Gary Norman Blazek

Our dear brother (might we add; he was the oldest remaining sibling), Gary Norman Blazek- yes.... Norman was indeed his middle name, left our lives Sunday, October 10th while on a brief visit at the awesome Journey Care hospice facility. Gary, being the patriarch that he was, taught us all the importance of being humble, as he endured and persevered many trials and tribulations. He was never resentful or angry, he was always very even - keeled, and cool. He was very thoughtful. Also... as many knew, Gary was always running late, maybe even really late. He loved following politics, especially this past election, and was always eager for conversation, maybe even disputes over this topic. He enjoyed dirt bike riding, snowskiing (as intense as a heli dropoff ski trip) and scuba diving. He enjoyed finishing the evening with a good bourbon. Gary was quite the fashionista donning suits. Mass quantities of suits, all beautifully protected with plastic dust protectors. You name it- he had it. Classic fit, double and single breasted, notched lapels, single and double vented, ventless with yes, you guessed it.... cuffed pants, pleated and flat front pants. Did I say there were suits? And so... just as you can imagine, fashionista that he was, there were just as many perfectly hung (dry cleaning tag still on) shirts, a multitude of different shirts to go with each and every suit. So now I bet you're thinking ties- yep...mass quantities. Unfortunately, two of the remaining siblings are women and do not quite fit the look. Plus the remaining brother Harold is quite a bit taller than Gary, thus unable to fashionista forward. Speaking of Harold (the now patriarch of the the family) Harold owes his life to Gary. Literally! When both were younger Gary saved Harold's life. The two were ice skating with friends on the Des Plaines River when Harold decided to jump over a log near the bridge (which never freezes underneath). Harold jumped and went through the thin ice and as Harold was being pulled by the current under the ice, Gary came to his rescue and was able to grab his collar, thus saving him and pulling him out. Gary enjoyed automobiles maybe a little more than his fine clothing. He was quite the sight on an evening out on the town. I’ve also been told about and have witnessed his awesome dancing abilities. Of course all of his amazing suits and automobiles would be perfect for his one favorite person (idol) in the world, James Bond. Unfortunately, he fell very ill the evening before a planned private viewing of the last James Bond movie, titled “No Time To Die”. Quite the fitting title. What we all thought was a repetitive motion shoulder injury from work turned out to be metastatic cancer. His time with us after being diagnosed was very short lived. Gary is survived by his children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, friends and co-workers all who he treasured. Even though he is no longer with us in body, he will always be with us in spirit and will live on in our memories. And always, as a Mercedes or Porsche drives by, a winter snow or ice storm occurs, or when scuba diving seeing the water bubbles released- Gary you will be remembered- you will live on forever as this is “No Time to Die”. It never is…… We would like to help celebrate and honor Gary’s life and most importantly share our wonderful memories by having a “Celebration of Life” for Gary at Lou Malnati's (8515 RedTail Drive, Village of Lakewood) on Saturday November 20th, from 4:30-7:30 pm. And... of course Lou Malnati's pizza will be served as this was Gary’s favorite. What could be better? So please come hungry. We look forward to you joining us in commemorating our very fine brother Gary. “The Fashionista” A.K.A. Phil, GB, Gar, Bro, Uncle G, George of the Jungle, Blaze (and any others you would like!!)