A true Sox fan raised in Topsfield, Massachusetts, Gary graduated from Masconomet High School 71 and Norwich University ’75. His plans to enter the USAF as a pilot did not happen because of the drawdown after the Vietnam War ended. He dedicated 27 years of service to the United States Air Force and NH Air National Guard. Serving as a Personnel Officer and then the Public Affairs Officer for the NH National Guard, LtCol Cyr truly believed in bettering the lives of those that served this great country. During his military career and continuing after leaving military service, he was a leader in the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR) in NH and nationally, supporting fellow veterans and their families.

LtCol Cyr, along with Jonathan Halle of Sheman, Grenier, and Halle, developed the concept for the 20 Point of NH Military History project at the NH State Veterans Cemetery. Gary was a director on the Board of the NH Veterans Cemetery Association from 2002-2012, helping to create the vision of the Cemetery being a source to educate students and the public of the contributions and service of NHs veterans.

FROM HIS OBITUARY:  Gary spent many days making his self-constructed colonial house a home. He annually strapped 6 bikes to the roof of a popup camper, he danced down the mountain gracefully with his wooden skis; he strummed his guitar at night to help his children fall asleep; he read every billboard aloud, he impersonated Elvis like a king, he instilled a strong work ethic and always laughed at his own jokes.  May all of his many friends from all parts of the country know that he rests peacefully with Fox News blaring in the background and his pot of Dunkin Donuts coffee brewing in the kitchen. His grass has been meticulously mowed in straight lines and his car washed and rewashed one last time. It’s guaranteed he has already made friends and entertained an audience dressed as one of the Blues Brothers. Salute him proudly and ignite his joyous spirit to spread like wildfire across this great nation that he so proudly represented.

Gary’s grave is in Section 7, Row N, Site 354