Sandy,

I just heard about your husband's passing. I'll be thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.....

Pam

Sandy-

Camp Courageous was so fortunate to have Brian Gay as a friend. He would call and say, "I'll be up in a little bit...I need my Camp Courageous fix." Along with being one of my bosses, he was a dear friend. One felt like they could share anything with Brian...he was a wonderful listener. Brian provided us great leadership as President of the Camp Courageous Board of Directors. He organized and lead a retreat that sent us on a direction we would follow for years...and he was camp's bidder at an auction when the camp doubled in size. A heartwarming 'gentle' man...he will be dearly missed.

My last memory of Brian was when he was fishing on our pond with his grandchild...a precious memory...

My niece's wedding in the Twin Cities is the same day as Brian's services. Her Dad (my brother) died at the age of 40 of cancer. We have little family left...so it is important that I be there...my heart will be there with you and all Brian's family and friends...take care...

Brian was, and always will be, my Iowa City Dad. He was more than my boss for 13 years, he was my friend and my supporter. Sandy, I am so sorry he is gone, but know you are always part of my family.

I will miss uncle Brian. He was a good man and very caring. I am sorry for losing him in this life. I am also proud of his combat service for our freedom. God bless you Grandmother Ruth and Aunt Sandy and Scott and Aaron and Amy, John, and Joshua. With Love, Jake and family.

Sandy - you and your family are in my thoughts. I enjoyed meeting Brian at several of the College of Public Health picnics. Hold onto your memories of the good times.

HI,

My very heart-felt condolences to ALL of the Gay Family. Brian and I first me in about 1976 or so. I was working on a 'hot' idea to operate an Ice Cream store in Coralville, and I was talking with Brian, and he said, 'I can build it for you'.. SO he did! We were friends all this time.

I was very aware that Brian had health issues,, such a sad deal. He was a proud man in so many ways. Family, Friends, Country, Business, monkey business, Military, and more.

Great laugh, huge smile, .....Always in our hearts.

My best prayers..

Rex

Brian was an inspiration to everyone who had the wonderful opportunity to work with him. He was a pioneer in our industry and his wisdom and knowledge were a gift to community papers and their publishers. He will be missed by all of us.

Sandy and Family,

I got to know Brian when I was a member of the Minnesota Free Papers, and even got to know him even better when I was a board member of that group. Brian was a caring person that always was looking forward in business and life. Our sympathies to you all at this time. Keep the memories close and continue be positive and look forward.

Doc and Jeanni Durheim

St. James MN

Dear Sandy and Family - please accept our deep condolences on the passing over of Brian. I have known him through MFCP these past 15 years - I always found him to be one of the most kind and sweet people I have ever known. He had a heart of warmth and care, and his eyes always reflected the deep emotion he had for other human beings. He was also so kind to my family during the loss of our son, who we lost in a car accident some years ago. Our girls got to know Brian too, as they were the recipients of the MFCP scholarship - one time, Katrina came and helped him with something at the office as she was a student at the U. of I. I am glad Brian was able to publish his book when he did, and that I bought a copy. Please know we will be thinking of you all, and trying every day to be more like the special person Brian Gay has been for all of us. God bless. Mary

I am so sorry for your loss. Brian was one of the most generous, kind, compassionate people I have ever known. All of us in the free paper industry continue to owe him a debt of gratitude. He willingly gave of himself and never expected anything in return. There was a time that he and I spoke nearly weekly about how to do our jobs better. I learned so much from Brian. I know he is missed. The great memories we have of him help ease our sorrow.

I would like to offer my condolences to Sandy and her family for her loss. Sandy worked for me several years ago, and was a good employee and friendly.

Gary Kellogg

Dear Sandra,

There are no words to properly express my feelings upon the news of Brian's passing. Truly thankful for the many good memories, very sad for your loss. My thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. Lou

Sandy and family, you have my sincere condolences. Brian was truly a wonderful man who made a difference in the lives of many. His calm demeanor, his humble approach and his subtle humor were qualities so many of us appreciated about him. When he offered his opinions, they had meaning. When he suggested ideas, we implemented them. And when he expressed concerns, we knew they were legitimate. Brian was a leader in the free paper industry, and his presence will forever be with us. I feel truly fortunate to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all... and with him.

Shane Goodman

Brian was absolutely one of the best bosses I ever had in my now almost 3 decades of my career. I was fortunate to work with Brian in the early 1990s when I was the editor of the Community News Advertiser. Brian made coming to work each day a fun adventure. He was kind, generous, smart, funny, and he pushed us all to do our very best and be community-minded. Brian created a hard-working but fun-loving team that felt like a family. I will always remember Brian driving the Advertiser van during a 4th of July parade, and a number of his staff were passing out goodies and giveaways. Our giveaways were so popular and we were so generous, that we ran out of things to hand out long before the parade route ended. We ended up stripping the balloons off of the van and handing out donuts that were left over from our gathering that morning to decorate the van. Later when my "babies" (now 17 and 19) were born, Brian was there at the hospital, celebrating with my family and me. I hope he knew how special he was to so many of us and how much he was loved and respected by his "extended family." RIP, Brian, and please know how many lives he touched. We hope many happy memories of your time together with Brian will sustain you through the days, weeks, and years ahead. I feel extraordinarily blessed to share part of life's journey with this super special guy.

With all of our love, hugs and healing wishes,

Lois, Karen, Jesse and Lauren Gray