Gary Lee Chouinard

Gary Lee Chouinard and lifelong resident of Traverse City, died from a battle with cancer on May 30, 2023, at the age of 63. He was surrounded by the love of his family and friends and even to the end of his time he was making those around him feel important and loved. During this time of challenges, his faith never wavered, he loved the Lord with all his heart and was very grateful for his relationships at Faith Reformed Church. This amazing man was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, grandpa and friend. Gary was born to Barbara Trinka and Lawrence Chouinard on Sept. 9, 1959. He married his high school sweetheart, Ann (Ogden) Chouinard, Sept. 17, 1983 in Cozumel Mexico. They have four children whom he cherished and was incredibly proud of. Gary sold insurance in Traverse City since he was 16 and treated his clients as family. He spent 18 years at GHA Insurance, then was part owner of Shumsky West Insurance Company for 20 years and recently was employed by Larkin Insurance since 2015. Over the years he and his wife Ann enjoyed vacationing in Cape Coral Florida. He enjoyed all life had to offer, including camping, family trips, biking, fishing, golfing, and hockey. Gary grew up playing hockey and continued on leagues throughout his life. He was a passionate coach for his sons and many others for 25 years. He loved to golf and was in a league at GT Resort with his buddies. He was the king of barbecuing and euchre. He was a member and current president of the Optimist Youth Foundation for over 30 years. He raised money for underprivileged children at Christmas and ran many other volunteer activities for the youth. Most of all he had 100’s of friends and acquaintances and loved each one of them. Gary is survived by his wife, Ann Chouinard, his children, Brandon Fox and his wife Shay, Karina Nicole and fiancée Chris Brackel and their children Tristen and Braxton, Jared James (JJ) and Lexi Ann Lokman and fiancée Travis Langeland, his sisters, Lynn and husband Roger Schaap, Kathy and husband Aubrey (Butch) Carmien, and Elizabeth Clement, and his mother Barbara Farrell (93 years old!). He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Chouinard, brother, Anthony Chouinard and brother-in-law, Marty Clement. We wish to thank Munson Medical Care staff for their beautiful care right up to Gary’s ascent into heaven, and all the well wishes from family, friends, our pastors, Drew Poppleton and Drew Peterson and church family. You are all a blessing! A memorial service honoring Gary will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at Faith Reformed Church, 1139 E. Front St., Traverse City, Michigan 49686. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the Traverse City Optimist Club, P.O. Box 2258, Traverse City, Michigan 49685. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Gary’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Gary Lee Chouinard

September 9, 1959 - May 30, 2023