Gary Lee Defourny

Gary Lee Defourny 1952 - 2023

Gary Lee Defourny of Lancaster, Ohio, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2023 at Fairhope Hospice Center with his wife, partner and caretaker Annamarie Defourny at his side.

Gary was born on November 19, 1952 in Columbus, Ohio. He attended Walnut Ridge High School from 1968 to 1971, and attended 172 Ironworkers Trade School in 1982. He was also a USCG Master Captain, with experiences as a Deckhand, Engineer, and Captain in Alaska and Sarasota, Florida. Gary worked for fifteen years as a supervisor for QCI Contractors and Delaware County Public Utilities, and he was an Ironworker fabricating steel on multiple high rises in downtown Columbus, Ohio and The Ohio State University.

Gary was a sports enthusiast, enjoying fishing, marksmanship, rugby, football and bicycling with his wife Annamarie. Together, they enjoyed camping, hiking and motorcycle riding around the US. Gary was a talented athlete, nominated to play for the Little Buckeyes football team and the Scioto Valley Rugby Club. He was a tradesman, with an inventive and creative mind who found joy in working with his hands. In Gary’s words, he loved "dinking around the garage". Gary was a loving family man, taking joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren, especially on the water. Above all, Gary was a man of faith, committing his life to Christ and learning to love himself and others more deeply.

Gary is survived by his wife Annamarie Grace Defourny; his sons Joshua Kenni and Jason Defourny; his daughter Miranda Defourny; his step-sons Zachary Martin and Augustus Martin; his step-daughters Abigail Miller and Sophia Koors; and nine grandchildren. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Norberta Defourny; his brother, Danny Defourny; his uncle, Desire Defourny and his wife, Mary; and his cousins, Lisa, Chris, Ricky, and Dale Defourny; as well as his cousin Augi Simms.

A memorial service will be held in honor of Gary on Saturday, April 29, 2023 in the chapel at Vineyard Columbus Westerville (6000 Cooper Road). Doors will open at 10am, and the service will be held from 11am-12pm, followed by a luncheon and fellowship. The family welcomes expressions of condolences and other wishes in Gary's memory.

“Memorial contributions can be made to Fairhope Hospice and Palliative Care.”

https://fairhopehospice.org/giving-2/