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It has been nearly 50 years since I was with Gary. I tried to remember way back, and the first thing that came to my mind after reading this tribute,  was another one of the jobs he held long ago. Gary would bring in airplanes at the Palwaukee Airport. He was the guy with the long red lights, directing planes. 

We worked together a few weekends back then, selling plants for his friend, Dave. Dave now owns a huge nursery called, Mini Earth. How nice to have helped get him started!

Gary loved the band, Supertramp, and every time I hear their song, "Illogical,"  it still gets stuck in my head! He had a huge album collection he took great care of. 

We often ate dinner with the family at the Buffalo Grove restaurant, Jo Jo's. I still eat avocado on my BLT because of that!  

I developed my love of old movies going with them to Chicago to see the classics. His dad loved them, (but I'm not sure Gary did.) Did you know his dad is related to Jack Benny? 

Several times I ditched high school with him to go to Lake County Forest Preserve. We'd always feed the geese, and then they'd chase and attack me. (Karma for ditching school.) 

Our friends would "scoop the loop" on Genesee St. in his "Mopar." Truth be known, I never liked that car, LOL, but all his friends thought it was cool. 

Gary was in college when I met him, and he hoped one day to work as an oceanographer.  I can't remember why...but it looks like he turned out to be more of an astronomer. 

His friends had a rock band, and we would watch them play. I remember him setting up the dry ice machine for the song "Smoke On The Water." I think the band only knew a dozen songs, so this was always a big deal. 

I didn't know he had two daughters and lots of grandkids, or that he loved to travel. It's great to see he turned out to have a wonderful life.

I’m so very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing!  Such a nice gentle soul.  It was always interesting to talk with Gary about his travels.  Such a great person who went through a lot!  God speed, Gary🙏 Gone way too early!
Lindsey and Sarah, I’m so sorry for your loss. His wit and especially his humor is what I will really miss. Hard to believe that we knew each other for 50 years. May God bless him and take him home.
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Gary "Otto" Bell