Obituary: Gary Eley, 19442026
Jun 16, 2026
Gary Eley Credit: Courtesy
Gary Eley died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. He was 81 years young.
Gary was a doer, always actively fixing something, building something, creating another new business. He was a man in motion. Gary was a truly caring person. He would go out of his w
ay to help people in need. He constantly thought of ways to solve a problem, whether his or someone else’s. He would come up with different ways to solve a problem others had not considered.
He was the minister of All Saints Episcopal Church in South Burlington for 20 years. He especially loved the youth groups, talking with the kids, taking them on camping trips and exposing them to new ideas.
After he left the ministry, he became a CFA and started his own financial investment firm. His first clients were his parishioners. He wanted to provide for their financial security in their retirement years. He was a truly honest man. I have never known him to tell a lie or shade the truth. His word was solid.
After he sold his business to his partners, he retired and started Hickory Golf Workshop, repairing antique golf clubs. It was a small but worldwide business that he ran from his garage. It gave him great joy as well as purpose in his retirement.
He fell head over heels in love with his grandchildren, Bo and Lane, over the last 7 years. He was the grandfather we all dream of having. It was a true love affair. Gary leaves behind his wife, Sidney, of 42 years; three daughters, Sarah Libbrecht, Whitney Eley and Emily Eley and her husband, Matt Kobzik; grandchildren, Bo and Lane; and many dear friends.
A service is being planned for early August. Email RSVP to [email protected].
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