Though Gary did not serve a Massachusetts Conference Church, as the pastor of Good Shepherd UCC in Metrarie, LA he was an active partner with numerous teams from Massachusetts Conference churches in their efforts to contribute to the rebuilding of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.  Gary  was a graduate of Eden Theological Seminary and served as a UCC Pastor for 35 years in Southern Illinois, Nebraska and Louisiana.

A spritual director known for his sense of humor, Gary was instrumental in encouraging his parish to create safe, hospitable space for groups traveling to help in Recovery efforts.  Gary helped us to see the spiritual and emotional impact of the trauma, touring the city with mission groups and providing the background to the causes of the flooding, the needs of the city and some of the ways we could be of support.  After retirement he continued his recovery ministry as an outreach coordinator for a locally based trucking company and continued to organize volunteers to work in the schools and serve the needs of the community.

Through his connection with WAMS,UCC and WAYS recovery trips he inspired many Massachusetts Conference churches to engage in further mission and helped weave threads between our congregations that drew us into relationship with each other - sharing in worship, prayer, celebration and of course, fundraising and book collections for the work of the Good Shepherd UCC.

After a long battle with Leukemia, Gary died at home in the arms of his beloved wife and daughters.