Gary L. Calkins
Gary Calkins passed away March 6th 2022 at 84 while on vacation in Florida, with his loving wife Janet of 58 years. Gary was born on April 1st 1937 in Lincoln Nebraska, to parents Leland and Helen Calkins. After graduating from Nebraska Wesleyan University Gary moved to Michigan where he met his wife, and together would have three boys. Gary worked as the Director of the Secondary Injury Fund for the State of Michigan and in 1998 Gary was elected to the Michigan Workers Compensation hall of fame. His passion for serving others was demonstrated throughout his life in his many roles such as the Lansing Board of Water and Light Commissioners, advisor to the CAM organization throughout retirement, former President of the Landlords Association of Mid-Michigan, and former President and Executive of the greater Lansing area Old Newsboys, to name a few. Gary was an entrepreneur and co-owner of the former Dance Hall Dairy in Dewitt along with multiple investment properties in the Lansing area. Gary lived life to the fullest and enjoyed spending summers at his cottage with his friends & family, driving his pontoon boat, golfing, bowling, MSU athletics, attending grandchildren’s events and traveling with his wife Janet. Gary exemplified generosity, kindness, understanding, wisdom, and expressed his love to family in his wry smile, laughter and actions. Gary is survived by his wife Janet, sons Randy (deceased), Brady (Vanessa), Craig (Andrea) Calkins and grandchildren Bailey, Samuel, Joel, Camden and Kylah.Visitation will be Friday, March 18th from 4:00-7:00 and funeral service Saturday, March 19th at 3:00 at Estes-Leadley Funeral Home 325 W Washtenaw St, Lansing MI. Burial will take place in Findlay Ohio March 21st.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Old News Boys of Lansing https://www.
23 Messages to “Gary L. Calkins”
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Mary Elizabeth Low Joseph
March 8, 2022 at 11:33 amI am so distressed to hear of the passing of my dear friend and mentor, Gary. Blessings and strength to Jan at this time.
Dick & Sherri Peffley
March 9, 2022 at 12:24 amJan, we were so shocked to hear about Gary. Sending our heartfelt condolences to you at this difficult time.
Al Ott
March 9, 2022 at 9:30 amI had the pleasure of meeting Gary over 20 years ago through the Old Newsboys. He was an fountain of knowledge. He loved the Spartans, Old Newsboys, golf and a good cigar. Gary, your smile, wit and laugh will be missed. I will forever cherish the memories. Many prayers and hugs to Jan and the family. We lost a good one folks. God Bless!
Jennifer Fields
March 11, 2022 at 12:59 pmGary was a founding member and active in the Association of State Employees in Management. I appreciate the time we spent together. Gary and Janet hosted us for the best board meeting at the lake. Gary was a great man and I will miss his advice and his humor. Peace and love to his family and friends.
Doug & Beth Rhoten & family
March 11, 2022 at 4:24 pmJan, we are so sorry for your loss and want you to know that my family’s thoughts and prayers are with you, your boys, and their families. Gary was one of the good guys and the world was a better place while he was with us. We have only fond memories of Gary. With love and sadness, Doug & Beth Rhoten & family
Judith (Rhoten) Santo and Family
March 11, 2022 at 6:52 pmJan and your family, we are sorry for your loss. Words can’t express the feelings at the loss of a loved one. Gary and My brother Donnie were buds in their youth. Fun watching them have fun. Going to Lincoln was always a pleasure. Our love and prayers are being offered. May God’s loving mercy wrap you and bring some peace.
Serena McKivens
March 12, 2022 at 11:22 amDear Calkins Family,
I’m so sorry on the lost of Mr. Gary Calkins. May the good Lord bless you and give your family family strength and encouragement during this very difficult time.
JoAnn Young
March 12, 2022 at 2:46 pmDear Jan, Brady, Craig and Family,
I was eagerly waiting to talk with Gary on St. Patrick’s Day, my Husband, Paul’s birthday, who died a month before, We always looked forward to Gary’s call and then 15 days later called him on his April Fool’s Day birthday. Paul knew Gary from his Grade School days in Lincoln Nebraska and their friendship continued to this day. I met Gary in Junior High and the three of us spent a great deal of time in his old car, with me riding between them, because he was the first to get his driver’s license. He would always put his arm around my shoulders if he was taking a corner too fast! An ancient memory! He kept in close touch especially in the last few months and Gary was Paul’s last phone call from a friend. They were both such “good guys” — successful men, happy, loving husbands and fathers — the world is a less joyful place without them.
Nancy Calkins Osterbuhr
March 12, 2022 at 4:31 pmSorry to hear of Gary’s passing our Dad’s were Brothers, we only have 2 cousins left from Dad’s side of family , plus there kids and Gary’s kids all 7 of us which we have never met, all 7 of us kids r still living, wish we would have got to know Gary better but we didn’t ever live close .my sympathy is with u all,,,,( Nancy Calkins Osterbuhr )
Sandy Bailey-Bristol
March 13, 2022 at 10:36 amI’m heartbroken to hear we’ve lost such a wonderful, caring, giving person. My deepest condolences to family and friends. Gary was wonderful mentor, I’m so glad I got to see him at the last RPOAMM meeting, and to think I almost didn’t go. I got to give him a hug and chat with him, I feel blessed to have known such a wonderful person.
Lindy Sigulinsky (Moyer)
March 13, 2022 at 12:44 pmI was so sorry to hear about Gary. I lived next door to the Calkins when I was in school and was their designated babysitter for Randy and Brady (I missed out watching baby #3 as we moved across town). Although I only lived next door, Gary always insisted on walking me home. Both Gary and Jan were role models for me….such kind and patient people. I have only the fondest memories of Gary. Jan, I hope all the memories help comfort you thru each and every day. Gary will be in your hearts forever.
Jack calkins
March 13, 2022 at 4:50 pmSorry to hear about Gary’s passing wish we could have gotten together to meet his family. I guess the last time we seen each other was when we were teenagers. Would someday like to meet his kids. We are all getting pretty old now . Our prayers are with all of y’all. GOD BLESS YOU TAKE CARE. YOUR COUSIN JACK.
Sandi Calkins Weatherford
March 13, 2022 at 7:02 pmMy sympathy goes out to Gary’s family, we all would have loved to have met the family, I was so young I probably met Gary but to young to remember but did follow him on Facebook by going to look at pics and posting, He had to be a great guy because his Dad, my Uncle Lee was great. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Lana Wagner
March 14, 2022 at 6:31 amJan, So very sorry to learn of Gary’s passing. Our prayers are with you and your family
RUTH A. CALKINS
March 14, 2022 at 11:44 amI’m so sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. We both were in the LOMM and I was always asked if I was related to Gary. Gary told me he was always asked if he was related to me. I will miss his knowledge and will always remember what a great man he was. My prayers are with you and your family.
Charlotte Morton
March 14, 2022 at 3:17 pmBrady and family, So sorry for your loss. My sympathies to your and your family. The Tool Lady
Tedd Tennis
March 15, 2022 at 7:48 pmGary was a wonderful friend to my parents and basically an uncle to my brother and me our whole lives. His passing leaves a mark. To my aunt Jan and my cousins Brady and Craig and your whole family- you have my deepest sympathies.
Rest in Peace Gary Calkins. Thank you for your kindness and friendship.
Lorrie Dodds
March 16, 2022 at 1:08 pmI’m so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I worked with him for many years. During my lengthy Illness, he drove me around Lansing to several offices to look at equipment I would need to return to work. I will never forget that. Many prayers to the family.
David Peake
March 17, 2022 at 1:40 pmBrady –
Unfortunately, I will be out of town for your dad’s funeral, so I’d like to pass along my sincere condolences via this guestbook. Your dad sounded like a very giving individual, and I’m sure you and your family will miss him greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with your family as you all navigate the loss of such a great man. God Bless.
Claire Corr
March 18, 2022 at 4:48 pmI met Gary through the Old Newsboys and am a better person for knowing him. He pushed me to be a better leader even though I wanted to smack him a few times, LOL! He was a great friend & mentor. Janet and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was a force, a kind soul, and an all-around fun person to be around. He will be greatly missed.
Misti Arquette
March 18, 2022 at 4:55 pmGary was my Landlord for 8 years. He was the absolute best. He had such a big caring heart. I am devastated to hear of his passing. I am sure going to miss him. He always had a smile on his face.
Richard Smith
March 18, 2022 at 10:36 pmIt has been my good fortune to have met Gary and have him become so influential in my life.
My time with Gary began when he was Funds Administrator for the Funds Administration for the State of Michigan and he also acquainted me with the wonderful people who make up the Old Newsboys Association. Gary was a good friend and will be surely missed. I am placing my thoughts here as I won’t be able to attend services tomorrow as I am at Sparrow hospital.
Barbara Wood
June 22, 2024 at 9:45 amI have been out of touch with Michigan news so only learned of Gary’s passing today. I worked with him when I was with the Michigan Attorney General’s office and later when my husband and I remained friends with him and Janet. He was a wonderful person and a joy to be around. Janet and family, I am so very sorry for your loss.