Gary Mac Vanek

Vanek, Gary Mac, age 77, of Royal Oak, passed away September 5, 2017. Gary Vanek remained a lifelong resident of Royal Oak throughout his decorated 77 years. He was an accomplished community leader and businessman that enjoyed many of the great things in life; most importantly the love he shared for his family. He was a kind, giving spirit and helped so many others in the community and church. He was part of the 1958 Graduating Class at Kimball High School and most notably inducted into their hall of fame for his vast accolades; he was invited and gave the last commencement address to the last class to graduate from Kimball. Gary went on to earn a degree in 1962 from Central Michigan University in Industrial Arts. During his time at Central Michigan, he met Sandra and the two college sweethearts married in 1961. They welcomed two beautiful daughters into their lives Debra (1962) and Tamra (1965). Gary went on to teach at Royal Oak Keller Middle School and finished his teaching career as a Graphic Design teacher at Kimball High School. Gary decided to run for State Representative in 1978 and later did 3 terms as the State Representative of the 66th district. After his run as State Representative, Governor Blanchard appointed Gary as one of the State Liquor Commissioners. Gary was a faithful man who carried on six generations at First Baptist Church of Royal Oak. He loved to dedicate his free time to different foundations and organizations; some of those are Camp Lael, Boys and Girls Club, Royal Oak Schools, Beaumont Foundation and Judson Center. Gary also loved traveling with family and spending time with the Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Beloved husband of Sandra Vanek (Mittelstadt); loving father of Tami Tucker-Vanek and the late Debra Brown-Vanek; son of the late John and Margaret Vanek; dear brother of Joann (Clarence) Harder, Kay (Lenny) Klein and Susan (David) Pagenstecher; proud grandfather of Zack Vanek, Kati (Matt) Saul, Cortney (Breyn) Tucker, Brian Brown, Josh Brown and Mickayla Brown-Vanek; great grandfather of Kallie Vanek, Luka Mac Saul, Jovan Saul, Olive Vanek, Grant Nedry and Remingtyn Tucker. Visitation Friday 2-8 p.m. at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W 11 Mile Road (4 blocks E of Woodward), Royal Oak, MI 48067. In state Saturday 2 p.m. until the time of service 3 p.m. at Genesis: The Church, 309 N Main Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067. Burial at Oakview Cemetery, Royal Oak. Memorials appreciated to Camp Lael, 2062 Ferns Road, Lapeer, MI 48446 (www.camplael.com) or Detroit Friendship House, 9540 Conant Street, Hamtramck, MI 48212 (www.detroitfriendshiphouse.org). Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.

Gary Mac Vanek

August 12, 1940 - September 5, 2017