Gary Lynn Shumway

November 23, 1941 - February 3, 2009
Gary Lynn Shumway, devoted husband and loving father passed on to his eternal home Tuesday, February 3, 2009 peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. He was 67 years old.

Gary exhibited strength and power and conformed his life to the principles of truth and righteousness. He accomplished the righteous desires of his heart and acknowledged the hand of God in all things.

He persevered in battle during the past year with pancreatic cancer and also Guillain Barre' (French Polio). He fought these health challenges with courage and with an optimistic pleasant attitude. He proved himself valiant in faithfully working full-time and serving others right up to the time of his passing.

Gary was born on November 23, 1941 in American Fork to Arlo B. Shumway and Jane Lee Shumway. He resided in Orem and Provo throughout his entire life. He grew up on a farm in Vineyard, Utah and grew to adulthood learning and acquiring a valuable, strong work ethic and discipline.

He served an honorable mission in London England under President Marion D. Hanks for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has served in many capacities in all auxiliaries in wards and stakes in the Church with one of his favorite positions being in the Bishopric at Brigham Young University. He was released as a mission leader and gospel essentials teacher just prior to his passing.

He was an avid and talented athlete excelling in all sports including football, basketball, baseball and golf throughout his youth, high school and college years and into his adult years. Gary played on a European championship basketball team. He was also on the last All-Church championship basketball team in 1970. He has been involved in sports his entire life as a participant, fan and also in his field of labor. He was successful in his chosen vocation in life serving in the sporting goods industry in designing athletic uniforms for all of the sports and representing major sporting goods companies. He will be greatly missed by the coaches and staffs in the high schools and colleges in Utah as well as his caring associates.

Gary was known for his honesty, sense of humor and his quiet unassuming character. He was a courteous considerate gentleman and was loved and appreciated by all with whom he came in contact. He was a true friend. He will be greatly missed by all that loved him.

His greatest accomplishment in life was that of being a loving, devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was married and sealed to his high school sweetheart, Glenda Andrew in the Salt Lake Temple on December 12,1963. They were blessed with seven children: Christina (Grant) Needham; Andrew (Christine) Shumway; Cherisa Green; (Darren Green); David (Jodi) Shumway; Melissa (Matt) Church; Peter (Courtney) Shumway. A son, Paul Charles Shumway preceded his father in death on October 2, 1979. Gary and Glenda have seventeen grandchildren: Nate, Jared, Keilani, and Michael Needham; Grace Shumway; Jake, Britton, Sydney and Rachel Green; Kaden and Aubrey Shumway; Brenly, Addison and Chloe Church; Nick, Riley and Mattex Shumway. He is survived by his wife Glenda of 45 years and all of his posterity except his son Paul. He is also survived by his siblings: Dale Shumway, Dianne Wimmer, Jill Mills and Jana Park.

We wish to thank all of our family and friends and medical personnel that have been such a support to us.

A time of commemorating Gary's life for family and friends will be held Monday, February 9, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Edgemont North Stake Center, 345 East 4525 North in Provo. Family and friends may join with us on Sunday, February 8, 2009 from 6-8 p.m. at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home in Orem, 646 East 800 North, and also prior to Gary's services at the Stake Center from 9-10:30 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2009. Burial will be held at Orem City Cemetery.