Gary was loved by all. Below are stories that have been shared by Gary's family and friends. If you have a story you'd like to share, please use the link below:
I met Gary 52 years ago and find it hard to express how he has impacted my life. Both on a personal basis and in business life, Gary has always been a leader, mentor and friend – not just to me but to nearly everyone he interacted with.
I have so many memories and stories which include The Been it’s apparent that he is truly part of the fabric of my life. Gary brought humor or discipline or understanding each as appropriate and with impeccable timing.
Having the unique experience of working with him at three different companies I witnessed his impact on his seniors, his staff, vendors and peers. Gary held himself to the highest of standards and without condescension or arrogance he held others to that same standard. Whether it was his employer or an entry level employee, the standard was always the same - honesty, hard work and respect for those around you. There was one phrase that I never wanted to hear, “Joel, how did you let that happen?”
Of course this is the same standard he held with his friends. Putting it succinctly, Gary did not suffer fools.
Gary and Carol have played a significant role in my life for 50 years. I claimed them and Chris and Erin, their spouses and children as family. I didn’t ask permission and a request is not forthcoming. My family, Tina, Briana and Eric, are all the better for it.
RIP Been, we had a great run.
Haiku*
Hey, Been, what the hell
I have stuff to talk about
This was not the plan
*Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry. Haiku poems consist of 3 lines. The first and last lines of a Haiku have 5 syllables and the middle line has 7 syllables.
Although I wasn’t officially his son-in-law, I’ll be damned if anyone thought I wasn’t.
He embraced everything I did with the respect and care as my very own father. I’m gonna miss our weekly talks
of what projects we are working on or what new beers we have found. Most of all his ability to make you feel
welcomed and loved; granting you beingness that actually made you feel like a better person. But also he was
never going to pussyfoot around the truth and boy did I respect him for that.
When someone passes I like to reflect on what part of them lives and carry’s on with me. As I now get ready to
embark on the journey of fatherhood, I will always have Papa there guiding me to be a better person, a better
husband and a father.
Gary, you will be missed but your virtues will live on.
Love you bud.
When I think about my friend Gary, what comes to mind is his ability with the witty one liners. They just seemed to roll off and I was in awe of how quickly he was able to have such incredible responses.
He was such a fun traveling companion and always up for any kind of adventure. Lots of dinners, talks, jokes and many times of playing cards and cribbage. Many Chiefs games and being right with him when they were doing well and when when they weren’t. I once couldn’t remember the title of a song or where I’d heard it and I sang it to him over the phone and we both pondered on this for a bit, he said he’d have to think on this some more and the next day he called me up with the title and the movie! It was such a win for him and me!
I had so much admiration and respect for Gary and I feel he was such a great example of how we all could could strive to be and act our very best.
I could write a tome about this guy. What I may remember the most is Gary’s sense of humor. But maybe also his wit and sharp insights about life. He was a leader in so many ways, one of those guys who leads without even trying. Gary exemplified dedication to family and friends, with a very high standard of ethics in all his dealings. He pursued his interests with vigor and intensity, loving big games. I am honored to have been able to spend so many years and adventures with Gary and his family, and we will all continue to benefit from knowing him throughout the rest of our lives. Thank you, Gary, for being you and for being such a dear friend. Love you, Been!
Gary was not only a father figure to our generation, but me personally. We had many long conversations about life, politics, the economy, finances etc. Gary was very interested generation’s well being and success. I valued his views and guidance. I will deeply miss Gary walking up, mug in hand, asking “What’s the haps?” I’ll leave a spot open on the porch until we meet again. - Todd
Papa. Gare Bear. Gary. What a dude. A papa to us all. Gary could write a book on how to live right. The smartest guy in the room with the best advice. Always up for any adventure. We love you so much Gary and we are so lucky to have had these incredible years with you. Thank you for loving us so completely and being there for all of it. Your guidance and love will be with us always.
Words could never express how I feel about Gary or what he meant to me. He was a best friend and second dad to me since I was born. He was also the kindest person , the most hilarious, the most fun, an amazing father, husband and papa and the list could go on. But, here’s a few words to the man himself: Thank you for all the memories, the laughs and the times I will never forget. There are thousands it seems. You’ve been an anchor for me my entire life and you’re just about the best damn person I’ve ever met. I truly am so lucky to have had you in my life. I love you Been.
Gary’s talks, Gary’s stories...we would come over to Caige and Erin’s and I would always hope that Gary and Carol would look out their window and see that we were there. Because the minute Gary saw we were there, he would scurry up to the house..mug in hand. He always wanted to know what we were up to, what we were working on, so interested in what we had to say. He granted so much beingness and made you feel like the smartest person in the world and you wanted to make him proud. Then it would lead into Gary telling the greatest story of some time...somewhere out in the Midwest. Thank you Gary for teaching us the honest to God goodness of man and every one of us kids you took under your wing. We will make you proud always and forever. Love,
Gary is one of those special people you sit up straight for. Because he will see and say something simple you never thought of. Because he’ll be curious and ask questions that make you think. Because you’ll leave the conversation feeling smarter. A brilliant mind. A caring soul.
He was only client who insisted paying for haircuts he missed ❤️
Such a honest, special person, friend, husband and dad! And I even got to see him him with Kyler and Ren last month, such a great grandpa who I always think of😊
Last year, I was having some trouble navigating some very large business decisions related to the company where his daughter and son-in-law work (with me). Gary reached out to meet, and over the next several hours, I got to know him and what he cared about, one of which was the company. He saw how well the company was doing, and how great it was, and was ready to do anything necessary to make sure we kept the company together, even though he was on the outside of it. The amount of confidence he had in us, the compassion he showed, and the faith he placed in what we were doing, was shocking to me at the time. He changed my perspective completely from that point onward. I felt so inspired after meeting with him, I will never forget that for as long as I live.
I have discussed these issues with plenty of other “business gurus” and “business titans,” but no one had the care, compassion and faith that Gary showed me. I’ll never forget it.
I have the proud honor of knowing Gary my whole life. Gary is more than a friend he is a second father, a god father, a favorite uncle and someone I depended on in life. He has always shown an incredible interest in whatever I was doing in life, no matter what was happening in his life.
I have so many great pleasure moments with Gary. The many camping trips we did as a family, including the time the adults played cards into the wee hours of the night with lots of laughter in the cabin. This is the same trip when someone decided to shuffle the cards in the dryer! LOL.
Or the trip to Mexico when Gary let me sit up front with him and listen to great music on the way! While in Mexico he saved my life literally by pulling me out of an under tow. And the matching ponchos we all got!
There is also the release of Star Wars and standing in line for many hours to see it in the theater together with other friends and family too.
I will always know Gary as an incredible, humble man who knows so much. His example in life taught me many valuable virtues that I have since applied and see how it works. He truly touched everyone’s life he came across in a great way.
Thank you Gary for always be there for advice, laughs and hugs. Can’t wait to see you again for the latest great music and amazing barbecue! Geez, I love you!
Who was Gary Beeny to me?
He was my best friend.
It had gotten to the point that we either talked about anything and everything, texted, were together, played cards, drank beer, golfed, went out to eat, chipped golf balls in my back yard, watched the Chiefs on TV, went to movies, went on vacations, played with each others grand kids or in some way connected most ever day since he and Carol came back to LA six years ago.
He was the first person I met when got into Scientology. He sold me my first books and was my first course supervisor.
I talked to him the night before he passed.
He was my best friend.
Gary was one of the nicest guys I have ever met. His sole interest was that everyone was doing well. We often chatted, as we watched the kids playing, and I could tell that sight brought him peace and joy.
I’m so lucky to have known him.
In my eyes, Gary was a true….. Mexican. He was loyal, a provider, protector, and a family man. Family always came first and if you made the cut with those he kept in his circle, then you were in his group. I valued and cherished that. He always treated me with the utmost respect and he could tell what his family means to me. Gary had incredible ethics presence while at the same time being a very warm soul. Cut from an old school breed, the kind they rarely make now a days, Gary was a man’s man. Onwards & upwards G.B.
Gary was funny,
His laugh was hearty.
So let’s raise a glass
As he’ll be at his party.
From A Gentleman in Moscow
To the boys in Peaky Blinders,
Gary enjoyed a good story
And quirky reminders.
So, let’s raise a glass
As he’ll be at his party.
Love,
I’ve always been aware of what a big being Gary is. He encouraged me in the early years of creating our company and I hung on his every word. And he always, always made me laugh. It is a huge loss and I can’t wait until he’s back with us.
I would like to share one of the favorite sayings of a left handed person: “I may be left handed but I’m always “RIGHT!” My dear left handed sister, Carol, was always “RIGHT” next to Gary for the past 50+ years! Loving, living, laughing and learning together through good times and bad times, the “ Been” team! They shared so many adventures and played so many card games! We always enjoyed their visits to Oklahoma ! A big trait I remember about Gary was his quick cheek to cheek grin, not always sure of its full meaning! What a great person who gave so much meaning to the lives around him! May God bless! Love and hugs to all the family and friends who will miss him , 💕🤗.....
Your dad was a great man and I’m better for having known him and had the good fortune to spend so much time with him.
Though I have known Gary for many years, we became friends in the past few years when he and Carol moved back from Texas. We began playing golf together, taking our wives to concerts and shows and going out to dinner. I introduced him to my daughter and son-in-law and he eventually sold them a house he had renovated.
Gary was witty, insightful, funny, intelligent, sometimes cantankerous, well read and a lover of music. I enjoyed sharing rides with him to rounds of golf. Me being from Denver, we often talked about the pros and cons of our favorite football teams.We discussed the draft, how each team improved or needed work, and what to expect of the coming season. It was always civil with the occasional jab back and forth in good fun. Or we would discuss world affairs where he always had a point of view I found to be informed and interesting.
Gary was not one to do something half way. He wanted the best and I saw that in the work he did renovating a house or working on his golf game.
I am going to miss you Gary. And hey, they want me to wear KC colors to your ceremony! Don't be surprised if I arrive in the blue and orange of Denver.
I met Gary on a afternoon in Kingfisher when he came to Oklahoma for a job with a couple of his friends. We got to hang out some and then I introduced him to a good friend of mine from Okarche and it was up hill after that. 50+ years later he and Carol were going strong. Time passes way to fast and now we celebrate him. A good friend, husband, dad and papa.
Thank you, Gary for taking care of my friend all these years. RIP and God bless Carol, his kids, grandkids and friends. ❤️❤️
I met The Been in 1973. While we have spent most of the time since then living in different cities, it’s seemed like he was a neighbor and close friend forever. I have had some of the most fun and outrageous times with him over the years. We have laughed about them and it seems like yesterday.
I will always remember his sense of humor, his loyalty, his integrity and count it as one of my greatest privileges to know him. Many of us feel like we haven’t had enough of The Been, and look foreword to seeing him again down the road.
Long live The Been in our hearts and mind forever!
Gary wasn’t a family member I came to know well until I was an adult. He and Carol moved to Dallas after we moved to Houston. He was the closest family member to me, since I’d moved away with my husband in ’96. He and my mother were first cousins. We treasure the memories of our time visiting Gary and Carol, as well as when they visited us. It was so fun to discover how much we had in common. As everyone knows, he’s a thinker, a talker, an encourager, and a blast to be around. His heart was so genuine and positive that we couldn’t help but feel instantly at ease, accepted, and welcome in his presence. My only regret is that we didn’t have more time to spend with him before they moved back to CA. There were more Chiefs games to see and golf games to play, memories we would have loved to share with him. Gary, we love you and miss you!
My friend, my colleague and my mentor. You will be missed.
I am sorry that I will not be able to be at the service of my dear friend Gary Beeny. BUT I definitely want to share some words about my friend Gary.
Gary was not only a friend, but he was a father to me. I would spend most of my days spending the night with Erin and I always enjoyed my conversations with Gary. I first learned of a Laser Disk from Gary, he always seemed to be on the cutting edge of technology when it came to audio and home entertainment.
I will never forget the business trips that I used to tag along with the Beeny family. Some of my favorite memories are from traveling with Gary, Carol and Erin.
I learned a lesson about exchange from Gary. One day we were at all ALL YOU CAN EAT restaurant - SIZZLER maybe? remember them? Anyways, I sat down next to Erin and Gary asked me where my plate was. I innocently told him that I was going to share with Erin. Since it is all you can eat then we don't have to pay for two plates. Oh man! I had NEVER seen Gary so angry with me before. And to be honest, I was so confused as to what was wrong with that? It probably took me several years to finally understand what lesson he was trying to teach me...! What a great man.
Above all, I love, love, love Gary's laugh and the fact that I could make him laugh was one of my favorite things to do. I will never forget him and wish him all the best in his new life.
Lots of love from your friend and adopted daughter,
He was born October 19th, 1949 to Gerald and Aileen Beeny. He grew up with his older sister Dennie in the small town of Sheldon, Missouri.
Gary’s father and his Uncle Bernard, along with Gary’s grandfather owned various businesses in Sheldon – including Beeny Brother’s Hardware Store with appliances and furniture, Beeny Brother’s second-hand store and Beeny Brother’s Funeral Home. It was working at the hardware store where Gary learned the skills and satisfaction of working with his hands and fixing things that were broken. He and his dad also loved to trout fish and camp.
After High School, Gary attended the University of Central Missouri, UCM, in Warrensburg where he majored in business with the intention of continuing to law school. While at UCM he pledged Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity where deep life-long friendships were established and continued the rest of his life.
In 1968, he met his sweetheart, Carol Schieber and they were married January 25, 1970.
In 1971 he graduated college with a business and marketing degree. He was always an excellent student, and even with added responsibilities of the birth of their son Christopher Gerald in July of 1970, Gary finished his undergrad years with a string of 4.0 semesters and academic accolades.
After college graduation, he was accepted and enrolled at the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law from which he received a law degree in 1976.
During this period Gary and Carol became members of the Church of Scientology and continue to be active students and supporters. They are also widely known as generous financial supporters of various humanitarian and human rights causes.
After practicing law in a private practice, Gary decided private practice wasn’t for him and he became Legal Counsel for Pioneer Title Company in Kansas City.
In 1979, Carol & Gary welcomed their second child, Erin Rebecca.
He was then appointed Regional Manager and in 1983 the parent company of Pioneer, Ticor Title, transferred him to California where in a short time he became the Western US Manager and Sr. Vice President. After working for other companies in the title industry, Gary accepted the position of President of North American Title and eventually moved to the Dallas area to serve as President for Trans-Star National Title.
In 2013, they received the news they would soon be grandparents. The excitement of having grandchildren was so strong that Gary and Carol moved back to California to be with Erin and Caige and the new arrival Kyler Grae, followed by the second grandchild Ren O’Connor in 2016. He continued working remotely from his California home for Trans-Star National Title in Dallas.
On January 25th 2020, Gary and Carol celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They made their relationship a priority and realized early on, that it was very important to always love and respect each other and have fun no matter what they were doing.
Gary was passionate about life.
Gary has always been an avid sports fan, particularly to the Kansas City Chiefs & Kansas City Royals. He followed sports every minute of every day. He loved to golf and took lesson after lesson to always improve his game.
His thirst for knowledge on any subject was never quenched. Most would agree a conversation with him would always leave you with something to think about or a new perspective.
His love and appreciation of music is second to none. You named a song and he knew who sang it and what year it came out. And was always interested in the latest new group - he was a true rock ‘n’ roll aficionado.
Gary loved traveling and finding new places to eat - an absolute foodie. He loved playing cards, enjoyed frosty pale ales, a true pizza connoisseur and a diehard Kansas City BBQ fan.
He was very clever and had an exceptional sense of humor, his witty one-liners were endless, giving everyone a good belly laugh, including himself.
You couldn’t find a more humble guy who believed integrity, hard work and honesty always paid off. There was not an action started that didn’t have an end goal to help his family & friends. His wife (Carol), two children (Erin & Chris), their spouses (Caige & Rikke), two grandchildren (Kyler & Ren) along with all his buds were always considered his finer things in life.
He was a realist, an artist, a scholar, a humanitarian, a freedom fighter, a conversationalist, a mentor and incredible friend and really cool dude.
The best husband, father and papa.
He is now off on his new adventures, but boy, will he be missed.
Gary Beeny was above all else a humanitarian and a freedom fighter. In this spirit, his family asks that instead of flowers, you make a donation of any amount to one of the organizations below that he supported so steadfastly:
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We will be holding a Celebration of Life in honor of Gary Beeny for close friends and family on Sunday, June 14th at the Moore-Beeny Estate.
Due to COVID, we ask that guests do their best to observe all related measures.
For those unable to attend in person, please feel free to join the service via the Zoom link below.
SUNDAY, JUNE 14TH
Service to begin promptly at 4:30pm PST as we will have family and friends joining via Zoom.
PLEASE RSVP FOR FURTHER DETAILS: [email protected]
We ask that you carpool as much as possible and park across the street in the Delphi Academy parking lot.
To celebrate “THE BEEN” properly, please come wearing your favorite Kansas City Chiefs attire - or red and gold! Go Chiefs!
Zoom Link
Zoom Password: 711640
