Hebron, New York – Gary Edward Nims, 69, unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, at the home he loved.
Gary was born on Nov. 23, 1953, in Glens Falls, New York, the son of the late Edward and Margaret (Green) Nims.
Gary attended high school in Hudson Falls, New York. Afterward, he proudly served as a flight line mechanic in the United States Air Force. He then received his vocational instructor certification from The College of St. Rose in Albany, New York. He taught welding in the New York State correctional system for 30 years and for the BOCES evening program for 25 years. He retired from the New York State Department of Corrections in 2012. His students will long remember the knowledge he shared with them.
His retirement afforded him more time to work on his “piece of heaven” in Hebron. He made a pond and other improvements to the property. There was no better way to spend his days than using his “real life” Tonka toys throughout the property.
After his retirement he spent time with his sons Chad and Adam, helping out at Nims Services where he quickly became Grandpa Gary to all.
He married Mary Ann Marschhauser after many years together on Aug. 6, 2010. They had a wonderful, adventure-filled life together. They enjoyed camping, traveling and spending time with all the people they cherished.
Gary was devoted to his family. He especially loved spending time with his beloved granddaughters. They had great bonding experiences while camping, fishing and hunting. While his boys were in school, and later the granddaughters, Gary always was a proud supporter at their sporting events.
They felt very blessed not only with the land and home they loved in Hebron, but with the neighborhood that came with it. He was known to the younger ones as Gare-Bear. The monthly neighborhood poker game was always a favorite.
Gary was predeceased by his parents and a brother Richard (Bonita). He is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann and his two sons Adam (Jennifer) of Hartford and Chad of Queensbury. He was blessed with five granddaughters: Alondra, Karlee, Victoria and Ava and Lillyanna (daughters of Trisha Sawyer). He also was blessed with a “bonus” granddaughter Kaylee. He will be missed by his sisters Kathleen Crouch (Mark) of Arizona and Karen Kelly (Charles) of Queensbury and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours for friends took place on Monday, Feb. 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. at the Robert M. King Funeral Home at 23 Church St. in Granville. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at noon the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd. in Schuylerville, New York, with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Granville Rescue Squad, PO Box 153, Granville, NY 12832 or Wounded Warriors.
