Harley W. Gay

Harley W. Gay, age 85, of Bloomingdale, longtime resident of Bloomingdale Twp., MI, died peacefully at home on June 18th, 2011. He was born Feb. 22, 1926 in Kalamazoo, MI, to Russell and Mable (Tucker) Gay. Harley was a WWII Navy veteran, serving on the USS Boise (CL-47) in the Pacific theater. He followed his honorable service to our country with a lifetime career in the printing industry as a journeyman printer, retiring in 1986 as a foreman in Roto-Gravure from James River Corp. He was recently awarded his 60 year pin as a lifetime member and Past Master of the Bloomingdale-Hudson Masonic Lodge; and was a member of Kalamazoo Area Masonic Retirees Club. Harley married the love of his life, Orla Olson, on March 9th, 1955, and together they raised their family on his family centennial farm in Bloomingdale, MI. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Orla (Olson) Gay; daughters - Victoria (Huey) LaCosse (Scott), and Harlene Watson (Dick Schmidt); brother - Herbert (Pete) Gay; and daughter-in-law - Shari Eichler Gay (Rob Esman); 7 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sons - Harvey Gay of Kalamazoo, MI, and Russell E. Gay of Gobles, MI; and his parents - Mable Gay of Kalamazoo, MI, and Russell Gay Sr. of Naples, FL. Harley found great joy in the simple pleasures of rural living, the beauty of the changing seasons, and sharing stories and a good laugh with his many friends and family. He was proud of all of his children and grandchildren, and was honored to be followed into service to our country by his son - Harvey Gay (US Army); a granddaughter - Ashley Gay (US Navy); and great-granddaughter - Christie Rice (US Navy). He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him for his quick wit and his legendary “Harleyisms.” Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on September 17th, 2011 at the Kalamazoo County Masonic Center, 4371 West “U” Ave, Schoolcraft, MI. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be directed to the family, or the Bloomingdale-Hudson Masonic Lodge, POB 6, Bloomingdale, MI 49026. Arrangements by the BLOOMINGDALE CHAPEL, D. L. Miller Funeral Home.

Harley W. Gay

February 22, 1926 - June 18, 2011