Golay, Gary Blaine

Longtime Alaska resident Gary Blaine Golay, 76, died of natural 
causes Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, in Mojave, Calif.

Upon his request, no service will be held, and his remains will be 
brought back to Alaska for final disposition. 

Gary was born Sept. 18, 1933, in Conda, Idaho, the son of Elmer and 
Rosemarie Golay. After graduating from high school, he went on to 
serve in the U.S. Navy. Gary moved to Alaska in 1965 and lived in his 
Eagle River home for more than 40 years. 

Gary had an independent, adventurous spirit, suited for Alaska. During 
his lifetime he was a bush pilot, hunting guide and gold miner, and 
later owned and operated several local businesses. 

His family wrote: "Gary was the type of man that if you had the chance 
to meet him, you would probably walk away really liking him. He was 
one of those people that when he walked down the street he would 
run into someone that he knew or an old friend at every turn. 

"Those who got the chance to really know and love Gary saw a gentle, 
kindred spirit underneath his rough and tough persona, and you could 
rest assured that if he ever said he was going to do something or gave 
you his word, you knew that this was the way it would be. 

"Gary lived life to the fullest and he never seemed to slow down. He 
was on his way back from the World Championship Rodeo Finals in 
Las Vegas to his daughter's home in Bakersfield, Calif., when he 
passed away. Going to the World Championship Rodeo Finals was one 
of his biggest dreams, and he was able to realize that dream before 
the end." 

Gary is survived by his daughters, Rosemarie Griffiths of Bakersfield, 
Calif., and Monique Golay of Houston, Alaska; grandchildren Blain 
Golay (USN), Amber Roberts and Cathy Fisher; brother, Dr. Vernon 
Golay of Salem, Ore.; and many close and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Edith Golay; his son, 
Robin Golay; and his daughter Debra Carroll.

Gary Golay will be greatly missed by his family and everyone whom 
his life touched.

Published in adn.com from January 3 to January 4, 2010