Growing up on East Fourth Street in Florence there were loads of children to hang out with, especially in the summer. The Wilkies, Vargas, Nemeths, Jones, and Rutters kept that street hopping. Then the Dawsons arrived at some point on Pine Street. I remember the Wilkie House was the hub of all the activity. We played "Towns", Risk, road bikes, and played flashlight tag. When the Wilkies left for a week in Surf City in the summer, we certainly missed them all. Gary was a part of all the comings and goings. As we got older he was "cool" and a lot of girls gave him another look. As time passed we didn't see each other much but remembered our birthdays, a year and 5 days apart. I always talked to Mrs. Wilkie and reminded her to tell Gary "Happy Birthday." Whenever I saw Gary, I always got a smile and a "Hi Michi". As Mrs. Wilkie got older I watched all the "Wilkie Boys" and their wives and families take care of their mother. They were great with their attention and care. I used to see Gary pull up on the weekend to take his Mom out to dinner and I got my "Hi Michi". Gary was very kind and quiet and I will certainly miss seeing him around Patriotic Day or at Ken and Nancy's house.
Please know that the Varga and Scott Famiies are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. And the "Wilkie Boys" and their families looked out for Gary too. You all are certainly a loving and caring family and we are lucky to know all of you.
With love, Michelle Varga Scott aka "Michi-Lu Bird"