Gary K. Braun Obituary
Gary Kevin Braun, born September 15, 1939 in Buffalo, NY. He grew up in Lakewood, NY, and graduated from Southwestern High School in 1958. His parents were Joseph Braun and Florence Jones Braun. Gary went to Jamestown Community College, and then graduated in 1967 from the University of Buffalo with a B.A. in Business Administration.
From 1960 to 1963 he served in the U.S. Air Force. While in the Air Force, Gary Braun worked as a cartographer, preparing the maps used during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His working life included Bel Aire System, Blackstone Manufacturing, Business Manager for the Jamestown Public Schools, the BPU, Brocton Central School, and treasurer for the Village of Falconer.
Gary liked to read history, especially Civil War History, World War II History, and anything to do with politics and sports: baseball, hockey, football, and tennis. Gary also loved the sport of dogs and co-owned three AKC champion Shar-Peis. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Anne Marie Braun, two sons: Kelsey (Julia) and Eric Braun; two stepsons: Christopher and Andrew (Debbie) Farrar; and two step daughters: Sylvia Crame and Rachel (Carl) Caprino; nine grandchildren: Danielle, Hannah, Sara, and Angelina Braun; Ethan, Alexander and Andrei Braun; Samantha Farrar, and Jessie Caprino.
He is also survived by his beloved dog, Brianna. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Michel "Bonnie" Ohls. Gary was a dedicated runner for much of his adult life, and when the years took their toll, he walked instead. He ran in more than 30 marathons. He was very concerned with the future of parks and the natural world.
His knowledge of nature was amazing. His favorite place outside of Chautauqua County was the Adirondack State Park. For Gary, this was home; he never wanted to live anywhere else. Gary might forget appointments occasionally, but he never forgot which trees grew where, for how long and why they were there. He was a hunter who in recent years, though, lost the urge to take aim and shoot; he would rather enjoy nature and his surroundings.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday in the Falconer Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.
