Gary W. Few passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at Niagara Hospice House. Born in Lockport on January 20, 1939, he was the son of the late C. Donald and Lorraine Wendel Few. Gary graduated from SUNY Fredonia with a B.S. in Music and from UB with a Master’s in Education Administration. He served in the US Army Reserves from 1963-1969.
Gary’s professional career started in 1961, retiring in 1995, with a tenure of 17 years at Niagara Wheatfield Central School and 17 years at Royalton-Hartland Central School. He taught Music Appreciation and Theory, directed the Senior High Girl’s Chorus, Acapella/Concert Choir, Boys Glee Club, Swing Choir and also co-directed ten musicals. Nearing the end of his teaching career, he was an assistant principal, followed by an Interim Principal at Roy-Hart. One of the highlights of his career was touring and performing in Scotland, England, France, Canada and several states in the US with his Niagara Wheatfield Concert choir. Gary’s school groups were known to perform at the top-grade level, receiving the highest scores one can receive at NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) competitions where he was a member. Many of his students went into the music profession as a result of his support and mentoring. After retirement, he continued to share his expertise as an instructor and director at NCCC. He also directed several Ecumenical Community Choirs, played trumpet in the North Tonawanda American Legion Band, and the Buffalo US Armed Forces Band following his service as a reservist in the US Army.
Gary was very active in the community as a member of and served as a Master of the Cataract Lodge in Middleport, and belonged to the Barker Lions Club, serving a term as President. He was the Director of the Lockport Glee Club, one of the first Men’s Barbershop Groups in the Roy-Hart area, the Trinity Lutheran Church Choir, Christ Episcopal Church Choir, and the United Methodist Church Choir. As an active member of the local AFS chapter, his family hosted an exchange student from Switzerland. In his spare time, he enjoyed antique cars, radio control airplanes, playing bridge, fishing, camping, traveling, and boating.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Patricia (nee Meiklejohn) Few; father of Kevin M. (fiancée Cindy Weinheimer) Few, James D. (Renee) Few and Melissa (Jean-Claude) Bernaer; grandfather of Brittany Few, Kyle (fiancée Kailey Schultz) Few, Megan Few, Brandon Few and Jenna Bernaer; great grandfather of Shaymiir Few. He was the oldest brother to Richard W. (Linda) Few and the late D. William (Patricia O.) Few. Gary is also survived by his mother in-law Alma Meiklejohn and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends may call on Friday, May 10th from 2-4 and 6-9 PM at Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 11th at 11 AM at Christ Episcopal Church, 7145 Fieldcrest Dr, Lockport, NY 14094. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Christ Episcopal Church, the Niagara Hospice House, a local music program or charity of choice would be appreciated. Visit pruddenandkandt.com.
