AUBURN — On Friday, March 3, Gary E. McGraw died after a brief stay at the Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice following complications of pneumonia.

At age 18, Gary unfortunately lost his father to brain cancer, then after graduating from Island Falls High School, he served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1963. Upon discharge from the Army he created a career in finance for himself. One of his greatest achievements was successfully running his own business, GEM Duraclean from 1981 to 1994.

Personal pursuits and interests were many including Scouting, both as a Cub Master and Scout Master, gardening and watching the Boston Celtics. A fantastic brother and father, Gary found pleasure in spending special moments with his grandchildren, watching movies, in particular those with John Wayne, taking trips around the country with his wife, camping with friends and family, and connecting with his best friend, Jim Carville of Lisbon, for weekly discussions of life, community or what had happened at the local flea market.

Born Sept. 4, 1937, in Island Falls, Gary experienced what life had to offer for 79 incredible years.

Surviving Gary are his son, Bart I. McGraw; his wife, Cheryl; grandchildren Aryn and Tristan McGraw; his daughter, Kimberly McGraw-Sabaka and her husband, Alan; a brother, Edward McGraw, and wife, Nancy; and an abundance of other wonderful family and friends.

He is predeceased by his father, Irwin M. McGraw, and mother, Hannah L. McGraw (Gerrish); and wife “Peggy” Elizabeth J. McGraw (Furrow).

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.

Gary E. McGraw