Gary W. Havumaki

Gardner- Gary W. Havumaki, 71 passed away peacefully on June 14, 2023 after a remarkable eight year struggle with pancreatic cancer.
Gary was born in Gardner on December 23, 1951 the son of the late Waino and Agnes (Krypar) Havumaki.
Gary was a 1971 graduate of Gardner High School, where he played varsity football and participated in track. Gary worked hard his whole life, he was never afraid to take on a task. He worked for many years at the former Conant and Ball Company and then at the former Nichols and Stone Company in many different departments retiring in 2016. After retiring from Nichols and Stone, Gary worked at PETCO in Athol for two years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, where served as a deacon. Gary was involved in many community and church events and very giving of his time. He baked cookies for many church dinners and community lunches. He enjoyed doing landscaping, going to band concerts especially in Petersham, attending church, country and agricultural fairs all over New England. He was a member of the Hardwick Farmers Cooperative, the Rutland Heifer Project and a lifetime
member of the American Forestry Association. Gary was a quiet man with a fondness for brisk conversation with friends and
family. He had a great fondness for the outdoors, animals and was a skilled artist. Gary will be remembered as a kind and caring person who was always willing to help others.
He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Terrance and Donald with whom he shared a close bond. Gary’s family was his treasure. He enjoyed spending time with and working alongside his brothers and in recent years visiting and talking with his cousins and extended family.
Gary leaves many cousins, including Thomas Briggs, Kenneth Briggs, Barbara Havumaki, Bruce Havumaki, Rev. Glenn Havumaki, Linda Havumaki and several close longtime friends who were considered family, John H. Mack and his family,
Keith Broderick, Janet Barrieau and George and Patricia Crowley.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 11:00 am in the First Baptist Church, 14 High Street, Gardner. A calling hour will be held prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 am in the church. Burial will be held at Wildwood
Cemetery in Gardner.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Gary’s memory to The First Baptist Church, 14 High Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or to the Petersham Brass Band, PO Box 751, Petersham, MA 01366 please reference Gary Havumaki
in the memo.
The Mack Family Funeral Homes, 105 Central Street, Gardner, MA. are directing the arrangements, Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Douglas M. Stone and Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.