Gary Clone

With Gary Clone around, one could always be assured to have a great time as he consistently colored the world with his quick wit and fun-loving spirit. Whether he was serving his country, establishing a nature center, or sharing a hug with a grandchild, Gary carried himself with integrity, charisma, and compassion; touching the lives of his family and his students in a significant way. Gary lived his life with vibrancy and zest, making the most of every day he was given.

By the end of the 1930’s, things were looking a bit brighter for the future of our nation as we were rising out of the grip of the Great Depression that had plagued us for over a decade. Kenneth and Norine (Adams) Clone, of Jackson, Michigan, were looking forward to their own exciting time as well; as Norine was due to give birth to their first child at any time. They were indeed blessed on November 14, 1939 with the birth of their son, Gary Kenneth. Soon followed by eight brothers and one sister, Gary established close relationships with his siblings that would remain throughout his entire lifetime. When he was around the age of five, Gary’s family relocated to Eaton Rapids, Michigan where he attended local schools, raised a cow through the local 4-H program, and became involved in baseball, football, the Future Farmers of America, and also the Key Club.

During his high school years, Gary was well-liked by his peers and when he was 15, he met a young woman who would forever change the course of his life. Her name was Marcia Hannon and she was just 13, but when she met Gary she thought he was sweet, shy, and very handsome. It didn’t take long before they went out on a date, where Marcia initiated their first kiss. Gary went on to graduate from Eaton Rapids High School in 1958 and then worked on the family farm. He then hesitantly attended Michigan State University where he studied Fisheries and Wildlife. Since he could only afford two terms, Gary left school and moved to Oregon where he joined the Forestry Service and worked putting down trails, fighting fires in the Umpqua River area, and delivering supplies to lookout towers with his pack horses.

Life turned in a new direction for Gary when he enlisted in the Army in 1961 and was stationed in Augsburg, Germany as a military police officer. Gary got into a bit of mischief involving girls in a Jeep while in Germany and transferred to the Signal Corp. He loved his time in Germany. He was honorably discharged on October 22, 1964 and returned to Eaton Rapids/East Lansing where he re-enrolled at Michigan State University.

While he was in the Army, Gary and Marcia corresponded through letters, more deeply solidifying their love for each other. On November 13, 1964 they were engaged and were married on April 10, 1965. The newlyweds honeymooned at Niagara Falls and then returned to MSU where Gary earned his degree in 1968. Along with Fred Trost, Gary established Woldumar Nature Center in Lansing, Michigan, a project he started as vice president of the Fisheries and Wildlife Club. In 1969, Gary earned his teaching certificate. Then in 1972, he and Marcia graduated together with Master’s degrees in a progressive new program titled Outdoor Education, now called Environmental Sciences.

Also of great significance during this time was the birth of Gary’s first son, Eric Karl, in 1969. Kristofer Lars was born in 1973. After receiving his teaching certification, Gary worked as a middle school teacher at Kinawa Middle School in Okemos. While at Kinawa, Gary and Marcia developed and implemented a week-long camping program for 6th-8th graders, a program that still continues today. In 1977, Gary took a third grade teaching position in Northern Michigan where his family continues to reside. Shawn Patrick arrived in 1979. At Kalkaska schools, Gary taught biology to high school students and then social studies to middle school students, adding physical education teacher to his résumé as well.

Although he retired from teaching in the mid 1990’s, Gary never truly retired. He drove for the Grand Traverse Resort, driving resort guests which included the Detroit Red Wings while in town for Training Camp. Gary performed various odd jobs and loved the people he worked with. He also worked for various delivery companies, combining his love for driving and traveling. Gary and Marcia had a vehicle that had over 600,000 miles on it and it was calculated that Gary drove well over one million miles in his lifetime!

During his leisure time, Gary pursued a variety of additional interests. He and Marcia loved to travel, visiting every state except Hawaii. They went to the 2006 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. While in the army, Gary also traveled extensively across Europe, visiting Italy, France, and Holland, just to name a few of the many countries he visited. He attended the Williamsburg United Methodist Church for over 30 years where he occasionally taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. Gary possessed a compassionate spirit that led him to participate in the Multiple Sclerosis Walk every year in Lansing. He also participated in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Eaton Rapids. Canoeing was a significant part of Gary’s life which he loved sharing with both his students and his family. On one of his expeditions Gary and his son Eric canoed from the source of the Manistee River to Lake Michigan. Many other family canoe trips were also taken.

Gary Clone was a man who was dedicated to both his family and his students and could fit into any type of social gathering as well. He was gregarious and charismatic and regularly sarcastic, always striving to brighten the day of those around him. Gary was generous by nature and made a significant impact on the world around him whether he was establishing programs in his community, taking students camping, or supporting various causes. Gary touched the hearts of so many, leaving behind memories that will be forever held in the hearts of those he left behind. He will be dearly missed.

Gary Clone passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2009, at home with his family by his side. Gary’s family includes his wife of 44 years, Marcia; his sons Eric (Melissa Brown), Kristofer and his wife (Annie Sisk), and Shawn (Brittany); grandson, Liam and Liam’s mother, Mary Moore; foster children, Tonda, Bud and Billie Jo, foster granddaughter, Jessica, and several exchange students. Nine siblings survive; Wayne (Dianne), Mike (Cindy), Terry (Jill), Ron (Lisa Burns), Pat (Peg), Phil (Laurie), Al (Sue), Bob (Marianne) and Shari (John) Polansky, and many other family members and friends. Cremation has taken place. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church. Visitation for Gary's family and friends will begin at 1:00 pm. Arrangements provided by Traverse City Life Story Funeral Home - Traverse City, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory.

Those wishing to extend an expression of sympathy may consider a memorial gift to Grand Traverse Conservation District, 1450 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684 or Munson Hospice, 1105 Sixth St, T.C. 49684.