Gary Stewart Wilsher, 61, of Grain Valley, Missouri, passed away on May 18, 2009, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs, Missouri, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Gary was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on November 26, 1947, and spent a majority of his younger years in Pennsylvania before graduating from Clarion University. Since that time, he called many places home including Virginia, Colorado and Missouri. He worked in elementary education his entire career including time as a school librarian, a sales rep for National Geographic, and most recently a regional sales manager for Bound to Stay Bound Books.
Gary enjoyed traveling and spending time in the great outdoors. He fulfilled his love of the ocean by taking countless cruises with his wife, Cathy, as well as traveling to many other tropical destinations. He fulfilled his love of the mountains by spending time in the Rockies, hiking and relaxing at their cabin overlooking Pikes Peak. Gary was a history buff and an avid photographer, and he exercised those passions throughout his travels.
Gary’s greatest joy was spending time with his precious grandchildren. He loved reading with them, exploring with them, and playing games with them. He was affectionately known as, and will be fondly remembered as, “Paw-Paw”.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Cathy Wilsher of Grain Valley, MO; his daughter Lisa Malie and her husband Robert of Charlotte, NC; his son Jason Wilsher and his wife Mary of Manassas, VA; his brother Wade Wilsher and his wife Billie of Nashville, TN; his sisters Barbara Olzewski, Gina Olzewski, Andrea Santelli and her husband Mike, and Melanie Olzewski of Pittsburgh, PA; his sister Mary Boss and her husband Mark of Harmarville, PA; his stepfather Ed Olzewski of Pittsburgh, PA; his five grand children, Victoria, Olivia, Emily, Reed and Noah; his sister-in-law Sylvia Pope and her husband Don of St. Louis, MO; as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins and other cherished family members. He was preceded in death by his parents William John Wilsher and Jennie Mae Olzewski.
The family will receive friends on Friday, May 22, 2009, from 4-5:30pm at the Royer Funeral Home, 100 Royer Lane, Grain Valley, MO. A Celebration of Gary’s life will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Buck Firth officiating. Interment will be private and take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions take the form of a donation to Children International, 2000 East Red Bridge Road / PO Box 219055 / Kansas City, MO 64121 or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, or any charity of choice.
Please visit this website to see video and pictures: www.lifetributes.com/garystewartwilsher