Gary Becraft's Obituary
With love in our hearts we share the passing of our much-loved father, grandfather, brother and adoring husband Clifford “Gary” Becraft at the age of 85 on April 9,2020.
Gary courageously battled cancer and compassionately caring for him by his side to the end his loving wife of 63 years Irene L. Becraft. Our father was blessed to pass in the comfort of his home surrounded by love while holding his sweethearts’ hand as he drew his last breath.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Irene L. (Vetrano) Becraft; his son, Stephen C. (Christine) Becraft of Ithaca, NY; daughter, Kim M. (Stephen) Perry of Central Square, NY; daughter Leslie S. (Becraft) Corrigan of Central Square, NY; grandchildren, Hannah I. Corrigan, Elora K. Becraft, Madeline E. Perry, Sophie K. Becraft; brother, retired U.S. Army Col. Michael (Carolyn) Becraft of Fargo, ND and many and much loved nieces and nephews.
Gary is predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Evelyn M. (Cavanaugh) Becraft; two older sisters, Nancy (Becraft-Stafford) White & Barbara (Becraft) D`Agostino.
Gary earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Syracuse University, served in the Air National Guard and later worked in sales for WK Saur and in the 1970’s opened and co-owned to retirement E&B Equipment out of Buffalo, NY.
In his youth Gary spent endless summers on Fourth Lake in the Adirondacks with his parents and three siblings. It’s here where his love for boating, fishing and overall joy and appreciation of life and nature was born.
In 1957 Gary married his high school sweetheart, Irene L. Vetrano of Utica, NY; together they passed on their mutual love of the Adirondacks and nature with their three children. Years passed and summers in the Adirondacks transitioned to a love of sailing with his wife, children and friends on the open waters of Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River.
As his family grew with the blessings of marriage and four granddaughters, sail boating was replaced by “Best of Times” Summer Cottage on Lake Ontario. It was here our father next to his wife Irene spent many relaxing warm summer days and glorious summer nights listening to crackling bon fires under the stars, counting satellites and enjoying great conversation and many great belly laughs with family, friends and neighbors. Oh, the joy of our fathers hardy laugh.
Gary’s hobby was life and cherishing it. He lived in the moment and reflected on the past with fondness. Our father loved his life and he loved those he shared it with. He shared many other lifelong passions with his wife, children and friends of water and snow skiing, fresh water fishing, golf, scuba diving, owning his own plane as a licensed pilot, a competitive game of pitch and a great love of traveling abroad and throughout the US.
Gary had a natural artistic talent for carving birds, fish, and characters with great expression and detail. He could draw in both a natural or mechanical style.
Our father loved and taught his children and grandchildren the love of animals and had a compassionate heart for helping any animal or bird. He enjoyed all their personalities and antics whether it be the many family pets or a passing dog in need of a free meal and place to sleep.
And finally, one of the best gifts Gary had and gifted us all was his quick sense of humor and love of a good story or a joke that captured life’s silly commonalties. He measured his wealth by his relationships. He adored our mother - his best friend and wife (his partner of many comedic endeavors). Our parents could entertain each other for hours and never wasted an opportunity for a laugh or conversation between them. He cherished friendships, he counted friendships within the abundance of life’s gifts, and he had a knack for remembering the stories of each friend or acquaintance. Lives and families were important. People mattered to him, we mattered to him. And for this we are forever thankful. God Bless and Godspeed Dad. We will forever love, cherish and pass on the joyful memories of your wonderful life.
His final words to his three kids. “Don’t make me stop this car! I don’t want an argument out of you, we had a wonderful life and I love you all.”
A Celebration of Gary’s life with family and friends will be announced at later date due to Covid 19. Funeral arrangements entrusted to THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Hospice of CNY, 990 7th North St., Liverpool, NY 13088.
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