Gary Keene

Gary Douglas Keene of Traverse City, passed away Saturday morning, October 16, 2021 peacefully in his sleep. Gary was born on May 15, 1939 to the late Mac R. and Helen E. Keene in Traverse City.

Gary enjoyed Michigan’s outdoor opportunities especially fishing, hunting. He also enjoyed working on and harvesting from his garden. Most mornings during fishing season he would return home from West Grand Traverse Bay with his limit of Lake Trout and or Salmon. When evening came you would find Gary out by his garden stoking the fire pit with additional wood as he and his wife Jan sat around it to reflect on his gardening accomplishment of the day and the requirements for tomorrow.

Gary was involved in several area organizations and the community service these organizations participated in. He at times during his life was an active member of Grand Traverse Area Jaycees, Traverse City Elks Lodge, Friends Of American Military League - Man of the Year 1998, President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #383 during the years 1999-2000 and the VFW Cherryland Post Auxiliary.

Gary graduated from Traverse City High School in 1957 and attended Northwestern Michigan College. During his early career path he worked for Red Mill Lumber Company. A few years later he was offered and took the opportunity to start his own business. T. C. Business Systems was incorporated in 1978 which provided data processing, bookkeeping and payroll services to several large, medium and small businesses and clients for over 30 years.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Mac and Helen and his brothers Richard and Michael. He is survived by his wife Janet(Bugai), his sons Bryan(Rebecca), David(Wendy), Todd(Patricia), his daughter Debra Kotesky, his stepson Stephen Bugai, his grandchildren Peter Keene, Emily Keene, Bridget Grubb, Christopher Keene, Holly Beevers, Arthur James Scramlin, Rebecca Branam and Dana Adsit and his six great grandchildren with a seventh great grandchild expected in December.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank Promedica | Heartland Hospice Services and Beth for the exceptional support and service during Gary’s transition from this life to his next.

Gary’s wish for a life celebration event to be held after his passing, will be held in late spring of 2022.

Those wishing to contribute to Gary’s memory may do so to the VFW Cherryland Post Auxiliary, 3400 Veterans Dr., Traverse City, Michigan 49684 Tel: 231-946-7317.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more.