Obituary: Gary L. Wuethrich, 70, Olean

OLEAN — Gary L. Wuethrich, of Olean, passed away Wednesday (June 14, 2017). Born June 7, 1947, he was the son of Ralph and Mildred (Pat) Firkel Wuethrich. Gary was a 1965 graduate of Olean High School. He was employed as a bus driver for Allegany-Limestone School District, and also worked for National Fire and Ganoung’s Sales and Service. During his time as a bus driver transporting youth teams to various events, and into retirement, he enjoyed cheering on young athletes at games, especially those from Allegany-Limestone and Portville. He also once served as councilman on the town of Olean Board. Gary’s greatest passion was the volunteer fire service. He was a life member and past president of the Kinney Hose Company, Westons Mills, where he also held many offices. In addition, he was a member or honorary member of many other fire departments including town of Olean, Hinsdale, Port Allegany, Shinglehouse, Portville, Allegany, Limestone, Knapp Creek and Lyndon. He also served on the regional and state levels, including being past president of the Western New York Volunteer Firefighter’s Association and was a member of the NYS Fire Police. He also served terms of office within the Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firemen and many other organizations and received numerous honors and recognitions throughout the years. He was a NYS Fire Instructor and served as District 4 coordinator. He enjoyed helping out and attending various fundraisers for many fire departments. Gary also enjoyed music, especially drum corps music. As a percussionist, he kept the beat for several marching units over the years. Most recently, he was a member of The Rubber Made Brigade from the Silver Creek area and had previously marched with the Olean Ambassadors, Salamanca Black Knights, Emerald Cadets and Murray Men. He was part of the cadence unit of Westons Mills Fire Department and also served as a parade judge for many years. Gary is survived by his sister, Robin Wuethrich of Olean; brother, Dan (Marie) Wuethrich of Bradenton, Fla.; nephew, Austin Wuethrich of Liverpool; niece, Lauren (James) Diefendorf; grandniece, Ava of Cicero; and sister-in-law, Deb Wuethrich of Portville. He also leaves behind extended family and many friends of the volunteer fire companies of Western New York and Pennsylvania. He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Gordy Wuethrich; and a niece, Michele Wuethrich. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at the Guenther Funeral Home Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday (June 19, 2017) at Guenther Funeral Home Inc., with Chaplain Terry Bush of Lyndon Volunteer Fire Company officiating. A committal service will take place in the chapel at Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Portville, directly following the funeral service. Memorials may be sent to Kinney Hose Co., P.O. Box 601, Westons Mills, NY, 14788; or to any volunteer fire company