Gary Lay

Gary, Pat and Kelly were our neighbors at our first house. Gary was a great neighbor and friend (along with Pat & Kelly). The Lay family often babysat our 2 little girls and they fondly remember Gary making a joke about them eating Monkey Meat at dinner, making them feel welcome in their home. The girls would giggle every time! My Mom would say a person is "a good egg" when she thought well of them. Well, Gary is the "Best of Eggs"! Our family is honored to have known him.

We at the vfw in Madison were so thankful Gary and pat came to wisc. They and their daughter Cristi n George became one of us. We are sad Gary isn’t around physically but oh the memories. Gary always had a smile and the funniest jokes. Rip sailor, we re glad to have known you.

On behalf of the Badger Honor Flight Board and all our volunteers, we extend our deepest condolences to you all, the family of Gary Lay. We are grateful for his service to our great country. What an honor it was for us to take him on his trip of a lifetime. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Gary was one of the first officers I worked with at NKU Police when I was a brand new recruit. Starting out in law enforcement can be intimidating, but Gary always treated me with kindness, patience, and respect. He never made me feel like I was “just the new guy.” Instead, he took the time to encourage me and make me feel welcomed. I always looked up to him because of the way he carried himself and how genuinely nice he was to everyone around him. Those small acts of kindness made a lasting impact on me, and they are something I will never forget. I am deeply saddened by his passing, and my thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched. Gary was a good man, and I will always remember how kind he was to me at the beginning of my career.

I used to love going to Gary and Pat’s house for the annual Sheriff picnic. Him and my dad used to have a lot of fun together.