Friend, Gary L. age 70, passed away November 21, 2015. Born in Marshall, MN, he lived and raised his family in Coon Rapids. Gary made many friends and endless happy memories during more than 40 years as a pillar in the Coon Rapids' Sports Community. He played years of softball, was an ASA Umpire and Coordinator, and for decades spent fall Friday nights on the Coon Rapids Varsity Football field as part of the Chain Gang Crew. Gary served the Anoka Hennepin School District for over 40 years working his way up to the head of Buildings and Grounds for the district. He took enivitable pride in the district having the best school grounds and sports' fields in the State. Gary was respected and appreciated for his dedication to the community; his quick wit and unique sense of humor always brought smiles and laughter to so many who knew him. He was quietly prideful of his family and loved them dearly. Gary's time came too quick. Cancer stealing his retirement before it began; taking away a piece of our hearts and our time with him. His worldly travels, which he loved to do, will be lasting memories, but his final journey will be with those that have gone before him. He will be dearly missed. Gary is survived by his wife Rebecca who he has been married to for 50 years; his children Jill (Troy) Blackburn, Shannon (Pat) Nathe, Kelly (Brian) Funfar, Matt (Sarah) Friend, ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Lyle and Marjorie Friend. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Coon Rapids Scholarship Association, Gary Friend Memorial Scholarship. Visitation Friday 5-8 PM and Saturday 1 PM followed by memorial service at 2 PM all at: Washburn-McReavy.com Coon Rapids Chapel 763-767-1000 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd.