Gary Eley died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. He was 81 years young.
Gary was a doer, always actively fixing something, building something, creating another new business. He was a man in motion. Gary was a truly caring person. He would go out of his way to help people in need. He constantly thought of ways to solve a problem, whether his or someone else’s. He would come up with different ways to solve a problem others had not considered.
He was the minister of All Saints Episcopal Church in South Burlington for 20 years. He especially loved the youth groups, talking with the kids, taking them on camping trips and exposing them to new ideas.
After he left the ministry, he became a CFA and started his own financial investment firm. His first clients were his parishioners. He wanted to provide for their financial security in their retirement years. He was a truly honest man. I have never known him to tell a lie or shade the truth. His word was solid.
After he sold his business to his partners, he retired and started Hickory Golf Workshop, repairing antique golf clubs. It was a small but worldwide business that he ran from his garage. It gave him great joy as well as purpose in his retirement.
He fell head over heels in love with his grandchildren, Bo and Lane, over the last 7 years. He was the grandfather we all dream of having. It was a true love affair. Gary leaves behind his wife, Sidney, of 42 years; three daughters, Sarah Libbrecht, Whitney Eley and Emily Eley and her husband, Matt Kobzik; grandchildren, Bo and Lane; and many dear friends.
A service is being planned for early August. Email RSVP to ske411@gmail.com.
This article appears in June 17 • 2026.
Gary was a man of enormous integrity and grace. I knew him in the late 70s and early 80s when he was the pastor at All Saints and a volunteer at the Chittenden Correctional Center. He gave selflessly of himself and would literally give you the shirt off his back. Our paths occasionally crossed later in life, but not often enough. Rest in Peace, Gary. You were the model of quiet Christian values in an age when too many people pretend.
Gary, I miss your thoughtful, humorous, wise, and compassionate physical presence. I am grateful for what you taught me and others in the sangha about living fully while accepting the reality of dying. Because of your physical presence in my life and the life of countless others, you will always be a spiritual presence as long as we live.