Notes:

February 3, 2014
Gary R. Coulson, Sr.

Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

LOCKPORT - Gary R. Coulson, Sr. entered into rest on February 1, 2014, at his home in Wrights Corners, after battling cancer.

He was born in the Town of Royalton on March 5, 1943, the son of the late Ernest L. Coulson and Ruth (McElwain) Coulson, and stepfather, Francis "Red" Russell.

He is survived by his wife, Carol and his children, Anthony (Jacqueline) of Tucson, AZ, Kelly Coulson Stott of Lockport, Michaelene Raymond of Wrights Corners, and Gary Jr. (Dodie) of Fort Wayne, IN. Gary had 11 grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas, Benjamin, Brittany, Tyler, David, Cailin, Taylor, Kyle, Louis and Hunter. He also had four great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Isabella, Micah and Ezekiel. Brother of Ronald (Joan) of Lockport, Cheryl (Fred) Yotter of Newfane, Teresa (Eddy) Ortiz of Lockport. He was predeceased by his brothers, Ernest, Richard and Kenneth.

Gary grew up in Lockport on a farm on Riddle Road and then along the banks of the Erie Canal in Lowertown. He graduated from Lockport Senior High School in 1960, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Lejeune and Twenty-nine Palms during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was honorably discharged in 1963 as a Lance Corporal.

Gary went to work for Harrison Radiator and eventually became an in-plant trucker. From 1984 to 1986, he served as the Shop Chairman for Local 686 of the United Auto Workers. He retired in 2001 after 38 years of work for Harrison, General Motors and Delphi.

Gary was an exempt member of the Olcott Fire Department, having volunteered and served as an Assistant Chief from 1973 to 1975, and awarded Fireman of the Year in 1977. He was an adult leader and Scoutmaster of Troop 27 in Olcott in the 1970s and 80s. He ran a restaurant in Olcott in the early 1980s, and was a daily participant in local breakfast meetings in Olcott and Newfane throughout the 1980s, 90s and 2000s.

He very much enjoyed his Adirondack property in Greig, NY, where he spent lots of time with his family. He was an avid hunter and an even more avid Buffalo Bills fan. Gary enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in various sports throughout his life. He was recognized by The Grange for saving the life of a child in June 1976 from drowning.

He will be remembered by his children as a kind, generous and forgiving man, who was incredibly loyal to his children and grandchildren. He was a good friend to many in the Olcott community. He will be remembered by colleagues and acquaintances as a man of intense work ethic and friendly demeanor.

Friends may call on Friday, February 7, 2014, at the RUTLAND-CORWIN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2670 Main Street, Newfane, NY, from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2014, at 12:00 Noon. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Olcott Fire Company. Internment will be in Royalton Mountain Ridge Cemetery when weather permits.

Please visit www.rutland-corwin.com to send a condolence to the family.

Family/Spouse: FELTON, Sharon Paulette. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. COULSON, Annthony
2. COULSON, Kelly
3. COULSON, Michaelene
4. COULSON, Gary

Family/Spouse: Carol. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Ernest + MCELWAIN, Ruth. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]