Gary Michael Labos, of Scottsdale, AZ entered into eternal life on March 24, 2003 at the young age of 48. Born December 5, 1954 in Wheeling, West Virginia the family later moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was a member of the American Legion Post #0034 of Cave Creek. Returning to Columbus, Ohio in 1974 he attended Ohio State University. Gary then began his career in the food industry. His entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking created a successful career that expanded over 25 years, from the East Coast to the West Coast, which brought him to Scottsdale in 1992. He served in various assignments in sales, marketing, management and ownership; with General Foods, Sterling Drug, Cheesebrough Ponds and Broker organizations in Cincinnati and Phoenix. Gary was actively involved in promoting the food industry. He was a member of the National Food Brokers Assoc.; Vice President of the Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati Frozen Food Assoc.; and the Pittsburgh Food Manufacturers Assoc. He was very well known and respected throughout the food industry. Everyone who knew Gary loved him for his great humor and his unselfish generosity; friendly and warm to all that he met. He was often accused of never having met a stranger. There was never a person that he sat next to that he didn't become acquainted with. Gary loved life and lived it to the fullest, he always accomplished whatever he aspired to do and never a dream passed him by. He had a zest for life, living for each day, doing the things he loved and not worrying what people would say. Life was never dull with Gary and you never knew what to expect. He had many a great time and made certain all others did so to. He had a great love for sports, which he shared with his brothers and friends and never passed on an opportunity for a round of golf or a trip across country to watch a game. Gary was involved in various community programs, coaching little league baseball and working with the underprivileged. His magnetic personality and sincerity afforded him a host of friends too numerous to count. Gary's greatest love was his family and friends enjoying, all of their great time together. Cancer inflicted his body and ultimately took his life. In spite of these challenges he remained steadfast and upbeat. He truly lived what he preached. "Count each day as a separate life for self-pity is a luxury you cannot afford." He will be deeply missed by his family and by many friends and business associates. Gary is survived by his loving wife and friend of 26 years Patty; the son of Dorothy LABOS KESSLER of St. Clairsville, Ohio and the late John J. LABOS Jr.; brother and sister-in-law John and Susan LABOS of Pittsburgh, PA; brother, Tim LABOS of Pittsburgh, PA; sister and brother-in-law, Sadonna and Dale CITRON of Pittsburgh, PA; sister Sharon LABOS of Pittsburgh, PA; sister and brother-n-law, Karen and Billy LITTLETON of Cave Creek, AZ; nieces, Brianna and Katelynne; nephews, Mike, Greg and Zack. Rosary Service starting at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, 8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale, AZ. Services Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church, Cave Creek and Pima Road, Carefree, AZ. Interment will follow at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 23015 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ. Arizona Obituary Archive Posted 2007-12-16 by Pat Wilson :: azclips@gmail.com The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona March 26, 2003 obit