GLENS FALLS – Gary Edward Kertz, 70, most recently of Grove Ave., Glens Falls, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2013 at Glens Falls Hospital. Gary lived at Adirondack Manor for a few years prior to living with his daughter who cared for him.
Born Feb. 27, 1943 in Lakewood, Ohio, he was the son of the late Edward and Lucille (Sullins) Kertz.
He married Linda Hood, Sheri's mother, and they were divorced in 1970.
On Aug. 22, 1960, Gary joined the U. S. Air Force at age 17, serving four years active duty as an Air Policeman, and was honorably discharged Aug. 21, 1966 from the Reserves. During his service, Gary was sent to Korea Air Base for 18 months, where he guarded F-100's, jet planes, and C-130's loaded with huge Hydrogen Bombs.
Following his discharge, Gary lived the life of an artist. He worked at Luskey Bro Telephone Directories as an art director, and later for a show he loved, Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, creating short funny films, where he met and hung around Goldie Hawn, Lily Tomlin, and the cast. He even created the well-loved Laugh-In Blimp. Gary also created 28 Donald Duck comic books for Walt Disney that went to other countries. He loved Donald Duck and started drawing him when he was a small boy. He created cells for the Pink Panther Show, and took part in Inch High, Private Eye cartoon. He also created a magazine called The Exchange in Hollywood, Calif., where he met and interviewed such people as Tom Donley, Phyllis Diller, Dick VanDyke, Tom Conway, Don Rickles, and many more. Gary loved to meet the stars and get to know them. He became friends with Linda Ronstadt's cousin, Bobby Ronstadt, and the late David Carradine of the series Kung Fu, and also with Jim Seals of Seals and Crofts, who had Gary create the humming bird for one of his records. His art will live in many people's hearts forever.
Later, Gary went to work for a Los Angeles free ads paper called The Recycler, where he created many unique covers using his artistic talent. Gary and his best friend, John Dorman, helped to launch this free ads paper that was published throughout southern Calif. from the 1980's until today. He also held many jobs working for various causes in Los Angeles. He was proud of his work and was well-known and well-liked in southern Calif. Los Angeles was his home for many years, until he went to Hawaii about 14 years ago and suffered a massive heart attack, before his good friend, John, brought him to New York to live with his daughter, Sheri. Gary also suffered from dementia and eventually received a defibrillator.
Gary was a kind, gentle, and loving soul, who never said an unkind word about anyone. He would often say to his daughter, "Sheri baby, don't worry, be happy." He had many good times with his daughter and family, and was very proud of his granddaughter's acceptance into Russell Sage College's nursing program, where she made Dean's List her first semester.
Survivors include his daughter and caregiver, Sheri Roll of Glens Falls, and a daughter, Alice Wishni and son, Oliver Wishni, both of Atlanta, Georgia; his brother, David Roger Kertz of Glendale, Calif.; his grandchildren that loved and cared for him very much, Matthew Kertz, Erik Shepard, Ashley Shepard, and James Roll; a god-grandson, Briton Newchurch; several cousins, with special mention of the Sullins family, and many friends, especially his dear friend, John Dorman of Los Angeles, Calif., who was like a brother to Gary.
Friends may call upon the family Thursday, June 13, from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury.
A memorial service will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bill Davidson, pastor of Church of the King officiating.
Burial will follow at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Rd., Schuylerville.
The family would like to expend a special thank you to Pastor Bill Davidson, Dr. Scott Monroe, Glens Falls Hospital staff, his grandson, Matt Kertz, who helped him so much, Bonnie, Dawn, and Stan, and also many other friends and family.
Condolences may be mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or e-mailed through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.