Gary D Hanks-Carpenter of Spring Lake, MI, loving husband and father, cashed in his VIP Access for The Great Gig in the Sky on the morning of Tuesday, October 25 2022, at the age of 70.
Gary was born on December 14th, 1951 in Salem, Illinois. As part of growing up in a military family, Gary spent his childhood and school-age years in various locations throughout the country. Both Centralia and Sandoval, Illinois was where he spent his formative years before growing up Amarillo, TX, where he graduated from Caprock High School in 1969.
After having worked as a clerk for a petroleum supply company in Amarillo, Gary continued within that field in representing various manufacturers in marketing and sales management roles for over 35 years. It was within the final chapter of this field of work that a relocation moved Gary and his wife Michelle to the current area of Western Michigan, where he wrapped up his career in this field with Bennett Pump of Muskegon, in 2008.
Seeking something to give to others while giving meaning to his own life, he and his wife opened Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake in December, 2010. Originally an event venue, it morphed into primarily a live music venue as Gary and Michelle's passion for the artists, the music and the concerts at Seven Steps Up grew the venue into a nationally recognized listening room for the local community. Here, he could always be seen greeting both the artists and the patrons with a smile and a story. In fact, Gary could always be found chatting with everyone at the shows, learning who they were and then thanking them for coming at the end of each show. Gary's love of music and support for independent musicians, independent small business, and independent thinking was fervent and could be seen through his involvement with the local Eagles, Elks, Rotary and as a DDA Member of the Village of Spring Lake . And as a founding member of Courtyard Concerts, his passion for spreading love through live music within the community was profound.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Neil and Roberta Carpenter, and by his younger brother, Richard Carpenter. He is survived by his wife, Michelle Hanks, his son Jason Hanks, Jason's wife Amy of St Charles, IL, his three grandchildren, Morgan Hanks of Nashville, TN, and Luella and Addison Hanks of St Charles, IL His extended family includes his sisters Toni Guile and her husband Bill of Hoffman, IL, Bobbi Swift and her husband Russell of Alma, IL, Micki Adams and her husband Jeff of Carlyle, Illinois, his sister-in-law Mary Jo Carpenter of Centralia, IL, as well as Jonathan Marsh of Dallas, TX and Clio Bushland and her husband Paul Bushland, and several nieces and nephews.
There will be a Celebration of Life gathering at their beloved home and venue, Seven Steps Up, on the evening of Monday, October 31st from 5pm until the stories, music and laughter subside. Guests are encouraged to perform. A variety of instruments, microphones, a keyboard, monitors and PA will be provided.
It should be noted that upon his arrival in line to the Great Gig in the Sky, his ticket wasn't needed. They simply lifted the velvet ropes for him.
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