Remembering Hope business owner Garry Estes

Hope just lost a business owner and operator of over 40 years -- a CEO who you would not think as one because it just was not his way.

Garry Estes graduated from Hauser, returned to Hope after serving his country, and built a productive business, Estes Material Sales, Inc., from humble beginnings to one that now reaches into the Midwest, a company, no matter how big, that his employees felt as if they were a part of the family. Before leaving this earth, Garry made sure there would be a smooth transition enabling the business in continuing to “Rock On.”

Rex Baxter, bulk dispatcher, stressed that point while talking about the difficulty in losing someone who he had worked with for 35 years. We also shared some laughs which was good for both of us.

I got to know Garry a little years ago when my sister, Sally, performed weekly at Ancestors where he would often come with his wife of many years, Mary Lou. After retiring from teaching, I got to know him better when we both would eat together either at Corner Cafe or WILLow LeaVes.

Garry wasn't one to share much information about his health, but I determined from our discussions that he had felt better; thus, I asked, “Garry, when are you going to retire?”

He looked up with that “Garry Grin” and softly replied, “I'm not. I will work until I can't.”

His response was not a surprise. Ryan Seim, a recent college graduate, approached Garry about showing him the “ropes of such a business” hoping to some day be in a similar one. Ryan said, “Garry went out doing what he loved. Even though it has not been easy, we have not paused the business because it simply is not what Garry would want from us.”

While eating together, we talked about a variety of subjects like life, family, the business, the Army and Vietnam, Masons, aging, and his mules. I was not aware he had a strong interest in antique toys and knives. When engaging in a conversation, it was never dull. As Patty, a sister, stated, “There would be some remarks from Garry that probably should not be put in print.”

One of Garry's sisters, Sherry, will never forget the most beautifully wrapped Christmas present ever from Garry. He had Mary Lou to wrap it. Sherry insisted to open her present first only to find a pig's tail from one that the men had butchered. She learned a valuable lesson, “to never trust a beautiful package again.”

Mark Cornett, Corner Cafe, talked about how he would miss their business conversations when Garry would change to his serious posture and emphasize the importance of allowing experts to help out because “time is so important, not only for you but for your family.”

Vickie Tedder, WILLow LeaVes, mentioned how they had the “Garry Ticket” hanging in the kitchen for lunch each day to save him time as well as them time. It fits with Garry's discussion with Mark.

Both, Mark and Vickie, mentioned how Garry would buy and take food to others. When talking to Rex Baxter, he mentioned how Garry helped several people in difficult circumstances. It started when Garry was quite young according to Patty, a sister, in relaying a story told by their mother, Lemma Maedell, who shared an example of Garry's kindness and generosity. The family was riding on a public bus, and she had given the children candy to help keep them quiet. A poor older man looked their way and said, “I sure would like some candy, but I don't have any money.” Garry responded by reaching over and saying, “You can have mine.”

Rikki Hege first met Garry when working as a waitress at Sadie's Restaurant. She kept forgetting his order and messing things up. One day, he asked, “Hey, are you any good on computers?” Rikki said, “Yes, I love working on them.” Garry, being himself, came back with a grin and these words, “You're a terrible waitress. Show up at my office tomorrow for work.” Rikki, marketing specialist, has now been with company for 21 years.

Rikki's story reminded me of what Jay Rominger, an employee when young and then much older, stated when talking about Garry. “He could hold your attention and often would joke around with that slight grin just to make sure he wasn't hurting your feelings.”

Yamileth Martinez, a high school senior intern, stated, “Even though Garry barely knew me, he believed in me and always gave everyone a chance without judgment. It breaks my heart to know he is gone. But, I promise you that he will be remembered by many, including myself. Garry was a caring man, and I will always be thankful God put him, and others here, in my life! I will never forget my first job.”

You are right Yamileth. Garry will be fondly remembered by all of us who were fortunate enough to cross his path. I first found out about Garry's death through a text by one of his friends, Ken Seim. Ken summed it up with, “Garry was a good-hearted man.”

Hope is very fortunate to have many such people, but there will never be another Garry Estes. He will be greatly missed by all, including his beloved old mule, Teddy. (Due to Teddy, I researched mules and found they have a lot of common sense which Garry had an abundance of in business and in life.)

There will be a Garry Estes Memorial Parade Procession and Military Honors on Sunday, May 3rd starting at 1:00 p.m. on the south side of the Hope Town Square. Memorial contributions may be made out to Garry Estes Scholarship Fund. You can find details on the Estes Material Sales, Inc. Facebook Page as well as wonderful comments from many people who knew Garry.