the slow winter months. He and Carol divorced in 1988, he then moved back home to Sparks, continued masonry work, and bought some cattle. He loved returning to the broad grasslands. He married Barbara Pearson in May of 1990 in Valentine. Gary wholeheartedly embraced her three children Gina, Billie Jo, and Kent into his expanded family.
Gary didn’t know a stranger and always thought the best of people. He was a volunteer fireman at various times throughout the many phases of his life. His strong compassion was infectious, and most folks reciprocated back the love they felt from him. He was very accepting of all people. It was well known that if anyone ever needed him, he would do all in his power to help.
Gary attended the Valentine Presbyterian Church in his earlier years and joined the New Hope Community Church in Springview after moving to Norden. He shared his strong belief in Christ with Barb and his extended family. Gary passed away on Wednesday, May 17 at the age of 80 surrounded by loved ones.
He is survived by wife, Barb Mc-Cormick; brothers, Robert, Wayne and Neil; children, Gerry McCormick (Trina), their shared children: Geoffrey, Mystie, Genivieve, Korey, Shamilee, and Breanna and seven grandchildren; Sonia (Donald) Coates, their children, Shane, Damon and Levi and 10 grandchildren: Bruce (Lynn) McCormick, their shared children,Brittany and Meagan; Brandi (Nick) Giauque and their children: McCaili and Maryssa; Gina Knox and her children, Demetri and Mattie; Billie Jo Fling and her children, Shae, Sydney and Ryan and one grandchild; Kent Kovar and his children: Austin and TJ.
Graveside service for Gary Mc-Cormick age 80 of Norden, was held on Friday, May 26 at 9:30 a.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine. The funeral service followed the graveside service at 11:00 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Valentine. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was entrusted with service arrangements.
