Gary Eugene Laman

Gary Eugene Laman passed away peacefully in Utah on March 3, 2016, with his daughter at his bedside holding his hand. Gary is a cherished father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was born in Freeport, Illinois, and grew up in Loves Park, Illinois.

He graduated from Harlem High School in 1961 where he was an excellent student and a member of the football and golf teams. He was very mechanically-minded and enjoyed rebuilding cars.

Gary married Elsyne Hinckley, and they had a daughter whom they both love very much. Notwithstanding their divorce, Gary and Elsyne worked together to raise and nurture their daughter to successful adulthood. Gary's daughter was the light of his life, and his face lit up every time he talked about her.

In Gary's earlier days, he served in the Army Reserves. He worked for Sundstrand, Borg Warner Mechanics Universal, and Rockford Public Schools. Because of Gary's love for golf, he also worked at Macktown Golf Course off and on through the years as a starter and ranger. Gary never cooked a meal in his life, except for the occasional can of soup in the microwave when he was sick. He enjoyed eating out and joked with the waitresses, always brightening their days.

Gary was a hard worker and did everything with an eye to perfection. He was very well-liked, never had an enemy, and was a Bear and Cub fan always. He loved music and dancing, keeping his cars in tip-top shape, and working on his lawn. He had a beautiful lawn at his house on Merrill Avenue and even won Yard of the Month. By far, Gary's favorite pasttime was golf. He had a hole-in-one on #17 at Macktown and was very proud of that accomplishment. Gary played Augusta National Golf Course where the Masters is played, and he was always very appreciative to his friend Tom who made that opportunity possible.

He is survived by his loving and devoted daughter Melissa, her husband (Wayne Moon), and their three children (Savannah, Carson, and Garrett). He is also survived by his sister Diane, his brother Dale, his step-daughter Michelle, their families, his very good friends Marty, Tom, and Lynn, and many other friends and family who loved him much. Gary is pre-deceased by his mother Marie Winter, his sister Donna, and his grandson Devan.

An intimate graveside service was held on March 7, 2016, at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Services were facilitated by Olpin Family Mortuary. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.