Gary Gee February 1, 1943 – November 16, 2025

Gary Donald Gee, peacefully and surrounded by his family, went to be with our Lord on November 16, 2025.

Gary lived his life by a quote he learned from his father: "If you don't want much, you don't need much." He was beyond generous with whatever means he had. Gary was a devout Christian and member of New Hope Community Church.  He was guided by his faith and spirituality and strongly believed in helping anyone in need, no matter what the situation. He was a kind and gentle soul who will be dearly missed and remembered forever.

Gary was the only child born to the late Zed and Audrey (Storey) Gee on February 1, 1943, in Traverse City, Mi. He graduated from Traverse City Senior High School and served in the Army Reserves. Gary had many interests which led to a variety of jobs in the Traverse City and Elk Rapids area including Chef Pierre, Super Tool, JS McDonald Feed Store, Great Lakes Feed and Saddle, and finally, McGough's Feed Store.  He retired with over 30 years of farm-and-homestead store experience.  Known for his tape measure suspenders, Gary was the man to go to for guidance on growing a lawn, gardening, soil testing, animal feed, or catching critters. He also had a talent for carpentry and specialized in making bird houses, custom dog houses and wooden crates, which he purveyed through his business, Wilderness Hill.

On July 9, 1995, Gary met his wife Kathleen (Trudeau-Gee.) They began dating but gently drifted apart until the fateful day when an 8-point buck jumped into the path of her car and she called Gary for assistance. Gary and Kathleen were married on May 18th, 1996, and built a life together for 29 years in his childhood home…with that 8-point buck mounted on the wall of their living room to this day.  His children are forever grateful for her love and devotion to him.

Gary lived his life surrounded by the things he loved in nature. His favorite past-times were fishing for cisco with his dad in Yuba Bay, hunting, spending time at the cabin, cutting and splitting firewood, and identifying bird and tree species with his children. He also had a witty sense of humor. When asked if he could recall a bird species he could not remember, he would say "that's a Harry-Bill-Jim-Bob" or, upon seeing a large dug out area in the woods, it was certainly created by a mean and vicious animal called the "Side-Hill Gouger."

Gary was a devoted father to Amy (David) Johns, Thomas Gee, and Megan (Michael) Greenway; loving grandfather to Carter (Marilyn) Johns, Kayla Johns and Aidan Greenway; great-grandfather to Kiersten and Madeleine Johns, and friend to his children's mother Cathy (Mlsna) Gee.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Friday November 28, 2025, from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell – Traverse City Chapel, 511 S. Garfield Avenue, Traverse City, Michigan 49686.  A burial service and Celebration of Life will occur in the spring. Donations of remembrance may be made to Heartland Hospice in Traverse City, Michigan.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaonfh.com