News Staff
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
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.