Deepest sympathy to Loni, Gary's children and extended family. As with so many others, Gary was a mentor and a friend. When I think of him the one word that keeps coming back to me over and over is integrity. He taught me that one cannot lead without integrity. The other thing I will remember is his infectious laugh. When I said something that stuck him as amusing he had this way of laughing that made me think that I should forego a career in health administration and do stand up. He loved to laugh and when he laughed you wanted to laugh too. I'm so glad I got to visit with him in November 2019. We had a nice visit and Gary was in very good spirits that day. Lots of laughter. Rest in peace, dear friend.

My sincere condolences to you Loni and the rest of his family and friends.

He was a good man and in his capacity as the Director of the Iowa City VA, did great work for our patients, their families, and all the staff at the ICVA. Dedicated people like him are hard to find.

Peace,

Peter Kaboli

Iowa City

Gary had a way to make everyone feel important, no matter what they did. He sought out and valued what others thought. It didn’t matter what position you held, if you were in Bldg 21 and his door was open, you could just walk in and say hi. He never saw himself being better than anyone else. I feel very blessed to have worked at VA while he was Director.

Loni-I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you. May you find comfort and love in these days ahead.

My sympathy to the family. Gary was a great guy and a great director at the Iowa City VA. When I got my RN degree and left for the University he told me "You'll be back." I did return after three years away and retired from the VA. I really liked seeing him every week when he made "rounds" on the floors. Always had a smile and seemed genuine in caring for all. You will be missed. I'm honored to have known him and call him friend.

My condolences to Garys family. He was a great leader and mentor. I learned so much from him. He was rare individual who always help others and put veterans first. I have many great memories about him and he will be missed

Will forever remember Gary telling me that "the only people who don't make mistakes are people who are doing nothing." I know that some of my decisions caused discomfort for him from "higher ups." Yet, he always supported me and the rationale for my actions. Whenever I had to decide on an issue that would affect him, make bad publicity, or, go against the desires of DC, he always asked the right questions to help me make the correct decision.

A treasure in my life is being a recipient of his Disney wizard award for doing the impossible.

As a fellow veteran, I salute you Gary Wilkinson. You were one of my heroes in life.

Peace.

RIP Gary! You were the best Director the VA has had. The VA hasn't been the same since. You were amazing. You always made time to visit staff, veterans, volunteers, and see if we needed anything. You did that throughout the hospital twice a week. You were an excellent leader the VA has had. You always stayed calm and collected, very patience, payed attention to staff, and followed through on things going on through the department. Sending lots of love and prayers to Lonnie and the rest of the family and friends. #MISSUGARY #THANKS4YOURSERVICE #RIPMYFRIEND

Gary was a great friend and mentor for me. He taught me the politics of the VA, and pushed my peers and me to the forefront - giving us the credit for success. I loved the downtime with him - and after retirement, we had some wonderful lunches with him and John Kasik.

He valued loyalty to a fault, and will always be a captain in my mind. Late in his career, I was honored to have his back.

I am certain he is sitting at the head of the table at some meetings in the afterlife.

Goodbye old friend, and best wishes to your family at this time of loss.

So sorry to hear about Gary's passing. He was a wonderful engaging person who was appreciated and respected by many. Rest in peace Gary and please know you will never be forgotten.

Cheryl Myers

As a mentor and a friend - you could not ask for more. I learned to not give advice as he had done, but to ask questions of those you mentor. I remember a new chief of staff (Day 3) sitting in his office as Gary walked in at 7:25 almost on the dot. I don't know how he timed it from Grinnell that perfectly, but he did almost every day. I was struggling over what to do with our new EMR - it was really bad and unless you had unlimited time and were a computer geek (certainly not Gary). Late the day before all the Chief Residents came to my office armed with DATA - my downfall! They showed the average resident spent about 8 hrs on the computer just to put medications in. The hospital had seen this as an approach to reduce pharmacists and some other staff saving money and allowing redistribution for other vital needs. Knowing this I was troubled.

Me: Told him my concerns.

Gary: What do you want to do?

Me: Rambling around giving pros and cons for 5 min

Gary: What do you want to do?

Me: Pull the plug, but how do we go back?

Gary: You're smart, we have a lot of smart people, you'll figure it out.

By noon, we had a plan, begun to execute it and in 6-7 months had a functional EMR and by the time I left 6 years later had one of the best CPRS products in the country.

What he taught me - be accountable, be innovative and most of all - RELY ON YOUR TEAM!!

Gary was one of my personal team members - needed him less as I aged, but will miss him forever. Rest in Peace my Friend!

I have so many fond memories of Gary. He played some pretty great pranks on me as a teenager. I will never see orange Gatorade without thinking of him and his diligence to keep me from dehydrating as a stubborn teenager with the flu. You made a difference in this world Gary, you will be missed

We remember when we stayed with you Loni how animated Gary was when talking about his farming days in Nebraska and time in the VA hospital. He’d obviously achieved much and was so engaging and interesting. Sending our love and sympathy to you and his family. Scott and Lynne Dalziel

Eric, Michelle, Corrie, Renae, and Emma,

Sending our sympathy for your loss and our prayers that you may feel the Lord's comfort and peace during this difficult time.

Roy, Jan, Collin & Elizabeth

My deepest sympathy to Loni and the rest of Gary's family. I always enjoyed Gary when he was our hospital director.