Gary

PAVLINAC, GARY A. Gary A. Pavlinac died on Sunday, February 1, 2004, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Born January 9, 1958 in Oregon City, Oregon, he was the son of Betty Beaudoin and the late Rudolph Pavlinac Jr. He grew up on a berry farm in Oregon City. He married his wife, Connie, in 1981. Gary and his family moved from Oregon to Alaska in 1983, where he worked as an oilfield technician in Prudhoe Bay for several years, until returning to Oregon in 1987. He had various occupations since 1987 including General Manager of the ACT III Theaters warehousing department, owning a custom embroidery business to the job he loved most of all, a Pyrotechnician, setting up and shooting fireworks displays for Western Display Fireworks of Canby, OR. He is survived by wife Connie, daughter Jill McCloud and her husband Nick, mother Betty Beaudoin, brother Randall and his wife Jessie, his only grandchild Halie, and his longtime childhood friend Bert McVay, in addition to his large extended family. Gary will be remembered for his optimistic outlook on life; his wonderful sense of humor and ability to make everyone in his presence feel like a special friend; his passion since childhood of supporting his favorite football team, the Rams; his love of animals and his willingness to always be there to help family or a friend with anything that needed done. A service will be held Friday, February 6, 2004, at 10:30 a.m., at Hillside Chapel in Oregon City, OR (503-656-4285). In lieu of flowers, family members have requested donations to the Oregon Humane Society (503) 285-7722.

Published in The Oregonian on 2/6/2004.

Gary was a very romantic guy. He would often leave notes for me in my pockets, at my office or in my wallet. This was a note he left for me a couple of years ago...that I will now treasure forever. I forgot that I had it in a spare wallet, until something I was reading recently in a book....reminded me I had it. I just know Gary was trying to remind me to look for it, because he wanted me to know that he loves me still. Connie

Our wedding day, November 12, 1981

Canby man dies in head-on motorcycle crash

(article in Oregonian 2/3/04)

Gary Pavlinac was riding his new Harley-Davidson to watch the Super Bowl when he crossed the centerline

02/03/04

TOM QUINN

CANBY -- Renewed interest in an old hobby turned deadly for a longtime Canby resident out to enjoy the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Gary Pavlinac, 46, was riding his new 2004 Harley-Davidson "Fat Boy" for only the second time when he lost control of the motorcycle about 3 p.m. while en route to watch the football game.

Pavlinac crossed the centerline of the Canby-Marquam Highway near South Lone Elder Road and collided with an oncoming Ford F-250 pickup. He died while being flown to Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center on LifeFlight.

Timoteo Barajas Hermosillo of Canby, the driver of the pickup, was not injured in the crash.

Deputy Angela Brandenburg, a Clackamas County sheriff's spokeswoman, said it appeared neither speed nor alcohol played a role in the accident. More likely, it was due to rider inexperience, she said.

Pavlinac's wife, Connie, said her husband hadn't ridden a street motorcycle for nearly 20 years. But for the past few years, he had his heart set on buying a Harley. "I kept saying, 'No, no, no,' " Connie Pavlinac said. "I finally gave in because he's a good guy, and he deserved it."

Pavlinac got his bike about two weeks ago, but foul weather kept him off the streets. He also was waiting to take a Harley riders' education class later this month at Portland International Raceway.

Sunday's sunshine proved too alluring, though, and Connie Pavlinac said her husband hopped aboard his "Fat Boy" for a four-mile jaunt with another rider to watch the Super Bowl.

At Western Display Fireworks in Canby, where Pavlinac worked as a pyrotechnician, owner Bob Gobet said staff members were in disbelief, thinking he'd come walking through the front door. They spent the day swapping stories, such as how Pavlinac referred to his balding head as Doppler radar, capable of detecting the first drop of rain to fall.

As a pyrotechnician, Pavlinac set up and shot off firework displays, including shows for the Portland Rose Festival and Fourth of July celebrations at Fort Vancouver. Gobet said Pavlinac's excitement about his new motorcycle was well known around the shop. "He had taken pictures of it and was showing them around like it was his firstborn," Gobet said.

Pavlinac didn't have life insurance, and friends have set up two bank accounts to accept donations to help the family with expenses. The accounts are at West Coast Bank in Canby and Clackamas Federal Credit Union in Oregon City.

Pavlinac spent the past few weeks helping his wife move her company -- Qualified Residential Lending of Canby -- into a new office. D'Anne Rome, a partner in the mortgage company, said it was tough to be in the office Monday because "everywhere you turned, there was something Gary had done. He painted the walls, he did the floor, he put together our desks. "You don't really find guys like him too often," she said.

Tom Quinn: 503-294-5918; thomasquinn@news.oregonian.com

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of his friend.
He referred to the date
on her tombstone
from the beginning... to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the date with tears
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth, and
now only those who loved her know
what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own;
the cars, the house, the cash.
What matters is how we lived and loved
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard,
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
You could be at "dash mid-range"

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel, and
be less quick to anger,
show appreciation more
and love the people in our life like
we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
more often wear a smile
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
with your life's actions to rehash...
would you be pleased with the things they say
about how you spent your dash?

Author - Linda M. Ellis

Memories of an Unbelievable Man

(This was read at Gary's service, by our daughter Jill)

This is my tale of the memories of my wonderful father. I don’t think many would argue that Gary was truly an incredible man.

When Gary came into my life, I was only three years old. And like most three year olds who have had their mother to themselves for a while, I was little jealous of the guy. It took me some time to finally accept him. He was so patient and good to me during that time. He introduced me to his family, who in turn, took both my mother and I in as part of the family.

Over the years, as I grew, Gary was a crucial part of my life. He and mom were always having to drive me to softball practice, games, or choir concerts. I remember times when Mom couldn’t go, but Gary always tried his hardest to be there. As a matter of fact, I remember a night when I was about 8 years old, and woke up in the middle of the night because my ear hurt so badly. He and Mom tried to help ease the pain, but nothing helped. He told Mom not to worry, told her to go back to bed because she had to work early the next day. He then drove me up to the hospital only to find out that I had an ear infection. I remember the nurse asking him if I could have a popsicle because I was such a good patient. Gary, just laughed and said “Oh.... sure”. I can still taste the orange flavor of that popsicle to this day.

Then, the teenage years came. Those of you with teenage kids know that teenagers are a hard breed of creature to live with. And let me tell you, I was no exception to that rule. I put both my mother and Gary through a lot of grief, but we pulled through alright. Gary was even brave enough to try and teach me how to drive. Man, I will never forget that day. Mom had told me that she did not have the patience to teach me how to drive, so that left only one person to teach me. That’s right, Gary had to do it. At the time, my mom had a red Honda Prelude. Let’s not forget the important part, it was a stick shift. So, Gary took me up to Clackamas Community College on a nice clear, sunny Saturday afternoon to teach me how to drive. I was so excited to finally learn. When it came time for me to take over control of the driver’s side, Gary remained calm and poised. I wasn’t sure, but I think he was muttering a prayer under his breath. I started the car and he told me to shift into first gear. So I did, and when I popped the clutch, we lurched forward so fast, I thought the parking lot had collapsed underneath us. After several attempts of just trying to get the car out of the parking lot, I finally did it. Gary was rather relieved to know that I could at least get the car to move. Gary was so patient and reassuring, as he always was, making comments such as, “Was that the transmission I just felt drop out of the bottom of the car?” When the session was over and we were safely back home, I could tell the lesson had gone well by the way that he immediately got out of the car, got down on his knees and kissed the ground. He then told me that I would be getting an automatic for my first car.

I graduated high school and several years later decided to grow up. It was then I met my husband, Nick. Nick was the first man that Gary ever really approved of me dating. Talk about a shock. To really have your father’s approval of a potential beau is really something. Then one day in November, Nick and I went out to my parents’ house. Nick was extremely nervous because we had gone over to their house with a mission. Nick was going to ask Gary for permission to marry me. So, while the two of them went outside to talk, I nervously waited in the house with mom. I was so relieved to see them laughing and talking outside. I knew everything would be alright. I think Gary was rather shocked himself, to be asked by Nick. But, Gary gave us his blessing.

Well, as it turned out, a week later, Nick and I found out that we were going to have a baby. I was terrified to tell my parents because Nick and I weren’t married and I was afraid that I would shame them. So, I did what any girl would do, I called my mom and told her. To my relief she wasn’t upset at all. But, Gary, I wasn’t so sure about him. Over the next two months, whenever mom and I would talk about the pregnancy he would get up and leave the room. He would never talk to me about the baby and I was beginning to feel that I had let my father down. But, Mom assured me that it wasn’t me. She said that Gary was just having a hard time thinking of himself as a Grandpa. I still wasn’t so sure.

Then one wonderful day, Nick and I had gone to the hospital to get an ultrasound of the baby. We found out the sex of the baby and found out that we were having a little girl. I called my parents’ house to tell Mom the good news. But, Gary answered the phone instead. My happiness faltered for a moment as I asked if Mom was home and he said that she was out shopping. I told him that I had called to tell her the sex of the baby. He fell silent and then calmly asked, “Well, are you going to tell me what it is?” I told him that we were going to have a little girl. Gary immediately became excited and yelled into the phone, “Yeah! That’s what I wanted! Have you told anyone else? Can I tell someone? Can I tell my Mom?” I just laughed, and said, “You tell whoever you want. I’m so glad that you’re happy.”

Gary continued to make me even happier and prouder on February 29, 2000, when he walked me down the aisle on my wedding day and handed me over to the love of my life. Gary walked around the reception like a rooster that day. He was so proud of his little girl, (that’s me). He walked around and made all of the guests feel welcomed. He even gave us a beautiful toast, words of wisdom to help us on our path as newlyweds.

In mid June, my doctor told me that he wanted to induce labor on June 20^th. I told everyone in the family the time had come. Me being a first time Mom, thought that this would be a breeze. Ha! Little did I know. I was to go into the hospital at 5:30 in the morning. I told Gary that when I get induced, I should have the baby by noon. So, all morning long, my Mom, Nick and my best friend Stephanie stayed by me to help me along. And right around noon, Gary came walking through the door to my hospital room fully expecting to see his newborn Granddaughter. He had told me that he really did not want to see her born. I don’t think he wanted to see all of the blood. Well, to Gary’s amazement, he walked in just as I was about ready to start pushing. So, he immediately took up a post by the head of my bed. He stayed in there with me and everyone else and got to see his Granddaughter, Halie, come into this world. I would have to say that was probably the happiest and proudest moment of his life.

And of course, that little girl immediately took possession of his heart. He told anyone and everyone who would listen, all about his little granddaughter. And for those of you who have known him over the last few years, you know exactly what I’m talking about. I have always known Gary to be a big kid, Halie made him an even bigger kid. He was never afraid to get down on the floor and play with her. And of course, Halie adored her Grandpa Gary. Every time she would see fireworks, she would always say, “Look, that’s Grandpa Gary’s fireworks!” Although, she has only known Grandpa Gary for 3 years, I know that she will always remember him. I will never let her forget what a wonderful man her Grandpa was. And I know, that whenever she sees fireworks, she will always think of him.

The hardest thing I have ever had to do, was to tell that beautiful child of mine that Grandpa Gary had to go away. When she asked me where he went, I told her that Grandpa Gary had gone to the sky to be a star. So, this evening while I was looking at pictures of Gary with my Mom and Halie, she told us that Grandpa Gary was up in the sky and that he was a star now. When we left my parents’ house, my husband was looking at the sky and Halie shouted at him and said, “You stop looking at my Grandpa Gary!” I just know things are going to be alright.

So, please, don’t grieve for Gary. I know that he wouldn’t like that, he never did like it much when people made a fuss over him, except when he was sick with a cold, and then he was a big baby. His loss is hard on us all, but I know that no matter where I go, or what I do, his memories and wisdom will always be with me.

We'll Never Say Goodbye

I cannot see you with my eyes

Or hear you with my ears.

But thoughts of you are with me still

And often dry my tears.

You whisper in the rustling leaves

That linger in the fall;

And in the gentle evening breeze,

I'm sure I hear you call.

A part of you remains with me

That none can take away.

It gives me strength to carry on

At dawning of new day.

I think of happy times we shared,

And then I softly sigh.

But this I know ~~ we'll meet again

And never say goodbye.

Author - Larry Howland

A Message From Heaven

Perhaps you aren't ready yet
to have to say good-bye
Perhaps you've thought of things
You wish you'd said--well, so have I.
For one thing, I'd have told you
Not to worry about me--
I'm here with the Lord in Heaven now--
You knew that's where I'd be.
I'm sorry that you're feeling sad,
for I'm so happy now.

I've asked the Lord to ease the hurt
and comfort you somehow.
It's hard at the beginning,
but I know you'll make it through . . .
I hope it helps to know
that I'll be waiting here for you.

Author Unknown

FLYING WITH ANGELS

I am flying with the Angels,
While looking down I plainly see.
Your heart is filled with sadness
I know you're missing me.

The times we had together
Were short as they could be,
But the memories we both now share,
Will last... eternity.

The love that showed upon your face,
The sparkling of your eyes,
It made me feel so warm inside,
....so glad to be alive.

But now.. I'm flying with the angels.
Just as free, as free, can be
When you look towards the warming sun..
I know, you will... feel me.

-Author Unknown

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm no longer there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes,
All filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn't cry,
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand.

And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind,
All those I dearly love.

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right there in your heart.

1972	1971	1976	1980 When we first began dating	1981
11/12/1981 Our Wedding Day	1985	1986	1986 Singing Karaoke with friends	1987 Vacation in Hawaii
1988	1988	1989	1990 9th Wedding Anniversary	1991
1993	1993 Miss Oregon Pageant parade in Seaside, OR	1994 Daughter's Graduation	1996	1996 15th Wedding Anniversary
1997 Gary & Kona	1997	1998 Gary's favorite Corvette	1998 Miss Oregon Pageant Parade in Seaside, OR	June 1998 when we appeared on ABC's 20/20
1998	1998	1999	2000	2000 Daughter's Wedding
2000	2000 Gary & Goliath	2000	2000	2001 20th wedding anniversary
2001	St Paul, MN fireworks shoot	2002 St Paul, MN fireworks shoot	2002	2002 Newberg, Oregon Fireworks shoot
2002 Gary, his mother & brother	2002	2003 Gary & Ollie	2003 Putting new floor in granddaughter's bedroom	2003 Halloween
2003 Thanksgiving	Christmas 2003	Christmas Eve 2003	2004 New Year's Day	1/24/2004 New Harley Arrives
Gary's Service 2/6/04			A beautiful double rainbow I saw after leaving Gary's service	Our granddaughter Halie, hugging her Grampa Gary
A display from a shoot that Western Display Fireworks did	The corner where Gary's roadside memorial rests		Gary's Roadside Memorial 3/27/04	Gary & I at the firing panel during a fireworks shoot in Newberg, OR July 2002
"New Horizons", from our friend Reg	A rose tree planted in memory of Gary near our deck 4/24/04	Robin's nest with 3 eggs, inside Gary's rose tree 4/24/04	Gary's tree is now home to 2 baby Robins! May 3, 2004	Baby Robins May 8, 2004
Baby Robins & Mom 5-11-04	Baby Robins 5-11-04 Won't be long until they leave the nest	The baby Robins left the nest today! 5-16-04	Not quite ready to fly but they are working on it.	Papa Robin very attentive to one of the babies, who is looking for adventure. I know Gary will be looking after these special little ones.
Memorial Weekend May 2004 (added a cross and fresh flowers)	Halie & her Gramma Connie...missing Grampa Gary very much 6-9-04	Gary has a star named after him For Halie's 4th birthday June 20th, several relatives went in on having a star named after Gary in the International Star Registry. Now she truly can see her Grampa Gary in the stars at night.	November 12, 2004 Ryan Alan arrives! Yes, Ryan was born on mine & Gary's 23rd wedding anniversary! Mom & baby are doing very well. We are all blessed and very grateful for this little miracle to come into our lives. I know Gary was with us all the day Ryan was born, and that he would be very proud of his new grandson.	Gary's 47th birthday was January 9th. Gary's mother wrote this and we had it published in or local paper on 1-9-05.
Little Ryan is a TOTAL boy! We know that his Grampa Gary would be so proud! June 2006	Halie, who will be 6 on June 20, 2006.	Me, Halie, Ryan & their horse, Georgi. July 2007	Ryan, dressed as Superman, riding his favorite John Deere. August 2007	Picture day for 2nd grade! What a beautiful smile. October 2007