VEAZIE and EAST MACHIAS Gary A. Stauffer died June 28, 2005, after a valiant struggle with cancer. Although born in Lubec, Nov. 25, 1960, and raised in East Machias, Gary’s final years were spent in Veazie. Without a doubt, Gary lived his 44 years to the fullest, and to the very end he maintained a positive attitude and never lost his keen sense of humor. His strong, independent spirit and the freedom of the open road drew him to the life of a long-haul trucker. Often teased by his co-workers for having high grooming standards, he always responded, “the ladies like a well-groomed man.” When he wasn’t on the open road Gary spent time with his close friends. Although seemingly rough around the edges, those close to Gary were overwhelmed by his generosity and sense of caring. No matter the circumstance, Gary was the first to lend a helping hand. His friends truly became his family and it was not uncommon to see Gary shoveling snow for a neighbor or lending his car, he was the first to offer a hand and yet the last to accept. Gary became well known for the way he could grill a “mean steak”, and he most certainly lived by a favorite motto: “work hard, play hard, and then play some more.” Gary is survived by his mother, Elsie Stauffer of East Machias; and was predeceased by his father, Monroe “Bunny” Stauffer. He leaves behind his son, James Stauffer of East Machias; and brothers, Richard Merritt, of Bangor and Donald Merritt of Sanford. He is also survived by his identical twin, Larry Stauffer and his wife, Toni, and their daughters, Nicole and Krystal, all of Cutler. Gary will also be missed by a very special nephew, Daniel Haynes, and his family, Holly and Brooke Kilton, of East Machias. In addition to his father, he was predeceased by a sister, Patricia Merritt. He will also always be remembered by his extraordinary “second” family, Najam and Saji Hashmi and their children, Nabeel, Hina and Fazeel, of Veazie; and special friends, Jimmy and Diane, of Cape Elizabeth, Nova Scotia, J.P. and Lynn McDonald, and their children Jonathan, Emily and Jessica, of Sidney, Nova Scotia, Michael and Theresa Pratt and their children, Michael and Dianna, of Waterbury, Conn., Jeff Hallett and daughter, Sophie, of Veazie, and Tim MacDonald of Veazie. A private graveside service is planned.
GARY A. STAUFFER
