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Gary M Kelsch
 
And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail!

But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
 
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I began my first job at 18 out of high school in the summer of 1968 at Olympia Kitchens before starting college. I remember my first day reporting to this tall, blond, stern foreman with those penetrating blue eyes who looked right through you. Of course if was Gary. When he saw my last name was Drake, he asked if Oscar Drake was my dad and I said Yes. My dad was the plant manager at Olympia 1964-1965 when they first began manufacturing cabinets and he was very impressed with Gary and took him under his leadership, built him up as plant foreman, and there were two reserved parking spots with signs at the plant door OSCAR and GARY. Gary really respected and loved my dad - and my dad loved Gary. I grew to feel the exact same way about him. He was always fair, teaching, mentoring and supportive. That first summer his dad Lou worked next to me in the mill. Dale and Joe ran the assembly department. It was like the Kennedy brothers - John, Bobby and Ted. I worked there the next summer and when I stopped in to ask for a job, Gary had moved up to plant manager - he looked at me and said "absolutely, when can you start?" That summer of 1969 added more Kelsch sisters. I didn't see them until 1981, but had followed their success starting Fashion Cabinets in the small building beside I-15, then moving to the new plant. Everyone was always so industrious and organized. In 1981 Merle Workman, an OIympia employee and I drove to West Jordan to visit the plant - Gary and Dale gave us a grand tour - talk about impressive (but no surprise)!! That was the last time I saw them - I've thought about Gary over the years - he was a great influence on my life and an incredible example of Christ-like living on the Earth. We know there's a grand Kelsch family reunion on the other side of the veil.
 
Dennis C. Drake
September 21, 2024
 
Another favorite memory I have is going to Little America once a month with Gary and the "ladies." We always enjoyed a nice meal, followed by going to Ruth's house to relax and have "gospel" discussions or just enjoy each other's company. I will always appreciate his friendship, love and kindness. He was the personification of that "charity which is the pure love of Christ." He will be greatly missed.
 
Dawn Boss
January 30, 2023
 
Gary is known for truth, honor and integrity, as well as love, generosity and kindness. One of my favorite memories is his birthday cards. He always picked out the perfect card with the perfect message. But the best part was the handwritten note he added, which was always printed in the most beautiful writing. Anyone lucky enough to get one of his cards truly received a gem!
 
Dawn Boss
January 30, 2023
 
Gary treated everyone with Love, kindness and respect. He was generous and thoughtful, always ready to help others in need. He was dignified, honorable and full of integrity, a true gentleman!
My favorite memories are of Gary enjoying family and friends. He loved to dance and I was privileged to have had the opportunity to polka with him many times. He also loved sledding down his famous sledding hill. He was not afraid of speed, and he loved going as fast as possible on his “Flexible Flyer”. He put on the best “Family Campouts” with plenty of popcorn and snow cones. Holidays with Gary were always fun and eventful. “Sunday Dinner” at Gary’s was like watching the “Miracle of the Loaves and the Fishes”, as he would feed anyone and everyone who showed up. Spending time with his family was his greatest joy. Thanks Dad, for all the wonderful memories! Love you forever!
 
Darlene Kelsch
January 29, 2023
 
Dad, I will miss you always. I love you so much. And my heart hurts for you and it probably always will.
Love, Gig

Whenever I came to your house to wire something, you always wanted to watch but you always said “I will stand back” because I did most of the wiring hot and you didn’t want to get shocked.

Whenever you called and asked me for help, I always dropped what I was doing or canceled my plans to help you. I would love to be able to help you some more.
 
Gig
January 29, 2023
 
Gary treated everyone with Love, kindness and respect. He was generous and thoughtful, always ready to help others in need. He was dignified, honorable and full of integrity, a true gentleman!
My favorite memories are of Gary enjoying family and friends. He loved to dance and I was privileged to have had the opportunity to polka with him many times. He also loved sledding down his famous sledding hill. He was not afraid of speed, and he loved going as fast as possible on his “Flexible Flyer”. He put on the best “Family Campouts” with plenty of popcorn and snow cones. Holidays with Gary were always fun and eventful. “Sunday Dinner” at Gary’s was like watching the “Miracle of the Loaves and the Fishes”, as he would feed anyone and everyone who showed up. Spending time with his family was his greatest joy. Thanks Dad, for all the wonderful memories! Love you forever!
 
Darlene Kelsch
January 25, 2023
 
The last time I had a conversation with Uncle Gary was at Aunt Linda’s house with Aunt Linda, Uncle Gary, Connie and I. He gave me some wonderful advice - that I’ve taken to heart and never forgotten. He said: “you’ll find purpose and strength being in the service of others. Which I’ve found to be true, so I like doing for others, it gives me purpose. You know who taught me that? It was Jim Jessop. Your Dad.”
He’s been a tremendous example for me in life on every level imaginable. Truly a loss to this whole world. Love and Peace to all his family!
 
Glen Jessop
January 24, 2023
 
I remember getting up early with dad before he went to work. He would make us postum and give us graham crackers to eat while he had his morning coffee. We loved it! I’m gonna miss his sweet smile and his hugs. I love you dad❤️
 
Sandra Kelsch
January 23, 2023
 
There was a ton of people at grandma fayes house,I believe it was a Christmas party. I was sitting by grandpa he was in his usual chair. Don Tolman was getting amped up talking about his book he was going to do for vegetarians. He had a few so he was taking a minute to explain the different recipes. After a while he hit a pause in his words ,and I said " Ya and at the bottom of every page you could put add meat for desired flavor" everyone was laughing but I've never seen grandpa laugh so hard In my life. He gave me a look like that was perfect.
 
Jordon kelsch
January 23, 2023
 
My strongest memory.
The day I asked if I could date Alice.
Of course I was terrified, shaking at the knees, sweating bullets and about to wet my pants. I thought…I got this! I got a moment of his time and went for it.
Walked up to him while he was doing yard work on his weekend. I asked him if he had a minute, it’s about Alice.
Then I experienced the look , them eyes that you have my attention and you better make this real good son or else.
Ohh man I think I even peed a little.
All kinds of thoughts went through my head, heart pounding like crazy, but then with a squeaky “can I date Alice?”
Finally came out. He continued with his stare, he looked me up and down and then said, “You treat Alice like an angel because that’s what she is” and gave his permission. I about passed out but went on my way.
A few weeks went by, a few dates with Alice, getting to know each other, seamed like all was well.
During this time I was working at Fashion Cabinets.
It was break time and I got a call by Gary over the speaker, “Daniel Wayman come to my office.” That had never happened before EVER! I, sitting around at a table with the guys, they all turned their heads my way with huge eyes and asked “what did you do?” GULP!!!
I head for his office, stopped and used the bathroom just in case, up the stairs to his office and he said “shut the door.” Ohh boy there’s that look again, now I’m sweating bullets again and trying to stay up right, and then he asked “what did you do to my daughter?”
Anyone remember the movie silence of the lambs??? The FBI agent Clarice Starling in the prison talking with Hannibal Lecter.
I felt like Clarice, except she had safety glass to protect her.
It felt like an eternity for me to speak up and say “nothing but love her.”
He broke out with a smile, got up walked around his desk and gave me a hug, and said “whatever it is you’re doing keep it up, she is happy son you’re doing something right.”
 
Daniel Wayman
January 22, 2023
 
As I contemplate the goodness of my older brother, Gary, it is with a heavy heart knowing I will not see him again on this side of the veil, but I want him and his family to know how very much I respected, honored and loved him. When in his presents, you could feel his love and genuine concern about your life and family. He was alert, aware and tuned in as he made the rounds to visit a family member who had lost a loved one (me, when my husband, Tom stepped across the veil). He and Linda’s visit to me as a widow meant the world to me. For them to take time out of their life to visit me was so loving and kind and deeply appreciated. About three weeks before Gary stepped across the veil, sisters Carolyn, Cathie and I along with brother Glen went to Silver Creek to see him. I connected with Cath to line it up for a visit and I was so delighted when he said yes, we could visit. He was more soft spoken than ever due to his condition,, but he and his ladies greeted us warmly and we visited for about 45 minutes. He is one of my hero’s and a treasure and tribute to Dad and his mother Elsie for raising one of God’s finest. I’m sure God and Jesus welcomed him with open arms and said how pleased they were at his sharing of love, his charity, his kindness and happy demeanor; “welcome home our good and faithful servant” Brother, I’ll love you forever and will think of you often and do all I can to emulate your loving, pleasant personality with all in or out of the family as I continue my life’s journey.
💐with deep, abiding love, your sister, Shirlee Kelsch Hollingsworth Til’ we meet again brother with Dad and all the mothers and family members on the other side of the veil….many hugs 💗💗💗
 
Shirlee Hollingsworth
January 22, 2023
 
When I was a young girl my father and his family was invited up to Gary's for a day of soup sandwiches and snowmobiling. I had never done anything like that before. We got there and Gary greeted us all like we were his very own. I felt so seen by him. He always remembered my name anytime we went there. He took us in and gave us all boots, gloves snow pants, you name it to make sure we had so much fun.
Gary was the warm hug and smile that all kids want to feel from the adults. Thank you Gary for being the real first gentleman I had the privilege of being around.
 
Jeanette Collins
January 22, 2023
 
Uncle Gary has always treated me like I was one of his kids. He would make sure to acknowledge me and say my name every time he saw me. He has always asked about my family and sincerely cared whether we were all doing well.

He has touched my life in such beautiful ways with his sharing of personal things he's been shown and told. I don't know how he knew that I needed to hear these things. They helped shift my life in such a positive and meaningful way. I will forever be grateful for the way that he took the time to do that without even realizing just how much of an impact his message made on me.
 
Bonnie Young
January 22, 2023
 
I remember Uncle Gary would always be so kind to me and ask me about my kids and my family. Always treated me with kindness and respect. He was such a sweetheart and made me always feel relaxed and at home. He made everything fun. I remember get together he would have with snow cones and popcorn. It was always such a blast.
 
Adeena Kelsch
January 22, 2023
 
I remember making more coffee at grandpas and he was next to me loading the dishes. He asked me if I had filled it enough and I said I think so. He laughed and said I make coffee just like him. Strong like us Germans do! And gave me the cutest wink after. It always makes me smile.
 
Aysia Kelsch
January 22, 2023
 
I remember being so impressed by Grandpas harmonica playing, that I got my own and asked him to teach me how to play. He was so enthusiastic and encouraging, and put a great deal into teaching me! It didn’t click for me, I was like 6, but it was fun while it lasted
 
Sapphire
January 22, 2023
 
I will never forget how loving grandpa was. Every time I would see him he would give me the best hug and say hi hun or hi dear in the softest nicest voice. Grandpa was one of the best men I have ever met and he has helped so many people want to be their best selves Including me. I love you grandpa and will miss you greatly until we meet again.
 
Brendon Elswood
January 22, 2023
 
I believe our dear Uncle Gary had a way of making each person he came in contact with feel like they were very important to him - especially his family. I always knew that he genuinely cared about me and was very happy to see me. He would always take time to ask me questions about how me and my family were doing and chat with me for a bit. Ohh, how I loved his big smile!!
I have so many fond memories of him from my early childhood - his love, generosity, and care (the ice cream! All the cereal that we could ever imagine in the world!)! But, one memory in particular has always stood out to me... One January when me, my kids and my mom went to stay with him and Aunt Faye, my daughter asked me to play out in the snow with her and I forgot to bring my snow gloves. Uncle Gary heard me telling my daughter this and without saying anything he quickly produced some warm gloves my size. It was so sweet! I was so grateful! My daughter and I went to play in the snow and she wanted to build a snowman. We did and just as we were finishing, Uncle Gary came up to us with all of his snow stuff on and with a carrot for the snowman, some raisins for his mouth, something for his eyes... all that we needed to finish off the snowman! He even stayed while we put them on and offered to take a picture of my daughter and me with the snowman. It was so very thoughtful and sweet! I still have the picture! It has always stood out in my memory and will forever! I love you, dear sweet Uncle Gary! Always and forever!
 
Shauna Jenson
January 22, 2023
 
I will be for ever greatful for all the things my Uncle Gary did for me and my family. We did not have the Disneyland experience we had the opportunity to spend our summers and winter vacation with Aunt Faye and Uncle Gary and it did not disappoint. I always felt welcome, and even if we didn't have the winter attire, Uncle Gary made sure we we equipped (all 10 of us lol). I learned to drive snowmobiles at a very youg age, three wheelers and motorcycles. I will forever cherish my time at the "Kelch Ranch". Uncke Gary, will be be dearly missed.
 
Marian Malmstrom (Denos)
January 21, 2023
 
I will be for ever greatful for all the things my Uncle Gary did for me and my family. We did not have the Disneyland experience we had the opportunity to spend our summers and winter vacation with Aunt Faye and Uncle Gary and it did not disappoint. I always felt welcome, and even if we didn't have the winter attire, Uncle Gary made sure we we equipped (all 10 of us lol). I learned to drive snowmobiles at a very youg age, three wheelers and motorcycles. I will forever cherish my time at the "Kelch Ranch". Uncke Gary, will be be dearly missed.
 
Marian Malmstrom (Denos)
January 21, 2023
 
When I think of Uncle Gary I think of the kindest and most giving man I have ever met. I am honored to have many memories of him. He will be missed by so many.
 
Angie Webber
January 21, 2023
 
So many wonderful memories of how gentle of a father you were to your children. You were so graceful and loving. I remember thinking if ever you ever got angry because I never saw it. What a great example you are to all of us. You were blessed with so many beautiful loving children. I am forever on awe of your legacy you left. Love you Uncle Gary
 
Joanna
January 21, 2023
 
Dad and I spent many morning and evenings getting to know each other and having very important talks. I'm so grateful to have such wonderful memories even though its in the car.I so love my dear Dad he is an inspiration to me!
 
Roni
January 21, 2023
 
There are so many memories with Dad (Gary)

One memory I hold very dear to my heart is when Steve was in the hospital, in his last days. Gary was there to offer comfort to me and pray with me. He also spent the night at the hospital to offer his tender loving care and assisting me with Steve's needs. I am forever grateful he was there!

We leaned on each other through it all. He was there for me when I needed it the most and I'd like to think I was there for him too. I feel we had a special bond at that moment in time.

Dad (Gary) I love you dearly and will miss you greatly. Les and I will miss the heart-to-heart talks on the phone. I am grateful to be a part of Dad's Tribe for 35 years ❤️
 
Crystal Wayman Kelsch
January 21, 2023
 
Dad took the time send his kids birthday cards. He actually wrote special messages in each one. Dad made sure that each of his kids knew that he loved them.

Growing up I watched Dad include everyone in any festivity we were having. All the neighbors were welcomed, and when all the kids lined up to give Dad a kiss hello, the neighbor kids lined up too. He never let anyone feel left out. If he happened to miss a kid, he made an effort to make it right.
 
Leslie Kelsch
January 21, 2023
 
I love you Dad ♥️
I am going to miss you!! 💔

One of my most favorite memories of my dad is….

When I would go visit him with my kiddos 😁

We would talk and laugh
Dad would tell me how amazing me and my family are ♥️

One time we showed up to make him breakfast. Alyssa and Eliza made him tofu eggs, he was so impressed with the eggs, he didn’t know it was tofu 😂

He was always so concerned and loving to us, especially with Alyssa and Eliza’s health ♥️

He was so impressed with the size of Adam and Elek , he would call them Vikings 😁
My bodyguards 🥰

Every year without fail , he would send me a birthday card 🎈
He always wrote the sweetest things to me ♥️

Dad,
Thank you for all the wonderful memories I will cherish them forever ♥️
 
Brooke
January 21, 2023
 
Having Uncle Gary in my life is truly a treasure. My Dad Marcus Wayman taught us at an early age to address him as “Uncle Gary”. I remember the first time saying it to him, it must have been new for him as well because for a split second I saw consideration on his face, but without missing a beat he adopted the new title. My Dad loved and respected His “Friend Gary” I wish I could see their reunion in the spirit world.
Uncle Gary taught me many things.
That speaking to people how it truly was was important- even if uncomfortable.
To never let your age determine how much fun you are going to have.
I loved Watching him wax his red-flyer sleigh then running and jumping on it downhill and making it “all the way to the road and the left turn”.
That sometimes cooling off in your socks in the snow is best while speaking of gospel topics.
Integrity is most important - not just for us but to show the next generation.
That children were the greatest gift from God.
He told me many times that he loved each and everyone of his children.
Uncle Gary will always be the grandest example of showing with kindness how to be stern and expect the best from people, even when they themselves don’t think they have it in them.
He is a giant among men.
His striking blue eyes were beautiful. I love him dearly.
 
Kaya Stipanov
January 21, 2023
 
I'm going to miss being able to go have coffee with him every day. I have been doing it every since I got laid off from Fashion. Love you forever Dad.
 
Alma Kelsch
January 21, 2023
 
I loved Sunday mornings with dad. He would give us a bowl of cereal and put a big scoop of ice cream on top. He is love ❤️
 
Nae Babe
January 21, 2023
 
Gary what’s the light of my life. Whenever he walked in the house I knew everything was OK. Even after 54 years of marriage, he inspired me every day. His kindness, gentle nature, impeccable integrity , and dedication to being in service to others was the best model if a life well lived that I could’ve asked for.

He was very frugal with himself and his family, yet we never lacked for anything. And he never hesitated to help other families who needed it. He saw them all as his own.

Any visitors who came to my house, regardless of race religion or color were treated with kindness and graciousness. Everyone of them adored him, because his essence was so beautiful. He treated them like family. Many of them connected with him in a way they could not connect with her own father. He was just such a beautiful model of what a human being could be.
 
Linda Kelsch
January 21, 2023
 
I used to go up to Silver Creek and stay with Steven. One time when I was about 9 or 10 I was spending the weekend with Steve. Uncle Gary found out that it was my birthday (February 28th), and he said,, " What? It's your birthday?" So he went to his well stocked secret storeroom and brought up some gloves, a coat, and some boots and gave them to me for my birthday. I'd never gotten birthday presents before. It was so special. I'll never forget how awesome it was. I get choked up when I think about it. It was so kind. He truly loved everyone. I went up there with nothing to play in the snow with. He was such a cool guy. Who knew he'd become my father-in-law?
 
Dave Kelsch
January 20, 2023
 
I remember, over the summer of I think either 2020 or 2021, I helped grandpa with work around his houses, whether it was cutting down burrs or pruning his trees, I never hated it. He made any job, no matter how strenuous, fun and engaging to do. He never got mad if I made mistakes and getting rides in his tractor was always fun.
Honestly I could list off memories with him probably forever. We will all miss him dearly. His legacy is immeasurable.
 
Rone Kelsch
January 20, 2023
 
One fun memory of Grandpa was when he was helping a bunch of us kids make homemade ice cream. He told us all the ingredients to add, raw eggs being one of them. We were all surprised when he told us to put raw eggs in it but just thought “If Grandpa says that’s right, it must be so!”
When the ice cream was all finished and ready to eat, he said with a smile “All right! April fools!”. We were all very confused and he told us that we weren’t really supposed to put raw eggs in it so it was bad now. We all were sad that the ice cream was ruined and also were saying “I knew it! I knew we weren’t supposed to put raw eggs in it!” After he got all of our reactions, with a child like smile he said “April fools!” again and laughed and confirmed that the ice cream was still good to eat lol.

He was such a fun, loving, beautiful man! I love you Grandpa!💙💙💙
 
Melissa Kelsch
January 20, 2023
 
When all of us were lined up for bed in the playroom and Grandpa would come in and play his harmonica before we fell asleep. Love you Grandpa 💙💙
 
Dawn
January 20, 2023
 
I remember getting up early with dad before he went to work. He would make us postum and give us graham crackers to eat while he had his morning coffee. We loved it! I’m gonna miss his sweet smile and his hugs. I love you dad❤️
 
Sandra Kelsch
January 20, 2023
 
One of the most memorable things about Dad is, he was willing to discuss the Gospel of Jesus Christ with almost anyone who would ask him questions.

I especially appreciated how he'd take the time to explain things how he believed and understood them.

We've had many great visits.

I'm gonna miss his wisdom.
 
Leslie Kelsch
January 20, 2023
 
The best thing ever was watching a funny movie with dad he had such a contagious laugh it would make you laugh. He would watch the movie and we would watch him and watching him was way better than watching the movie. Love you always and forever dad ❤️💙💜
 
Patti
January 20, 2023
 
Grandpa Gary was a kind, honest, smart guy who is the only grandpa I’ve ever known. He gave us this wonderful family and from what I’ve seen he never really got angry at anyone. I miss you Grandpa ❤️
 
Ryker Robinson
January 20, 2023
 
When we lived in Salt Lake, Dad would hookie bob us through the neighborhood streets when it snowed real heavy. We'd have so many kids hanging on to the bumper of the van on toboggans. So much fun!
 
Jean Kelsch
January 20, 2023
 
Grandpa is the most kind human I know. Always so welcoming to everyone he met! I love all the memories of camping at his house every summer growing up. And the past few years I was able to take my kids up there to experience camping at his house too. We loved it. Love you grandpa.
 
Jenn
January 20, 2023
 
When I was very young maybe 5 years old. Dad brought a long black tarp type thing and set it up on Aunt Linda's lawn. We lived in Murray at the time. He put a hose on it and introduced us to the first slip-n-slide. It was a blast! Dad would run and slide on his belly and try to slide the whole thing on his feet. It was hilarious! All us kids were laughing our heads off. He was such a fun dad.
 
Jean Kelsch
January 20, 2023
 
When I was 17, I went on a cruise to Mexico with Grandpa. On the cruise, we watched a ballet. After the ballet, we were waiting for the elevator when one of the performers came running by us, and leapt up some stairs. Grandpa quickly rolled up his program and yelled into it(trying to project his voice) "NERD!" This was a side of grandpa I had never seen. During the same vacation, walking down the hall of the ship to our room, grandpa saw us coming, hid behind a small wall that stuck out from someone's doorway, lifted up his pant leg, and rubbed his leg up and down the wall in a seductive manner. The different personalities I saw that week, from him, were great and shocking. People would blow people away. He, truly, was an incredible man! I love and miss him!
 
Kimberly Kelsch
January 20, 2023
 
I had the opportunity to go on a cruise with Grandpa when I was probably 17 or 18. So grateful for that experience! I was able to see a side to Grandpa I had never seen before.

We (my sisters and I) were wandering around the ship. As we were wandering, we saw Grandma Faye walking toward us. She said “Girls, have you seen Grandpa? I can’t find him anywhere!” We all were a little confused at first, because Grandpa was standing RIGHT behind her with a sweet smile on his face. We looked at him and he put his finger up to his mouth and without a sound said shhh. We all responded to grandma. “That’s weird Grandma, I wonder where he could be?” We parted ways and watched them as they walked away. Grandpa kept on following her around not far behind with a smile on his face and his hands together behind his back. It was hilarious!
 
Kristie Barlow
January 20, 2023
 
As a child I had terrible migraine headaches that would wake me up in the middle of the night. Any time I woke up and Dad was there, I would go in and wake him up, and he would take me into the living room. He would sit up and rock me until I either fell asleep or the Tylenol kicked in. He did this even though he had to get up very early and go to work. I love Dad and I miss those late nights.
 
Vanessa Kelsch
January 20, 2023
 
I was at Uncle Gigs house and Grandpa came to me and Rone and asked us for help with his yard, and after he asked he put his hands up like he was gonna box us (in a playful manner) and he jumped around and and pretended to box us, then we went to help him with his yard, and he got his tractor out and let us ride with him, he also showed us how it works and other stuff about the tractor. One of the best memory of Grandpa Gary I have. ❤️❤️❤️
 
Reagan Kelsch
January 20, 2023
 
I couldn't be more grateful for him being my dad.. He is a blessing to us all. Love you forever dad..
 
Renee Kelsch Elswood
January 20, 2023