Gary and Aunt Stella at the Blessing of the Animals, October - 2003

The stars became brighter, and the world a bit quieter on March 18, 2005.  Our friend Gary transitioned to his next life on that day.

Gary was and always will be a special person to Memory of Monroe Scottie Rescue.  Gary has been a long-time attendee of our rescue functions with his first Scottie, Heidi, and later, with his adoptive girl Aunt Stella.  Gary's love for Scotties was profound.  His girls were the center of his universe.  Gary combined his love of Scotties with his creative talents and charmed many of us lucky ones with his gifts.  Getting a greeting card from Gary was an event; he enjoyed drawing his two girls, but loved to send me his drawings of my Scottie girl, Rosie Fiona. 

"Stella's Baby", a special grapevine Scottie Gary made for our 2004 picnic.

Gary contributed his creative talents to our rescue organization and many others throughout the United States with his wonderfully crafted Grapevine Scotties.  Every one that he created became a labor of love, and he enjoyed the many friendships he made with other Scottie lovers through the Grapevine Scotties.  Each year, he entered his creation in the Minnesota State Fair, and each year, that was the one he chose to donate to Memory of Monroe for our annual picnic. 

Gary with Stella and Heidi, September, 2004

Gary's love for Heidi and Stella was pure and genuine - just as he was.  Their needs came first, and I can honestly say they were not denied one single thing. 

Gary lived near a park in his hometown of Deephaven, MN.  The park is where he would take the girls three to four times a day.  During the summer, when the days were long and the temperatures warm, Gary would stay at the park with Heidi and Stella until around 9 pm each night.  He often told me not to call him before 9, as he wouldn't be home.

Gary's Heidi - his first Scottie

We will miss this gentle man.  We wonder why he was taken from us so early, and we mourn his loss.   Gary was about the kindest, gentle soul I've ever met.  I am proud to have known this man, and I am humbled he trusted his dear friends, Sharon and Bob Dodds and I with his precious girls.  Heidi and Stella will live a very happy rest of their lives in their new home, but we know they will miss their master.  The girls are loaned to us, but they will always be Gary's girls.  We know Gary would find much comfort in knowing his two special girls were going to live with Sharon and Bob.  The Dodd's have the kind of home any dog would love to live in - great windows for squirrel watching, and a yard adorned by a special custom-made fence with Scotties on it.

We received a wonderful gift from Gary after his death.  His family found some Easter cards that Gary did not send out.  They found one intended for our family and I received this on 3/25/05 - which was Good Friday.  What a wonderful Easter gift from Gary, and one that has so much sentiment to it. 

What a talented, wonderful man. 

We know Gary is united again with his beloved Cocker, Sadie.  We know that he is also at peace and with his God.  We are better people because of Gary - he taught us compassion and unconditional love.  Rest in peace, Gary.  Know that your girls, your creative talents, and your friendship, will be with us always.  Our sincere sympathy to the family of Al and Margo Penke, and to Gene Penke. 

Jan Seeger

Memory of Monroe Scottie Rescue