As most of you know, dad passed away Wednesday, June 20th.  He finished his earthly race at my home in the presence of my mother, though Melissa and I had said our "see you later's" the day before and journeyed to Denver, Colorado to begin her transplant process.  Chad and Heather had the opportunity to visit the weekend before he passed, where they had the chance to say their earthly goodbyes as well.

His departure, as you'd expect, is bittersweet.  He is no longer in pain.  He rejoices with our Lord in Heaven, welcomed into the loving arms of our savior.  

Lord willing, I will see his smile again.  I cannot wait!

Below is his obituary:

Though we grieve at the loss of his earthly presence, we rejoice that Philip Gordon Cary entered the presence of the Lord on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 after his journey on this earth ended at his son’s home in McCook. He was 68.

Phil Cary was born on March 8, 1950 to Gordon and Thelma (Buell) Cary in Greenville, SC.  He cherished his parents, and enjoyed a home full of love and faith. He grew up with three siblings - Stephen, Esther, and David - and enjoyed friendship and companionship with them until the final days of his life:

Phil married his high school sweetheart and one-and-only love of his life, Margaret Gray, on August 27, 1969 in Hot Springs, SD.  The two first attended Kansas City College and Bible School, where they met several treasured, life-long friends. Phil and Margaret finished their undergraduate educations at Kansas University, after which Phil earned his Master’s Degree in physics at the University of Missouri in Kansas City with the support and encouragement of his ever-loving wife.  

Despite the ability to enter many more lucrative career fields, Phil followed his calling into education - an occupation where he would touch thousands of lives over more than 40 years of service.  He became well-known for his engaging teaching style and his ability to take incredibly difficult subject matter and communicate it in a way that any willing student could comprehend. Even more importantly, he became known for his kindness and patience, and a smile that set the hearts of all granted the privilege to witness it at ease.  Those who got to know him more intimately knew that this character was a direct result of his faith in Jesus Christ - a living faith that impacted the lives of all who came into contact with him.

Phil was a loving father to his two sons - Chad Ryan and Kiel Tate -  and their wives, Heather and Melissa. His heart was especially filled with love for his grandsons - Jonas (14), Samuel (6), Sebastian (5), and Benjamin (19 months).  He enjoyed any activity with them that they wanted to participate in with him, and seeing them happy brought great joy to his life.

Phil was a life-long Amateur Radio enthusiast.  Having learned of the hobby from a missionary staying at his family home as a child, Phil developed a love for both the technical portions and the ability to communicate with other “Ham’s” world-wide.  He especially loved to meet with other members of the Pine Ridge Amateur Radio Club on Saturday mornings - a rendezvous he rarely missed.

Thus, memorials are suggested to the Pine Ridge Amateur Radio Club in care of Kiel Cary, 805 W. I St. McCook, NE 69001.  Phil often shared this passion with others throughout his life - especially those new to hobby - and the family desires to see his passion continue to encourage others despite the end of his earthly presence.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of arrangements.

Phil is survived by his wife Margaret of Chadron; sons Chad and wife Heather of Evans, CO, and Kiel and wife Melissa of McCook, NE;  four grandchildren; brothers Stephen and wife Grace Cary and Dave and wife Holley Cary; and sister Esther and husband Ron Allred.

He was preceded in death by his parents, with whom he now rejoices in Heaven.