Garrett E. "Gary" Girard of Stonington, Conn., and Englewood, passed away Feb. 22 at home in Florida with his best friend and loving wife, Lois, by his side, from complications of cancer after a long and previously successful battle.
Born Oct. 3, 1943, in Webster, Mass., the only child of the late Edmond J. and Ann F. (Wrabel) Girard, he attended schools in East Hartford, Conn., where he met his wife, Lois Klock, in high school.
They married June 4, 1966, after he graduated from Boston University, with a bachelor's degree in broadcasting. They were married almost 46 years.
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He served in the U.S.?Air Force Reserves.
He also attended UConn at Storrs where his broadcasting career began with his involvement with their student radio station WHUS. During his college years he worked at WPOP in Hartford and remained there for 20 years serving as announcer, to sales and to sales management.
He then joined WNLC/WTYD in New London as general manager, followed by a stint as eastern regional manager for the National Association of Broadcasters in Washington, DC.
He then joined Connecticut Radio Network International in New Sales Development.?
His career in broadcasting culminated with a life-long dream of developing and owning his own radio station, WKCD 107.7 FM going on air in 1995 in Mystic, Conn. A stroke in 1998 led to the sale of the station and an early retirement, of which he enjoyed every single minute. He loved life and did it his way.
In the 1970s he enjoyed summer weekends at their home at the Cape in East Dennis, MA. From the '80s and '90s to 2005 he loved boating out of Noank Shipyard in Noank, Conn.
Other interests included world travel and an antique radio/TV collection. He was in Who's Who in Advertising the 1990-1991 edition.
He was on the Board of Directors of the Ad Club of Greater Hartford, Board of Directors of the Connecticut Broadcasters Association, Board of Directors of the Mystic Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors of Southeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, and Public Relations for United Way of Southeastern Connecticut.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lois; beloved dog, Docker; and a sister-in-law, nephews, aunts, and cousins.
At his request, services are private. Memorial donations in his name may be made to Suncoast Humane Society, 6781 San Casa Drive, Englewood FL 34224
Lemon Bay Funeral Home and Cremation Services will handle arrangements. Express condolences at lemonbayfh.com
- MAY THE MUSIC NEVER END -
