Gary Raymond Ethier

Resided in Escanaba, MI
Died February 2, 2022

Gary Raymond Ethier passed away at home of cancer, with his beloved family by his side on Wednesday morning February 2, 2022.

He was born on July 21, 1952, in Escanaba, the son of Raymond and Lorraine (Hart) Ethier. He was raised in Escanaba along with his younger sister Mary. He attended Holy Name where he graduated in 1970. While obtaining his degree at Central Michigan University he met the light of his life, Linda Marttila, and they walked hand-in-hand through the garden for more than 43 of years of marriage.

After graduating college, the young couple moved back to Escanaba to raise a family. Together they had two children, Christopher Ethier, and Jessica (Derek) Thompson. Gary had many roles throughout his career, including involvement in the Displaced Workers, Summer Youth Employment and Adult Education Programs. He eventually retired from the DSISD Learning Center. He loved spending time with his family and friends, fishing at the cottage in Isabella, grouse hunting with his son, listening to his extensive music collection (especially The Allman Brothers Band) and attending live concerts. He was an avid photographer later in life and always enjoyed taking photos of nature in his wife’s garden and landscapes across the Upper Peninsula.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Arthur Marttila, and his nephew Jerame Harrington.

Gary is survived by his loving wife Linda, son Christopher Ethier, daughter Jessica (Derek) Thompson, sister Mary (Jim) Harrington, brother-in-law Marvin (Nancy) Marttila, sister-in-law Marlene (Jeff) Wilcox, and many nieces and nephews.

Upon Gary’s request, funeral services will not be conducted. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.

11 Tributes for “Gary Raymond Ethier”

    Linda and family – I am so sad to hear this news, I really enjoyed working with Gary at Six County Consortium – he had many cute stories revolving around Chris and Jessica. Many prayers to all of you in this time of grief.

    Linda we were so sorry to read of Gary’s passing. We worked together at Six County and I have so many good memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids.

    So sorry to hear of your loss Mary. Losing a sibling is a very hard thing, their are the friend you’ve had by your side your whole life. I saw this meme one day and I thought it was such a perfect way of saying something only those who have sibling and have lost siblings was a great way to say it.
    ” Siblings are as close as hands and feet”
    May the memories you have in your heart help you through the days to come.
    with sympathy,
    Cathy Hurkmans Tolman

    So sorry to hear of your loss Mary. Losing a sibling is a very hard thing, they are the friend you’ve had by your side your whole life. I saw this meme one day and I thought it was such a perfect way of saying something only those who have siblings and have lost siblings was a great way to say it.
    ” Siblings are as close as hands and feet”
    May the memories you have in your heart help you through the days to come.
    with sympathy,
    Cathy Hurkmans Tolman

    Mary K – So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing —- still many days of smiles from outings at Camp & him working on the Fish Dam River with the kids group. Gary was a great guy & will be missed by many, no doubt !

    Thoughts are with you and yours.

    “Little” Brian

    Linda, very sorry for your loss. I met Gary and became friends with him at the Six County Consortium. His ‘Holy Name’ HS dry humor always kept me on my toes and made me laugh. Beef could be a bit ‘radical at times, lol. Even after his retirement. I ran into him at Meijer last summer… his hair was as long as it was in the ‘70’s and he had his headphones on listening to ‘60’s rock n roll. Lol. He was always fun to spill a few beers with… along with his good friend Jim LaPine. Gonna miss ya Beef. Larry.

    Our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Gary. He was such a great guy. To know him was to love him.
    God Bless Gary (Beef), and his entire family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    God Bless….
    Tom & Gayle Caron

    Sorry for your loss, Linda & Family. My deepest sympathy for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.

    The very first time I’d ever won a raffle, the prize was given to me by Gary ~ a Grass Roots album. He was running this fundraiser in high school, and we were classmates.

    Then too, I suppose we were both card-carrying members of The Pit, hanging out, listening to tunes, drinking beer and talking smart. He always made me laugh, such a wry sense of humor.

    One summer, home from college, we decided to hop into my VW and check out the Great Northern Bluegrass Festival in Mole Lake, Wisconsin. He seemed to love all kinds of music. In more recent years, I found out after the fact that he was just a few rows away from me at a Bonamassa show. He’d send me messages on FaceBook about new compilations of one of my favorite musicians, the late Rory Gallagher. Needless to say, he did love music.

    I’ll miss him. He was my friend. My heartfelt condolences to you and all his loved ones.
    Deb

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