Gary was one of my early friends at Clifton School, starting, say, in about 2nd grade. I used to play often at his house on Wirham Place, where his family had several large aquariums of tropical fish (those were popular in those days). We also would play with Rich Beziat, who lived on Gano Avenue at the top of Wirham, usually playing "Hide and Seek" in Rich's very scratchy shrubbery. I particulary remember one snowy winter day (possibly in 5th or 6th Grade) when Wirham Place was shut off from traffic (possibly by the city?) with sawhorses so that kids could go sled-riding down the street (we normally went sled-riding on the grand hill in Mt. Storm Park). Now Wirham Place was one block long, with a modest slope; it was steeper in the upper half of the block (for a good start downward), then leveled out a bit for a slowing-down finish. Both Gary and Rich showed me that I could actually stand up on my sled (my grandmother's; it's still operative after 120 years) to go down Wirham Place, something I could never have done at Mt. Storm. The three of us rode our sleds standing up all afternoon.
An interesting incident in 6th Grade: There was a gradewise "election" for Boy Mayor of Cincinnati. (I guess every school had these?) I came in first (there was no "campaigning" that I recall) and Gary came in second in the election. But when I realized the "duties" (I think they included speaking before the City Council), I was terrified and, after some consideration, withdrew in favor of Gary, who became our school's "Boy Mayor" (candidate or whatever).
My sister was a good friend of Bonnie Fischer, who I believe was Gary's cousin.
In high school, Gary and I grew apart, not for any particular reason except different interests. But in our Senior Year, when Gary became head of Student Council, he asked me to serve in charge of Publicity for Student Council events. He and I discussed it briefly, and I agreed to do it if my office was called "The Ministry of Truth." Knowing my sense of humor, Gary agreed. (I did tape-recorded messages over the school's Intercom during Home Room, usually beginning with a cymbal crash and my bellowing "Nobody sleeps while I talk!")
I have not seen Gary since we graduated, but, as others have noted on "The Forum," he will be missed.
Here is the link to Gary's obit; it has a wonderful photo of Gary. As you all know, Gary was married to Mary Jo Smith. Mary Jo is my husband's first cousin; Chip's father and Mary Jo's mother were siblings. Mary Jo said, "I was the luckiest Walnut Hills grad to marry Gary and be together for 55 years." I will always remember Gary for that twinkle in his eye and his wicked sense of humor.
Thanks for this, Laura. Gary was certainly a very important person in your life too so I am thinking of you as well as Mary Jo at this time, and sending my condolences. I remember Gary well as he was such a good guy and had such a strong and vital presence. So sorry to hear about his death.
Philip Spiess
Gary was one of my early friends at Clifton School, starting, say, in about 2nd grade. I used to play often at his house on Wirham Place, where his family had several large aquariums of tropical fish (those were popular in those days). We also would play with Rich Beziat, who lived on Gano Avenue at the top of Wirham, usually playing "Hide and Seek" in Rich's very scratchy shrubbery. I particulary remember one snowy winter day (possibly in 5th or 6th Grade) when Wirham Place was shut off from traffic (possibly by the city?) with sawhorses so that kids could go sled-riding down the street (we normally went sled-riding on the grand hill in Mt. Storm Park). Now Wirham Place was one block long, with a modest slope; it was steeper in the upper half of the block (for a good start downward), then leveled out a bit for a slowing-down finish. Both Gary and Rich showed me that I could actually stand up on my sled (my grandmother's; it's still operative after 120 years) to go down Wirham Place, something I could never have done at Mt. Storm. The three of us rode our sleds standing up all afternoon.
An interesting incident in 6th Grade: There was a gradewise "election" for Boy Mayor of Cincinnati. (I guess every school had these?) I came in first (there was no "campaigning" that I recall) and Gary came in second in the election. But when I realized the "duties" (I think they included speaking before the City Council), I was terrified and, after some consideration, withdrew in favor of Gary, who became our school's "Boy Mayor" (candidate or whatever).
My sister was a good friend of Bonnie Fischer, who I believe was Gary's cousin.
In high school, Gary and I grew apart, not for any particular reason except different interests. But in our Senior Year, when Gary became head of Student Council, he asked me to serve in charge of Publicity for Student Council events. He and I discussed it briefly, and I agreed to do it if my office was called "The Ministry of Truth." Knowing my sense of humor, Gary agreed. (I did tape-recorded messages over the school's Intercom during Home Room, usually beginning with a cymbal crash and my bellowing "Nobody sleeps while I talk!")
I have not seen Gary since we graduated, but, as others have noted on "The Forum," he will be missed.
Laura Reid (Pease)
Here is the link to Gary's obit; it has a wonderful photo of Gary. As you all know, Gary was married to Mary Jo Smith. Mary Jo is my husband's first cousin; Chip's father and Mary Jo's mother were siblings. Mary Jo said, "I was the luckiest Walnut Hills grad to marry Gary and be together for 55 years." I will always remember Gary for that twinkle in his eye and his wicked sense of humor.
Happy holidays to all my wonderful classmates....
https://www.springgroveobituaries.org/obituaries/Gary-Walter-Beck?obId=34045218
Mary Benjamin
Thanks for this, Laura. Gary was certainly a very important person in your life too so I am thinking of you as well as Mary Jo at this time, and sending my condolences. I remember Gary well as he was such a good guy and had such a strong and vital presence. So sorry to hear about his death.