Garry L. Van Heest, 67, of Colchester, CT, died suddenly in his home on April 2nd , 2020, from complications related to the Coronavirus. Garry was born on June 10, 1952, in Ridgewood, New Jersey, son of the late George Van Heest Sr. and Anna (Secor) Van Heest. Garry was raised in Franklin Lakes, NJ, and spent his childhood riding and tinkering with his dirt bikes and go-karts. Garry also enjoyed powerlifting, a hobby he continued throughout his life.
Garry was a kind, caring, quiet, intelligent, and silly man, that loved his family and friends deeply. He loved telling stories; so much so that he would repeat them over and again. His quiet demeanor could at first be confused with aloofness, but anyone that got to know him and heard his stories and jokes would know that the opposite was true. He had a passion for WWII army trucks, antique tractors, and woodworking, and surrounded himself with friends that shared those passions. Garry was an avid animal lover; everybody’s pets were his pets.
Garry graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science. He began his career in the Paper Industry, then moved to the Oil Industry, working for Aramco in both Houston and Saudi Arabia. Garry spent the rest of his career in Environmental Consulting, taking his experience to various firms in the Connecticut Area.
Garry is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Karen (Lewis); his sons, Jacob and Joshua; his brother, George Jr. (of Mahwah, NJ) and his family (wife Bonnie, and daughters Stephanie and Stacie); Karen and Garry’s extended family; and his grandcat, Monica.
Due to the unprecedented world circumstances, a celebration of Garry’s life will not be possible at this time. In the meantime, the family requests that anyone who knew Garry jots down a memory of him to share with them, in the hopes of keeping his memory alive for years to come. The Aurora McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester has been entrusted with arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com
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