Gary R. DeGrave
PALM COAST, Fla. — Gary R. DeGrave, born October 7, 1946, with a will of iron and a giving heart, Gary lost his short fight with cancer on December 16, 2024, proving even the most stubborn have their limits! At 78, Gary completed a life well lived, filled with a unique combination of gruffness, unfiltered opinions and endless acts of kindness and love.
Born in Escanaba, Gary spent his youth in the Upper Peninsula until he enlisted in the Army in June 1966. When he was discharged from the Army in 1969 he started his career with New Jersey Bell and remained in the telecommunications field until retiring in 1999. After retiring, he and his wife moved back to the U.P. where he continued doing the things he loved; horseback riding, putzing at camp and golfing.
Gary loved his family more than anything. He leaves behind his loving wife, Pat; daughter, PJ Lum (Chris) and his son, Joseph (Robin) DeGrave; siblings, Janet Thompson, Debbie Olson, Richard (Patty) DeGrave, Blaine (Charlene) DeGrave, and Dan (Holly) DeGrave; grandchildren Jonathan, Joey, Jiselle and Jaxon; and great-grandson Braxton; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother Wilbert (Red) and Doris (Wester) DeGrave; brothers, Tex and Michael DeGrave; brothers-in-law, Walter Thompson and Craig Olson; sister-in-law, Geri DeGrave.
A family gathering will take place at a later date.