Gary E. Talbot, 63, of Traverse City passed away Sunday, April 21, 2013 at his seasonal home in Naples, FL surrounded by his loved ones.

Gary was born on July 17, 1949 to the late James and Donna (Bruckman) Talbot in Owosso, MI. He entered into marriage with the former Carol M. Fedewa on April 14, 1973 in Owosso, MI.

Gary has lived in Traverse City since 1978 with his wife of 40 years and daughters. He worked for Fuel Gas, Dunstan Supply in Petoskey, and 20 years for Ferguson Traverse Supply Company. Gary was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge 323, and the YMCA.

Gary lived his life to the fullest and believed, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you"..He lit up a room with his story telling, humor, smile and love. He enjoyed spending time and taking trips with his family and friends and had a passion for being on the water and boating. Gary loved basketball; he played 3 days a week, coached his daughter's teams and was an avid spectator.

He battled pulmonary fibrosis for seven years even enduring a lung transplant on October 17, 2009 and was grateful to his 26 year old donor, Scott. He lived with this debilitating disease with dignity and grace.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Carol of Traverse City, two daughters; Tracy (Jamin) Nyhuis of Grand Rapids and Lisa Talbot of Madison, WI, one granddaughter, Nora Jean, his two sisters, Corinne Talbot and Patsy Talbot as well as many other loving family members and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dan Talbot.

Visitation for friends and family will be held from 4 PM until 7 PM with a 5 PM vigil service on Friday, April 26, 2013 at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

A funeral Mass will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, April 27th at the St. Francis Catholic Church, with Rev. William Lipscomb officiating.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in Gary's name at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/GETair/getair