Gary, aka ‘Chas’, and I shared some great musical times during our in high school years at Ritenour Sr High. Our best times were with our “rock” band, the ‘Gary Paul Group’. Gary was a natural bassist. In addition to playing electric bass in the “Group”, he was also called upon by the various musical directors at Ritenour to play upright string bass (double bass) and even the tuba and the Sousaphone. Gary participated in orchestra, concert band, stage band and marching band. Gary’s musical interest and talents come as no surprise to anyone, but there was more to Gary than just music.

Gary was a fellow with whom one could comfortably talk, share thoughts, commiserate and cope with the critical issues and challenges facing the high school teen. Gary and the other guys in the “Group” literally helped me survive some difficult, awkward, challenging, and, sometimes, depressed times. On one occasion, I had to work late at another job, so Gary waited and gave me a ride to a gig we had at a venue called The Queen Arena, which I recall was in Warrenton, MO. We had the best time just talking and joking on our trip. I recall that our other band members were a bit pissed because we got there late, after they had already completed the setup (we were, after all our own roadies). Gary just took it stride, and everyone else got over it. With Gary one always knew that he was a guy who “had your back”. Gary actually helped me build up my courage to ask out a girl that I liked.

Gary had a great sense of humor, but he was also a bit adventurous. He was a bit of the daredevil when driving. Suffice it to say that riding with Gary in his “boat” of a car was always an adventure. He liked getting a rise out of us, but in retrospect, never really put any of us in mortal danger. The other guys in the Group will know what I mean.

Gary and I were born just 13 days apart. As is often the case, sadly, I wish I had made the effort to see him over these several decades, or at least to stay in touch more. Life plugs along, families and job responsibilities happen, making it easy to “kick the can down the road”, and suddenly an individual that you realize had such meaning passes. I suggest to anyone reading this to take stock of the people that are important to you and make that effort to keep in touch with them. At least with Gary, I figure we are heading toward the same afterlife, and I will have a second chance to tell him how important he was to me.