Sharon and family, I have been truely blessed to have known Gary over the years. I especially enjoyed the opportunity of being in Church and hearing the wisdom he would impart to all of us in class. I know there will be quite a void, but it is my prayer that you will be comforted for sometime to come with the wonderful memories you have of your husband and your father. Love, Joy

To all of the Mathews family,
What a wonderful legacy your father has left you and what an amazing tribute and honor each of you are to him. Even though your dad's life was cut short it will continue on in each of you as you continue to live the principles and values he taught you. It is true there is no greater joy for parents than to see their children happily living the gospel and serving the Lord. Your dad's joy will continue with him into the next life and it will be a great reunion when you see him again. His example of Christ-like love was so evident in the way he treated everyone. But it was especially obvious in his love for your mother and each of you.
As I've listened to stories from the "old" days in the Newport Ward thru the years. It was evident that your dad was the "Father" of the Newport ward. His service marked a new era and a beginning of exciting growth for the church in this area. Everyone always speaks of him with great love and respect. It was obvious his love and dedication made a difference in the lives of many.
We pray for your continued comfort and peace. We love you all! Remember, you still have a lot of "family" here in Newport. We hope you return often.
Love ya,
Linda and Dave Miller (and family)

Dear Ben and Sharon and family

We were very sorry to hear the sad news of the passing of your dad Ben and your husband, Sharon. I know that he is in a much better place now. But we will all miss him. We loved him. He was a very loving and kind man.

Please let us know about the funeral arrangements and let us know where we can send the flowers.

lots of ;pve and condolences from,

Alex and Lidia

Hi Sharon........Although you have been traveling with Gary on his life's final journey for some time now......it doesn't take away the reality of the heartache of actually "loving and letting go". Gary was blessed to be surrounded by the love of his family and the compassion and care you each have given him when he so needed it.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Peace.........Pat Whetstone

My heart feels deeply for all of you this morning. Gary was so blessed to have all of you for his family. The Gary I remember was a kind and gentle man who loved all of you greatly. I remember him awaiting the birth of your last child and his joyful anticipation. I remember his kind patience with his students and the innovative experiences he brought into his classroom.
I know your hearts are grieving. Even though we know our beloved is in the arms of the Lord, our human selves so wish him to remain in our arms a while longer. Oh that we all should be so loved! Sharon, although I saw Gary just fleetingly over the past few years, I know from others what a loving helpmate you have been. Many hugs to you for that. May you all feel peace at knowing Gary is with the Lord. I will pray for all of you.
Loving friendship,

Lynn Whitlow

Libbey,

I am so sorry to hear this news. I didn't know your dad personally but the legacy he has left with his children as strong, independent, service-oriented and wonderful individuals is a testament to his own strength. I remember meeting him at your wedding and hearing the news from the past few years as your family has gone through these trying situations. And his advice to you about "the hardest part of grad school is getting in" has also sustained me the past four years! I am constantly amazed at the strength and closeness you have with your parents and wanted to send my heart felt thoughts and prayers to you.

Love,

Jenny Johnson

Your father was not only a good man, but also a great father. He also was a loving companion to your mother. He lived great and accomplished much to see how his children have grown and prospered. He fondly spoke both your mother and his children with admiration.

His memory of events and experiences was remarkable. He would share experiences with such detail in quorum meetings and will be greatly missed by all. He is a friendly to many and always had a great sense of humor.

Think of all those Gary has taught great lessons in school, as a church leader, and as a father. He led by example in both word and deeds. Now he will teach others in the Spirit World until the rest of his eternal family joins him.

God bless Gary and his family unit.

Your friend, Brother (uncle) John

I was forwarded the email today about your Dad...I'm so very sorry. Your Dad was such an awesome kind and gentle man. He taught me in the 4th grade as we were transitioning to our new home in Oregon, and that's how I met you. My thoughts and prayers are with you, I'm trying to hold back the tears writing this email to you thinking of my Dad. You have such a great family full of support and I really hope tonight your doing okay. I'll be thinking of you. Much love to you Erick and your sweet baby Jacob.

Love Amy (Buzby) Knight

One of my favorite quotes from Thomas S. Monson: "Through tears and trials, through fears and sorrows, through the heartache and loneliness of losing loved ones, there is assurance that life is everlasting. Our Lord and Savior is the living witness that such is so."

Tennison and I are thinking and praying for you guys. We love you all.

Tennison and Heidi (Mathews) Washington

Gary was a giant of a man. I'm sorry to hear he has passed on.
- Henry Paul

Loved your dad - his sense of humor and kindness. What a wonderful legacy he leaves behind. I am glad to hear that you were able to visit him so recently and have some lovely and tender moments. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Please give your mom a hug for me.

Much Love, Heidi Romney"

Libbey..

No words can ease your pain but please know that I am thinking of you and praying for you and your family. Continue to take comfort in the fact that this truly isn't the end, just an intermission of sorts in your life together.

Much love,
Tina McCaslin-Kelley

Hey Lib,

We are so very sorry for your loss. We all loved your dad, he was one of the nicest person I knew and was always generous with his time. Know that your family will be in our prayers. We love you guys and know that your dad will always be with you.

Jared, Heidi, Logan and Jack Wilson

Beth, I'm so sorry. Your dad has always been such a bright spot in the world, he will be missed when he goes. I hope his suffering is small. Thank you for being such a support to your mother - she means so much to me. You have a great family - I'm glad you'll have them to help you through this time. Give my love to your parents, and I'll keep your family in my prayers. -- Acacia Pearson

I am Paul and Aurella’s daughter, Teresa. My mom and dad loved you guys so much! Gary has always been a special nephew to my dad. Gary’s illness is so much like what my mom went through. Please know that my heart aches and my prayers are with you all. Please give Gary our family’s love and let him know that we love him. - Teresa Yack

Nate, I have probably only got to be with your dad on half a dozen occasions in my life but each time I have been with him it felt like I was being with my uncle who lived next door. He is a great man. - Cary Shelton