Gary Alan Kyes

Gary, age 56, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon, February 23, 2019 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI. Gary, the son of Alan "Ted" and Marilyn (Rankin) Kyes, was born in Kalamazoo on October 15, 1962. He was a lifetime area resident and a 1981 graduate of Gull Lake High School. Gary was very active in Boy Scouts as a young boy and was a member of the Gull Lake band in high school. During his high school years he divided his free time between music and boating and skiing on Gull Lake. Music was his passion, and as a young man he was the bass player for Silas Marner and attended concerts whenever he could. On August 28, 1992 Gary was involved in car accident that left him a quadriplegic. Although the doctors' prognoses were not hopeful, Gary continued to fight and spent the next 26 years defying the odds. He continued to keep music in his life by founding Koyez Productions--a sound studio in his home--and was a mentor to many young musicians and helped them lay down their first tracks. Gary also followed NASCAR religiously, especially "The Intimidator - # 3," Dale Earnhardt, Sr.; Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and currently, Kevin Harvick. Gary is survived by his two sisters, Vicki L. (Bruce Edmonds) Whisler of Norristown, PA and Connie J (Fred) Kyes-Myland of Richland; his brother-in-law, Ken (DeeAnn) Whisler, four precious nieces and nephews, Melissa (Whisler) (Andy) Homer, Benjamin Whisler, Gregory (Caroline) Kyes-Myland and Gretchen Kyes-Myland; and four great nieces and nephews, Archer and Addison Homer and Carter and Samuel Kyes-Myland. Gary is also survived by many who he thought of and treated as brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, nieces and nephews as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Gary was preceded in death by his parents. Gary's family will greet friends and family on Thursday, February 28th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89). The Funeral Service to celebrate Gary's life will be held on Friday, March 1st at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow next to his parents in Prairie Home Cemetery, Richland. Family and friends will continue Gary's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon (+ plenty of Metallica Tunes!) immediately following the committal service at the family home at 9412 Werner Street, Richland, MI 49083. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gary's honor may be directed to MADD (Mother's Against Drunk Driving), 1739 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48084. The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the "Amazing Nurse Angels," Elite Care, who provided such wonderful, full-time care for Gary. Personal messages and/or favorite memories of Gary may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com