Gary Michael Slaven, 62, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2024, in Tucson, AZ, after a year-long battle with laryngeal and esophageal cancer.  He fought with courage, and never complained, despite significant pain as the cancer progressed in his body.  A loving son, brother, and friend, he was quick to provide a funny story, joke, impersonation, or a combination of all three, guaranteed to make you laugh. . .  He was ever the character, and easy to get along with, resulting in many friends and acquaintances in his life.  He will truly be missed!

Gary worked differing jobs throughout his life, in varying degrees of responsibility.  He worked at SLC and PHX international airports, Walmart, Circle K, Coca-Cola, among many others, and continued excelling in his work as a Materials Handler at Beacon Group in Tucson right up until he began cancer treatments late in 2023.

Gary enjoyed reading, history, horror/scary movies, jigsaw puzzles, and extreme Sudoku, and played electric guitar.  He collected war-themed board games and enjoyed piloting various aircraft in a phone-based app.

Gary was born in Cortez, Colorado, and was one of four children.  Gary is predeceased by his parents, Lewis and Ruth Slaven, and sister Donna, and half-brothers Eldon and Glen Slaven.  Gary is survived by his sisters Vicki and Susan, and extended Slaven and Hanagarne families.

A memorial service will be held at Carrillo's Tucson Mortuary, at 204 S Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ, on Saturday, October 26, with Visitation at 10:00 AM, followed by Memorial Service at 11:00 AM.