Gary Glen Denton

Gary Glen Denton, age 78 of Hastings, Michigan, passed away on November 14, 2021.  Gary was born on October 23, 1943, the son of Glen and Mary (Cappaert) Denton.

Gary was a 1961 graduate of Farwell High School and received his bachelor's degree from Northern Michigan University in 1967, and his master's degree from Western Michigan University.

On June 12, 1970, Gary married the love of his life, Sandra Lynne Tibbitts, and they enjoyed over 51 years of marriage.  Gary retired from teaching at Gull Lake Community Schools.

He was known for his quick wit, infectious smile and for his kind and compassionate spirit.

Gary enjoyed traveling throughout Michigan, especially the UP with his wife Sandy in their fifth wheel. Gary was an outdoorsman and a true Michigander through and through. He enjoyed hunting up north with his family and best buddy, Jim. Gary was an accomplished woodworker and an avid gardener, but he was just as happy relaxing with friends at the local watering hole over a cold beer.

He enjoyed tinkering around in his barn but above all Gary loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. It was clear to anyone that met Gary that his family meant the world to him.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents Glen and Mary Denton, and his grandson Andrew Jordan Irving.

Gary was a loving husband & father, he is survived by his wife Sandra, son Mark Irving, daughter Kimberle (Pat) Wallich, daughter Kristine (Joe) Kruizenga, daughter Karyn (Nick) Downes, 8 grandchildren Ami (Sean) Hill, Kate Wallich, Meghan Wallich, Ryan Wallich, Michael (Mac) Kruizenga, Jacob (JJ) Kruizenga, Oliver Downes, Charlie Downes, and sister Diane Clark.

Memorial contributions in memory of Gary can be made to Centrica Care Navigators, https://centricacare.org/giv ing 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.

Visitation will be Friday, November 19, 2021, at 10:00 AM with a service following at 11:00 AM at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058.

The funeral service will be livestreamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GirrbachFuneralHome. You do not need a Facebook Account to view the service. If you click on a live link and you do not have an account, FB will ask you to log in or sign up. You may or may not see a "Not Now" option, if so, click that and scroll down to videos and that message to log in will disappear and you may now enjoy the live FB presentation.

Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .