Gary Duckworth

Gary Michael Duckworth was born in Detroit, Michigan on April 3, 1943 and sprinted into the arms of Jesus on January 20, 2024 at the age of 80 in Moses Lake, Washington.

Born under a different name, Gary started his journey under a new name in December of 1945 when he was adopted by Clyde and Genevieve Duckworth and moved to California, where he grew up.

Gary’s early to mid-life was full of adventure, and quite often misadventure, if we are being honest. His theme song would have been ‘Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places’. You see, Gary was literally seeking a lasting love, in all the wrong places. Several marriages did bless him with three children though, Christi, Karen and Gary Jr, but ultimately, they all failed.

It was not until he met Jesus and found the lasting love he had been so desperately looking for, that Gary’s life truly changed. He went from being homeless and living out of his car to getting a college degree and marrying Linda, his wife of 28 years. He also got three bonus children out of the deal.

One of the most precious things about Gary is that he truly saw and loved those that society as a whole would often just throw away. It was not unusual for him to give every last penny at his disposal and then some to help those in need. Even in his later years when he was not able to get out and about, there were numerous charities that knew that they could count on him for continued support.

A year ago, a major change in his health prompted him to have to make the life altering move into a nursing home. Rather than wallow in his new circumstances, Gary made the choice to continue being a light to those who needed Jesus. He saw those who may have not been seen by others and loved on those who needed it, both residents and staff. Affectionately, he was known as the Candyman. One of his love languages was giving, and he knew that most people enjoyed candy. It was not an uncommon sight to see him wheeling around giving out candy, but everyone who knew him knew that if they came into his room there would be guaranteed candy and some version of “Jesus loves you and so do I”.

As the news of Gary’s passing was shared to many people in many different states, there were an abundance of stories of how he made a difference in so many peoples’ lives over the years. Not just the unseen, but people from all walks of life and circumstances. It was quite staggering and truly humbling. This is a man who was well loved, and didn’t even know it. A man who helped change lives, and was not aware. Someone who could not comprehend that he was worthy of anyone seeing him. He saw himself as just a man that fell head over heels in love with Jesus and was not afraid to share that fact with anyone and everyone.

Gary is survived by his children Christi Welch (Jeremy), Karen Schmid and Gary Michael Duckworth Jr., his beloved wife Linda and bonus children Kevin (Kara) Barnett, Kelly (Stiphini) Barnett and Kristina (Bryon) Smith. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As an extra bonus, he is also survived by a dear friend, Kay Matson, who also happened to be his first wife at the age of 19…let’s just say Jesus worked a miracle in healing those old wounds, but that is a story for another day!

A simple Celebration of Gary’s Life will be held on Saturday, January 27th at the Quincy Free Methodist Church @ 1:00. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation to the Salvation Army be made in Gary’s name.

Please leave a memory for the family or sign the guestbook at www.scharbachs.com.

Scharbach’s Columbia Funeral Chapel, Quincy, is assisting the family with arrangements.