06/15/2026
To the community missing a gem of a human who was filled with so much expertise, kindness and wisdom -
We have to start at the beginning: Gary and I first met over ice cream. Eventually, he married my mom and became an amazing friend and parent. Desserts remained essential to our relationship as we used them to celebrate wins, console losses and as a way to settle up on bets with each other. I am not sure it was a coincidence that most of our jobs involved cookies as payment, meetings in bakeries, or discovering the best donut shops nearby. We drew floorplans on napkins, brainstormed complex solutions and laughed so hard at tables together. Everything could be solved over a conversation while eating sweets.
When he convinced me to join the business by just saying, "Get your real estate license," as I was exploring other business options, I had no clue of the amount of quality mentorship, guidance and memories I would receive. Together we built something of which I am proud and hope continues to honor his legacy. As the community learns of his passing, I have had the privilege of hearing how many lives he positively impacted. Personally, I have so much gratitude for the guidance, steady presence, sense of humor and general good-natured partner that helped me learn to love the property and construction industry.
Overall, my biggest thought about Gary is Thank You! Thanks for believing in me, trusting me with your business, pushing me to find a business partner that will help us thrive, encouraging me to enjoy other passions outside of work and reminding me to stay true to what I believe. Working alongside him was fun which makes me feel so lucky that the process of creating a place for myself in the business world was enjoyable. Most of the times I called him after hours seeking advice or just checking in he would ask me, "Make anyone cry today?" and it was his way of reminding me to see the joy and frivolity in everyday things even in times that felt seriously overwhelming.
As we move forward with this big gap in our lives, I have so much to appreciate. Always choosing integrity and caring, he contributed to so much beyond his office desk. He was the best Papa Blue Truck to my children, an amazing boss and partner, a steadfast stepdad, and a leader in our office and homes.
And in closing, I know he would say, "Go Blue!"
- Amelia Barker King
To learn more about the imprints Gary left on our community please read over his obituary. The family asks that you "pay it forward" in his honor.
You can find all of the details here:
https://lnkd.in/gx3yYJyf
