Mark Winslow

I saw on FB Gary passed away.  Like all who had the privilege to have known him, I was hit with much saddness.  My first memory of Gary was an encounter on my paperroute.  I think in the summer before 7th or 8th grade in the 70s.  His family has just moved into their home a few days prior..., E. 57th Street in Kirkdale.  I remember they were from California and they were ALL SO COOL, especially compared to this lil hick of a boy.

I stopped on my route that day to talk to him and his parents.  Of course I was trying to sell them a subscription to the Tulsa Tribune and Sunday World paper, lol.  I was a good little dork of a salesman, riding my sister's bike that was so large friends called it "Mama JacKa".  My feet barely could reach the peddles.  I might have flipped over the handle bars a few times on that route because I had +125 papers, a few times on his street I'm sure.

I think Gary told me he had a brother that played college football, (Texas A&M???).  They invited me in and showed me some family pics and stuff.  Again, way to cool for me, I knew I was out of my league with Gary.  I always thought of him as a John Wayne type figure.

Recall riding in Gary's car after he got his license.  He was caught behind another fellow HS person we knew who was driving very, very slow and super cautious.  After awhile, Gary couldn't take it anymore.  He blurted out, "A Koester is NEVER going to drive behind a  ________", (name withheld to protect the innocent)" and floored the accelerator and we flew past them.  Not sure why I recall that...lol, but Gary had a super competitive spirit and was stronger than most men his age.

Good Bless You Gary, You Will Always Be Remembered and Loved!