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Obituary for Gary M. Hassett
Gary M. Hassett of Clawson, Michigan died June 30, 2016 at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. He was 66 years old. Gary was born on October 13, 1949 in Detroit to parents Olga (nee Novick) and Thomas Hassett.
Gary met the love of his life Linda in design class at Henry Ford Community College in 1968, where they were both fine art majors. Together, Linda and Gary raised three boys, Brandon, Mike and Chris.
Gary had a love and passion for sculpture and painting. There are a few unique pieces proudly displayed in their home that Gary created at Wayne State University. Gary received a number of awards and has a piece in Wayne State's permanent collection.
Gary worked six days a week for many years to provide for his family. As the boys got older, he was able to find time to support them in their athletic endeavors; from coaching soccer when they were youngsters, to always attending soccer and hockey games as they got older.
As young boys, they thought their dad could do anything. As the boys grew up, they discovered that he really could do everything. The family has many fond memories of the time they spent with him. When Chris began travel hockey, Linda and Gary traveled around the Midwest and Canada. Gary always provided Chris with a pep talk and critiques on the way to games. Once, on their way up to Flint, he was getting all excited and began driving faster and faster as the pep talk "progressed". A few minutes later he was being pulled over. Another parent observed him getting pulled over and told them at the rink that he couldn't believe how long it took the cop to finally catch and pull him over.
When Mike bought his first house he was looking at pub tables and when he found the one he liked, he had sticker shock. Gary simply said, “I can make that for you”. A few months later, Gary put together a beautiful table. The Hassett home is filled with his custom touches; remodeled kitchen, bathrooms, coffee tables, end tables, trim and moldings, the deck...all built with Gary’s own two hands. He never stopped amazing the family with his skills. If he did not know how to do or fix something, just give him some time on “YouTube” and Gary was an expert in no time.
This summer, Chris decided to remodel his home, and by remodel, we mean tear it down and start new. Every day for the last few months, Gary was there, every step of the way, doing it all with Chris. He was having the time of his life building that house alongside his boy.
Gary would do anything for Linda and the boys. Linda almost always comes home from work during lunch and Gary would be there with lunch ready for when she arrived. When any of the kids had questions about doing work on their own houses, He was there with his tools in hand to show them the way.
After his battles with Cancer, Gary essentially had to retire as a designer. However, he always kept busy tinkering around the house where he had a nice little shop set up in the garage for his wood working or preparing his next project for the house. Gary also had a passion for cooking. Anyone that ever had one of his meals, knew what a great cook he was.
The boys have many of Gary’s traits. Brandon has his love of cooking. Mike over-analyzes everything, and Chris picked up on his mechanical skills. Gary will be deeply missed.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Linda and his loving children, Brandon (Carrie), Mike (Jackie), and Chris (Christy). He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Alexandria, Cody, Taylor, Hope, and Kahne, his dear siblings Barbara (Larry) Roller and Nancy Stevens, and his brother-in-law, Robert (Julie) Thistle. Gary is preceded in death by his sister, Judy Thistle.
A Memorial Service will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (Between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Friday, July 8 at 1pm. Friends may visit beginning at 11am.
Memorials appreciated to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, Illinois 60674 or the American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, Michigan 48076.
