On July 28, 1998, we lost a friend and fellow classmate from the Class of '60. Gary Francis Crew died of complications from open-heart surgery after days of valiant struggle. Ceremony and interment were at the Air Force Academy on Aug. 1, 1998.

It is an honor to share some thoughts in remembering a friend, roommate and fellow graduate. Although our paths did not often cross during our Air Force careers, the friendship and bonding formed as roommates in our senior year were lasting and rewarding experiences.

Gary entered the Academy in 1956 upon graduation from West High School is Waterloo, Iowa. He was a member of the Cadet Choir, forum, and ski club, and he was a falconer. He attended pilot training at Bainbridge, GA and Chandler AZ. His distinguished career included assignments at Riggs AFB, the 310th Air Commandos in Vietnam, Hq. TAC at Langley AFB, advisor to the Chinese Air Force Academy and Hq. MAG in Taiwan, chief, Special Missions Office/Presidential Flight Support at Robins AFB, and chief of Readiness at Randolph AFB.

Immediately upon retirement in 1981, Gary joined Martin Marietta. Following his initial involvement with the MX Peacekeeper project, he became a Plans and Programs proposal lead, then a Special Projects team leader, working ultimately on the Titan 4 Program when he retired in 1993. He then started his own business, Ultimate Golf, Ltd., to create custom golf clubs. As with every endeavor, he tackled this new challenge with passion and dedication, becoming one of only four Class A-certified club makers in Colorado. Not only was he an excellent golfer in his own right, but his ability to transfer his knowledge to both students and equipment was indeed remarkable.

Several aspects of Gary's personality come to mind. One trait in particular that always came across, both while at the Academy and during  our visits over the years, was his unconditional friendship and easy temperament. The endurance of the long-distance friendship during the past 38 years is a testament to his commitment and loyalty to friends. During the times that we were together over the years, Barbara and the children were always a prime topic. It was obvious that Gary was a loving and dedicated husband and father. To say that he was proud of his sons Jeff and Brian, and their wives, would be an understatement. Barbara and family were his life.

Gary was a warm, talented friend who will be terribly missed by everyone he touched, both in his personal and professional life. His humor, love of life, and above all, his unwavering honor and loyalty merely underscored his commitment to excellence.

Gary is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Littleton,CO: and two sons: Jeff (wife, Denise, and grandchildren Madison and Mallory) of Littleton, CO, and Brian (wife, Debra) who lives in Chicago, IL.

(Gerry Gammill, '60)