In Memoriam
I received an email from dear friend Art Jetter recently, titled simply “Taps.”
I’m sad to report that Gary William Glassford, age 76, passed away peacefully at home on February 1, 2018. Gary was president of the Glassford Agency, Inc., in Phoenix, AZ, since founding the agency in 1970. At the time of his passing Gary served as the secretary and was a founding director of The Marketing Alliance, Inc. During his long insurance industry career, Gary served as President of the Scottsdale Association of Life Underwriters, the Secretary of Brokers Health Insurance Network, Inc., and the President of Sub Centers, Inc.
Gary Glassford was born on June 29, 1941, in Pittsburgh, PA, to James William and Alma Ruth (Dee) Glassford. His parents moved to Arizona in 1956, and Gary graduated from Scottsdale High School in 1959 where he was active in Student Government and an accomplished athlete. He then attended the University of the Pacific and graduated from Arizona State University in 1962 with a B.A. in Chemistry.
In 1966, while serving his country flying a low-level observation helicopter (OH-13) in a Hunter Killer Team with B Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam, Captain Glassford received the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, National Defense Service Medal, Bronze Star with V and 49 Air Medals. He was a Member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association.
“He had courage mixed with a great sense of humor,” relates Jetter, “Gary flew a very dangerous mission every day. The story goes that Gary was shot down three times and once lost his main rotor while hovering across a rice paddy tracking enemy. In each of those four instances, his unit maintenance officer picked him up. Years later, the maintenance offer moved to a nursing home near Gary’s home and Gary looked after his friend.”
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on April 7 at the Scottsdale VFW. Donations in appreciation of Gary’s service with 1st Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam may be made to the Arizona State Veterans Home ATTN: Recreational Therapy, 4141 N.S. Herrera Way, Phoenix, AZ 85012.
I was fortunate enough to meet Gary and his wonderful wife Debby (who preceded him in passing) in the early days of The Brokers Health Insurance Network nearly 30 years ago. I deeply appreciated their complete welcoming of me despite being little more than a clueless pup chasing my tail. I loved sitting around with them swapping countless jokes–they each had a fantastic and enthusiastic sense of humor.
Later, I was privileged to pass many wonderful hours just listening as dear friends Gary, Art, George Williams (WWII P-40 pilot) and Ed Murray (Vietnam non-air-conditioned infantryman) swapped stories and good-natured jabs at TMA meetings.
“Gary was a selfless and dear friend to many,” remembers Jetter. I feel honored to have been one of them.[SPH]
