"Tim Tonkovich. Just found about this? New Gary for years. The funny thing sucks never got a phone call. Gary was a good man and just wanted to make a role in the United States and he did. He couldn't of doent without Barb. I guess he got divorced and remarried and was doing well. Kathy i did not no. Barb your children, God Bless you."
In loving memory of
Gary Earl Gray
It is with the heaviest of hearts that the Thomson family is mourning the passing of their beloved Gary on 5-31-17, two months to the day after having been diagnosed with cancer. Gary, 57, passed in Phoenix, AZ. He was the beloved son of Dennis and Joyce Thomson, born 1-12-1960 in Bulawayo, Rhodesia and was dubbed "The Miracle Baby". He grew up in Salisbury and attended Churchill Boys School where he became a man. Joining the Army at 18, he served in the Rhodesian African Rifles for 20 months until the war ended. He went on to a sheet metal workers' apprenticeship in Johannesburg, South Africa which was short-lived. As chance would have it, Gary decided to move to Chicago, IL after a serendipitous meeting with an American. He landed an apprenticeship as a diamond setter. It was a great honor for Gary to have been taken under the wing of Roger Coudert, the famed setter for Van Cleef and Arpels in Paris. Gary married Barbara Kast in 1985 and they were married until 2003. They had two beautiful children, Katelyn and Andrew. He expanded his business to include custom jewelry pieces, which brought him much praise and recognition. Their cabin in Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin created many happy memories for friends and family. In 2000, the family relocated to Phoenix, AZ. Gary opened Gems Fine Jewelry where his passion was creating one-of-a-kind pieces and one-of-a-kind friendships. Kathy was one of his first customers and they were wed in 2006. Kathy shared a love for Jack Russell terrier's and living life to the fullest. Gary amassed many a devoted friend over the course of his short life, touching all with his larger-than-life personality, humor and generosity. A man amongst men, Gary leaves behind his devoted wife Kathy; his loving children Katelyn and Andrew; his beloved mother Joyce; sister Debbie; niece Shanelle; great-nieces Paige and Holly; great-nephew Bobby; ex-wife Barbara; mother-in-law Ruth; and friends across the globe. The Memorial service will be from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Hansen Chapel, 8314 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020.
Tributes
"I am sad to read this. I only knew of Gary as a friendly jeweler on 16th St. and then on Cave Creek, with beautiful pieces of jewelry that he had put his heart and soul into. I am fortunate that I bought a few very nice pieces that he made and I will cherish them even more now. He was always very upbeat and friendly. My condolences to the family."
"Gary - my truest of friends. I was so fortunate to have connected through such an unusual chance encounter and enjoy many great times together while living only a few miles apart in Barrington, IL. Our bond grew stronger when living a few thousand miles apart because we cared about all the stuff going on in each other?s life. I treasure the visits to Arizona and the unique Gary wit, humor and intellectual energy in all the thousands of phone conversations we had over twenty-three years. Many times I was called either Larry55, Vink Shukla, Uncle Jr. or Gullie with a story and reason for each name. I'll never forget the signature Gary traits - overwhelming generosity and ability to make me laugh and feel good on my worst days. I have those memories forever. My thoughts, love and prayers for Kathy, Katelyn, Andrew, Joyce and Debbie. God bless you. Larry Salerno"
"Thank you Gary Thomson for coming into our KJ's life. We have loved you like a brother and you meant the world to us. We will miss you like crazy, remember you forever and love you Always. Til we meet again....."
"Gary, You were an amazing china, always there for others and putting others first. We left Africa together to start that new life in 1984 and what great times we had along the way. 1985 was Chicago time where you stayed & made your life and I left but until 31st May 2017 we always stayed in touch, a true Shamwarrie. Both Susan & I cherish the final 3 weeks we spent with you through the final battle, never did you complain but only said you felt cheated at 57 having this dreaded disease. We both would never have missed being with all in Phoenix at this sad time. Till we meet again GEG Thomson may you find peace and hang out with all those mates, china's & Shamwarrie's who took this journey before you. I will miss the 2am calls to say howzit because your world clock was not sinked with mine but know you will be watching down on us all. Kathy, Katelyn, Andrew, Barb's, Joyce, Debbie & all the family our condolences & we love you. Susan & Skinny McKinney."
"Gary - You were a kind, funny, and gentle teddy bear - larger than life personality and always a smile or a joke for everyone. You were the big brother I wished I always had. Thank -you for your friendship and kindness to myself, husband and daughter - we love you and your family. We will miss you dearly. Your talent as a jeweler is unsurpassed and you poured that beauty, energy, soulfulness and zest for life into each and every one of your pieces. I am privileged to own some of these beauties. God Bless you and your family and friends. Kathy, Katelyn. Andrew, Debbie, Joyce, friends and family - words can not express our sorrow and heartfelt sympathies for the loss of Gary. We pray that God holds all close and comforts and protects; remember the good times as there were many. We love you all and are here for whatever is needed at anytime. God Bless. Much love, the Garcia family. Kim, Mike, and Ava. XXOOXO"
"To the family, We treasured Gary's friendship and will miss his humor and great spirit. He was always In love with life and his family. With fond memories, Erika and Roger Greaves"
"On behalf of my family, we say . . . You have to measure a man's life not in years but in their accomplishments, creations, family, friends and how he dealt with the good times and the not so good times. Gary measured up with the best of the best in all the important qualities. I'm a better man for knowing him and spending time with him. Thanks buddy! We are all blessed in knowing you!"
"Kathy, Katelyn,Andrew, Joyce, Debbie and family, I know of no other, who could ever come close to the Heart, that he possessed. He was a gift to all that knew him. I was blessed with his friendship. He was family to me. I know scores of people felt this same way, deep in their hearts; deep in their guts. I don't say lightly, that he was mythical. My deepest heartfelt condolences to you and all of us, who have planted him so firmly and deeply in our hearts and Souls, that he will live on, will never fade, will always influence our lives. I don't know what we did to deserve a place in his circle. I'm just so grateful that we did."
"Neall what a brilliant message and friendship..Thankyou x x x"
"Gary Our heartfelt sympathy goes to the family , I still remember the Churchill days and us playing water polo together you were always so full of fun.Having met Dennis in the latter years I found out that he was your dad and we had a good laugh and he told me of your success in Chicago to which I was so happy for you RIP my friend"
"You fought an amazingly brave fight Gary, never once complaining or feeling sorry for yourself and ensuring that all of us who were privileged to spend time with you in your final weeks were left with incredibly uplifting memories. Sincere condolences to Kathy, Katelyn, Andrew, Debbie & Joyce and to all of your family & friends of which there are many. Rest in Peace shamwari."
"There are actually few words that could be spoken at this time, to salve the pain of Gary's loved ones, Knowing Gary, I think he would want you to smile with him, and rejoice that he has been made whole again, and is lovingly watching over each of you. God bless that kind, thoughtful, gentle man."
"May the peace God gives sustain your family during this difficult time. Lean on one another as the days ahead become too hard to bear alone. Share your memories, they will be a source of joy. Seeing the promises in God's Word the Bible will help you to gain strength and fortify your hearts, granting you comfort. (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17) To learn more please visit www.jw.org search comfort."
"Gary You lit up the room and your work was magnificent it was a pleasure to call you a friend you will be missed John and Fiona Nickerson"
"My darling Son.GARY you left us far too young.You were and always will be the world to us and you had so much more beautiful work you do, spreading your laughter and love around the world to your family and friends and that was the way you lived....I have NO WORDS...I will Love and Miss you forever My "Mountain Man"..It's been 3 years since we lost Dad, my two special Men ...How can we live our lives without you Gary....You told Deb, you must, you just have to...You were so strong and that's all we can do is carry on.. With three young great grandchildren to raise we just have to continue this journey as best we can...Thankyou my darling for always being there for us all..Until we meet again Gary Earle Gray Thomson I will hold you in my heart and never stop loving you ...Always MOM aka Joybells x x x"
"GT, we met when we were just 18/19 years old wearing a military uniform and armed with an automatic rifle and told to defend our little nation then known as Rhodesia. So it was for the next 18 months. We shared good and bad times but the good memories remain of the friendships forged and remain so to this day. Sadly we all got scattered across the globe in search of a "better" life, and so we all lost contact, until the emergence of socila media, whereby we all managed to reconnect. For that we are greatful as it enabled us to talk to one another again. Sadly, life seems not to be fair, and we lose people along the way. Some were taken from us during the war, others along the way and more recently, the larger than life person who touched all of us who knew him in some way or other, Gary Thomson, GT, Gazza. RIP my friend and know that you will not be forgotten."
"Family, We loved Gary. He was our friend. We will memorialize him in our next novel. With a heavy heart but fond memories we express our condolences to all of you. We will remember ....... Faith and hope, Roger Greaves and Swifty King"
"Gary , I never got to meet you in person but we did speak on the phone while I was in Arizona , your beautiful sister said you had a warm heart and she was not wrong there , inviting me to come and stay next time I was in Arizona . Debbie only spoke highly of you . I will take care of Debbie and Joyce your lovely mum for you in England . RIP .Gina"
"Our prayers and thoughts are with all the Thomson family as they deal with the loss of a great husband, father, son , brother , uncle and friend to many. Your love for life and sense of humour will always be remembered. You fought a good fight like a true" Rhodie "but unfortunately god had other plans. Am sure that you are having a party in heaven with your loved ones. Rest in Peace - Love Bernard and Julie"
"Gary, you are missed here in Chicago. We have many great memories from the time you arrived here and those we will keep forever. You always were great. Rest in piece-- Victor"
"Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort and strength. My heart is with you in your time of sorrow. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. May the sorrow you feel in your hearts, lighten by the love that surrounds you. Heartful sympathy to all the family on the loss of Gary, our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always. Gary was one in a million, who will be sorely missed, but we will treasure the memories. Go well and fly high above the clouds, where the sun will always shine upon you. Fondest love Joyce. xxxxx"
"Gary, you are loved and missed by so many...I would love to hear just one more corny joke....or meet you and Kathy at "our place"....God Speed good friend. J&S Davey"
"We are honored and blessed to have known Gary, and consider ourself as his friends. He was truly blessing in our life and we will miss him. Our heartfelt condolences."
"Gary, you are sorely missed by many here on planet earth. But "gaan lekker" with all the family and friends in the 'after life'! Until we meet again, cheers - Vaughan."
"Thank you Gary for being such a great friend.... prayers to each and every member of your family at this time.... much respect to you buddy.... Peter Gill, Rhodesian African Rifles, 3 Indep Coy RAR.... Salute fellow soldier..."
"Uncle Gary, you might have left our physical worlds but I feel your presence with us each day. There is nothing that is going to fix our loss and nothing is going to fill the hole that has been left in our hearts !!!!! We love you and we will continue to the depths of time. I hope that Uncle Roy and Daggie and Ookies and all of our loved ones were there to meet you and that they will continue to be with you. I just pray for peace for your soul, you left this earth far too early and you will never be forgotten !!!!! Love from shashie, joybells, debdeb, bobby, holly, and paige xxxxx .... a message just from Bobby for you xxxxx "I love you uncle gary and I will never be the same again without you!!!!!!""
"Gary Thomson my darling brother and really great friend uou are a one in a million kind of soul and uou have left really large footprints here on this earth...I said to you how can I live the rest of my life without you and you said you just have to...You took the illness like a man and never once said why me..You were brave to the end...I know Dad and the rest of our family would have been waiting gorgeous you so you will never be alone..We will all keep u our memory alive until our very last breath ...I love you with all my heart Gaz and until we meet again, Fumba Mushie x x x"