QUEENSBURY – Gary A. Loke, 67, of Queensbury was promoted to his eternal home on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 while in Albany Medical Center surrounded by his family and loved ones, less than 24 hours after being stricken at home.
Born on September 29, 1947 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, he was the son of the late Harold and Margaret (Stevens) Loke.
Gary attended Ohio State University for his undergraduate and graduate degrees. He received his Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from New York State as well.
On September 20, 1980 he married Kay Collins on The Ticonderoga on Lake George.
For 30 years Gary was employed by the Glens Falls School District where he cherished the time he had working with students. He enjoyed saying that he was so proud that after working 25 years in the Middle School, he was “promoted” to the ninth grade. Prior to his employment with the school district, he worked in The Human Resource Center at the Glens Falls Hospital for ten years.
Gary loved Jesus above all others and was a member of a Home church with many friends and family. Early in his married life, Gary fellowshipped at the Hudson Falls United Methodist Church. His Christian roots deepened over the years; faith and family were always the center of his life. He especially cherished growing together with other believers, helping people find God in their heart, and both serving and making friends through the Emmaus Christian Leadership and Service Community.
He loved reading, helping friends and strangers alike in times of struggle, running, biking, hockey, and anything that had to do with a ball. Just about any time you looked in his trunk, you were bound to find at least a tennis ball.
He seldom dropped the ball, but as a junior member of the original Lake George Emergency Squad, he wasn’t allowed to drive or catch babies. All the same, it was evidence of the serving man he was becoming. Gary was in the first Lake George Broomball League and was both leading scorer and MVP for several seasons. Even on the ice he was known for his compassion and gentle ways-unless someone was unfairly roughed up.
A very creative man who listened deeply with his heart, Gary loved to laugh and talk with strangers in the check-out line – a consummate encourager.
Survivors include his loving wife of 35 years, Kay Loke of Queensbury; their two sons Matthew Ryan Loke and Joel Benjamin Loke, both of Queensbury; his four brothers, Harold James “Jim” Loke and his wife, Karen of PA, Ronald Douglas “Doug” Loke of Conn, Marmaduke David “Duke” Loke and his wife, Debra Lee of CA and Herbert Donald Loke and his wife, Teryl “Terrie” of Conn; his sisters-in-law Brenda Collins, Dawn Kirby and her husband, Jerry. Gary’s nieces and nephews include, Julie Loke, Kristen Loke Geer and her husband, Drew, Ted Breen, Reilly Breen, Corey Loke and his wife, Heather, Gregory Loke and Michael Loke, Katherine Kirby, as well as his great nephew Ethan Loke. Gary cherished his cousins, Patricia Balou, and Barbara and her husband, Terry Low and their children, Peter and Brennan, Greg Stevens, and Maureen and their families, all of Canada.
Calling hours will be today, Saturday, February 28, 2015, from 10-11 AM, all at the Hudson Falls United Methodist Church. His family requests colorful attire; please wear anything but all black.
A Remembrance and Celebration of Life will follow directly beginning at 11 AM, officiating will be led by the Holy Spirit thru Michael Bailey, Derek Hansen, Bruce Mason and Nikki Measeck, and all in agreement.
All are welcomed and encouraged to attend the luncheon following the service where old memories will be shared, new ones will be made, and all will be blessed.
The family would like to thank the West Glens Falls First Responders and the staff at the Albany Medical Center. Gary would also encourage you to sign the back of your license, talk with your family, and become an organ donor.
Arrangement are under the direction of the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the West Glens Falls EMS, 86 Luzerne Road, Queensbury, NY 12804, Iris Global Ministries, PO Box 493995, Redding, CA 96049-3995, Northern Frontier Father /Son Scholarships, 3298 Rte 9G, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 or Albany Medical Center Neuro ICU, 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, Catch the Fire Toronto, ILSOM, 272 Attwell Drive, Toronto, Ontario Canada M9W6M3 or Bethel Church, 933 College View Drive, Redding, CA 96003.
