Ricker Funeral Home - Lebanon
Gary Michael Alafat, age 60, passed suddenly and peacefully in his sleep on July 24th, 2020. He was born on April 28th, 1960 in Lebanon NH. Gary was predeceased by his parents Richard Alafat Sr. and Anita (Blanchette) Alafat. He leaves behind his brothers Richard Alafat Jr and Thomas Alafat, his daughter Keely Alafat (Fiance Randy Wilcox Jr) and granddaughter Lillabeth Wilcox (ZuZu), Fiancee Lynn Gibson, her daughters Lindsay Roberge (Husband Cliff Roberge and sons Owen and Evan) and Ashley Gibson.
Gary was born and spent his childhood and young adult life in Lebanon NH with his family and friends. He graduated from Lebanon High School in 1978 and earned his degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1982. After graduation he backpacked across Europe and then worked at his family's multi-generational restaurant of Lander's until its closing. After Lander's, he moved to Canaan NH and took on different job roles throughout his life, including fatherhood. Gary lived his life with an incredible enthusiasm that was contagious and undeniable. He had a powerful love for his family. He shared a connection with his daughter that was profound, true and overflowing. He was a deeply devoted father and was always a beam of light for her; he was a safe place, a best friend and looked at his daughter with admiration, understanding and pride.
He always encouraged the people he loved to go out and look for the rainbows. He wanted to seek out the fun, feel the warmth of the sunlight, and never take anything in life for granted. He was at his greatest when he was with his family and friends enjoying the beauty that nature had to offer. He loved to travel and try new things with his fiancee. He found with her a partner who wanted to embrace the adventure with him. Gary would feel the breeze, smell the lilacs, take the leap and never forget to play. He had a zest for life that is rare and admirable. He loved games, sports, good music, dancing, snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, swimming, camping, kayaking, picnicking and a beautiful sunset. He will be remembered having a good time, laughing and living.
He was a charismatic jokester and his goofy antics would leave you lighthearted and thankful. He believed that the simple things were what kept you grounded and what made life special. His humor and his laugh were infectious. He beamed sharing memories with his daughter and later his grandchildren. He felt a great responsibility as a grandfather to teach his grandchildren what life was all about. Gary was humble, kind, empathetic, charismatic, courageous, unique and funny. He had a personality that could fill any space in only the good ways. He loved and was loved by so many people.
A celebration of life will be announced in honor of Gary Alafat at a later date. Family and friends will be invited to gather in nature where Gary felt the most at home. Memorial donations may be made to whaleback.com, the Northern Rail Trail, P.O. Box 206, Enfield NH 03748 or Storrs Hill Ski Area, c/o Lebanon Outing Club, P.O. Box 295, Lebanon, NH 03766. An on line guest book is available to leave Gary's family a message of condolence by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.
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Valley News of Lebanon
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