- Date Of Birth: June 24, 1944
- Date Of Death: October 1, 2021
- State: Utah
Gary Thomas Nay, 77, finished the front nine on October 1, 2021. He is now playing the back nine–from the tips–on a course he would describe (with that familiar chuckle) as “Terrific. Holy Mackerel! Best I’ve ever seen. You might could call it ‘Heavenly.’”
His spectacular round began on June 24, 1944, in little ol’ Willard, Utah. Although clearly a natural, he benefited greatly from being first coached by Ken and Pearl Nay. They taught him that, in every swing he took, following through would make all the difference and that a poor attitude is far worse than a poor swing. They also taught him that fear was the worst of all hazards on the course; perhaps that’s why he conquered the biggest of amusement park rides from a very young age. Though golf was his true love, Gary also played football and baseball. As a youngster, he often pitched against older competition. His fastball continues to blossom on the branches of the Nay family tree, where even the girls throw better than most boys. Pearl even played softball for a team called the Battle Axes, so yeah, it’s legit and it runs deep.
Gary’s game improved after learning much about mental discipline and resiliency as a young LDS missionary in Northern California. He left with a greater love for the Lord and with a fondness for Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, the sights and sounds of the Big City and the majestic waters of the ocean.
The greatest highlight of Gary’s round took place when Vickie Lyn Young became his eternal companion in the Logan, Utah temple on January 20, 1967. This talented pair complemented each other perfectly and, together, navigated many challenging obstacles. The course first took them to USC, where they managed the apartments that they lived in. Gary’s studies were interrupted by service in the United States Navy and, in 1969-1970, a deployment to Vietnam. While his incredible bride patiently managed as a single mom to their first born, Derrick, Gary managed critical supplies in Da Nang. Superiors trusted him so deeply they asked him to control the distribution of the most sought-after wartime commodities of all–tobacco and alcohol.
Following their great sacrifice for country, Gary and Vickie began their great sacrifice for posterity. They grew their family as they traversed the country, with stints in Rhode Island, California, Nevada, and New Mexico before making their way back to Box Elder County. They added a foursome after Derrick: Emily, Brandon, Travis, and Sarah. The first initials of their children unintentionally, but aptly, acknowledged a challenge of young parenthood that the five “Naykids” themselves would someday appreciate.
Gary fed and sheltered his family through hard work. He finished up his Bachelor’s Degree at BYU. He spent his career with Smith’s Food & Drug, managing stores and serving as a regional manager before relocating to corporate headquarters in Cincinnati after Kroger acquired the company. He especially enjoyed his last few years with the company, spent living in Vancouver and traveling to China. Upon retirement, Gary and Vickie made their home in St. George, Utah.
Despite his busy schedule, Gary was a fixture at ballgames. If he couldn’t sit in the stands, he watched from the car and his kids and grandkids would hear him honking the horn whenever something great happened. Gary taught them all that watching a game–under the lights and on a beautiful field–could truly be “a religious experience.”
Gary loved really good music, really good food, the military, and all things patriotic. He also had a mildly unhealthy obsession with earning as many Smiths Fuel Points as possible (though paying less than a dollar a gallon for gas these days is really, really impressive). Most of all, Gary loved his family. He found a way to connect, in a personal and special way, with everyone. You were certain to be asked about what you had going on or complemented on something you did. He was enthusiastic about whatever you were enthusiastic about, and many kids who were not privileged to have any Nay blood in them still felt he was their adoptive Papa. His sense of humor flowed easily across generations, and his advice, or “Nayology,” has and will stand the test of time.
Several years ago, the Naykids began hosting the GTN Classic golf tournament during the week of Father’s Day. The memories made were unforgettable and the stories told were mostly true. If you never had the privilege of being in the room with Gary, Vickie, and their children when they made each other laugh so hard that the tears flowed freely, you really missed out. Moments like that taught those who married into this remarkable clan just how awesome a family can be.
Gary is on that back nine, now, with Ken and Pearl Nay, and with his grandson, Naythan Bell. His shoulder’s range of motion is back, too, and the clubs they gave him up there are, according to him, “the bee’s knees.” Here, still on the front nine, are his angelic wife, Vickie; his five children Derrick (Susie), Emily (Matt), Brandon a.k.a. “Mook,” Travis (Cat), and Sarah (Chad); his sister, Bonnie; 17 grandchildren, if you include their spouses (and he did); 4 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews and, well, you get the picture.
Gary’s presence will be felt every time we hear the national anthem, the rattle of a golf ball in the cup, or a song by Fleetwood Mac. He’ll be with us every time we see a pitcher paint the outside corner, drive by a Smith’s store, or notice a full head of bright white hair. He has influenced countless people for good, and his memory is honored each time we treat others the way he did (except for someone who gave poor customer service, but we’ll let that slide).
