GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
These memorials are written in memory of our lost Patriot Assistance Dog Veterans and Volunteers.
Jeffrey Gair
Jeffery A Gair, 72, of Coon Rapids, MN died on January 1st, 2021.
He was born a “blue eyed observer” on February 6th, 1948 in Minneapolis, MN to Florence and Norbert Gair. He was raised with two brothers and five sisters in an Irish/German/Norwegian and very much Catholic family.
Jeff attended De LaSalle (Minneapolis, MN) and Saint John’s Preparatory Schools (Collegeville, MN) where he excelled in speed skating, hockey, and clowning around in class. He enlisted in the US Air Force (1966-1970) where he served as surgical technician and met his first wife Kathleen (Kiffy). Together, they had Matt and Ben who knew him to be a winter sports enthusiast and an engaged dad and hockey coach out on the ice. He was also an avid cross-country skier and marathon-triathlon competitor (which he often completed with his brother, travel mate, and partner-in-crime, Mike Gair).
After his time in the Air Force, he earned his BA in Psychology on the GI bill; and put that to use serving as a social worker for Hennepin County. This was the starting place for a lifetime of public service, mentorship, and advocacy for veterans and people suffering from mental illness and chemical dependency. His service was motivated by his personal battles with mental illness and alcohol use disorder. At age 30, he joined Alcoholics Anonymous and remained sober for 32 years with regular attendance at AA meetings (sometimes 6 or 7 times per week), close sponsorship, and a whole lotta self-reflection, care, and investment. He relapsed for 2.5 years, but never lost touch with his AA sponsor, Dan; and by golly if his AA community didn’t pick him up and guide him toward sobriety for the last 7 years of his life. He lived with his Big Book, the Serenity Prayer, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Hail Mary.
Those who know him share how he was generous, gentle, thoughtful, and caring. Good thing for those attributes because without them, it’s doubtful he’d have ended up marrying Judy, “[his] feisty wife, the love of [his] life.” (He chose liver and onions for their first date.) Together, they had Joey and Anne, who remember him most for his goofy off-the-cuff remarks, his fervent support (and boasting) of all of their endeavors and achievements, and his spoiling them (and all other kids who held a piece of his heart) with all things good.
He cherished Minnesota camping trips from the Great Plains to the Great Lakes to the Mighty Mississippi with his kids, brothers, and pets; and used any chance he got in nature for self-reflection and for connecting with family. He looked forward to getting together with his AA sponsor Mike on Monday and Thursday nights, where they ate pizza or mac ‘n cheese over a game (or three or five) of cribbage. (He practiced on his phone in his spare time, while listening to extra loud classical music.) He loved his time at the YMCA, especially the hot tubbing and sauna-ing; and he had a whole crew of friends there as well. (It was hard not to befriend him with his big ‘ol smile and friendly demeanor.) He donated over 1,000 hours of time to the Disabled American Veterans, and was always looking for ways to give to others. Generosity is an understatement when it comes to the time, energy, and love he shared with those he cared about.
He spent hours each day working toward self-improvement and self-love, whether that be meditating, prayer, time with his service dog (Louie), therapy, journaling, sending texts/emails/hand-written letters to brighten others’ days, making gratitude lists, and so on. He fought harder for his sanity than anyone we know has fought for anything--but when your wires are tired the way his were, even that doesn’t cut it. He went to the St. Cloud VA Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program, hopeful for relief from his OCD, “a 24/7 job [he] never wanted.” It was there that he died by suicide, and now rests easy. He’s “happy, joyous, and free” at last.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Judith Markus Gair; children, Matthew (Angela) Gair, Benjamin (Mary) Gair, Joseph Gair (Mary Andorfer), and Anne Gair; his grandchildren Ashtyn (Trenton), Benjamin, Cecilia, Charlie, and Joan; his sister-in-law, Ellen Gair; his siblings Michael (Sheila) Gair, Mary Gair, Teresa (Louis) Klingelhoets, Kathy Frederick, Ann (Rob) Gair, Geri (Ruben) Lopez; his service dog, Louie, his AA sponsors, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Norbert Gair; his mother, Florence Gair; and his brother, David Gair.
There will be a private memorial service and private interment arranged by Bradshaw Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Equal Justice Initiative, MIGIZI, the Amherst H Wilder Foundation, or another meaningful organization of your choice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeffery A Gair, please visit our floral store.
He was born a “blue eyed observer” on February 6th, 1948 in Minneapolis, MN to Florence and Norbert Gair. He was raised with two brothers and five sisters in an Irish/German/Norwegian and very much Catholic family.
Jeff attended De LaSalle (Minneapolis, MN) and Saint John’s Preparatory Schools (Collegeville, MN) where he excelled in speed skating, hockey, and clowning around in class. He enlisted in the US Air Force (1966-1970) where he served as surgical technician and met his first wife Kathleen (Kiffy). Together, they had Matt and Ben who knew him to be a winter sports enthusiast and an engaged dad and hockey coach out on the ice. He was also an avid cross-country skier and marathon-triathlon competitor (which he often completed with his brother, travel mate, and partner-in-crime, Mike Gair).
After his time in the Air Force, he earned his BA in Psychology on the GI bill; and put that to use serving as a social worker for Hennepin County. This was the starting place for a lifetime of public service, mentorship, and advocacy for veterans and people suffering from mental illness and chemical dependency. His service was motivated by his personal battles with mental illness and alcohol use disorder. At age 30, he joined Alcoholics Anonymous and remained sober for 32 years with regular attendance at AA meetings (sometimes 6 or 7 times per week), close sponsorship, and a whole lotta self-reflection, care, and investment. He relapsed for 2.5 years, but never lost touch with his AA sponsor, Dan; and by golly if his AA community didn’t pick him up and guide him toward sobriety for the last 7 years of his life. He lived with his Big Book, the Serenity Prayer, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Hail Mary.
Those who know him share how he was generous, gentle, thoughtful, and caring. Good thing for those attributes because without them, it’s doubtful he’d have ended up marrying Judy, “[his] feisty wife, the love of [his] life.” (He chose liver and onions for their first date.) Together, they had Joey and Anne, who remember him most for his goofy off-the-cuff remarks, his fervent support (and boasting) of all of their endeavors and achievements, and his spoiling them (and all other kids who held a piece of his heart) with all things good.
He cherished Minnesota camping trips from the Great Plains to the Great Lakes to the Mighty Mississippi with his kids, brothers, and pets; and used any chance he got in nature for self-reflection and for connecting with family. He looked forward to getting together with his AA sponsor Mike on Monday and Thursday nights, where they ate pizza or mac ‘n cheese over a game (or three or five) of cribbage. (He practiced on his phone in his spare time, while listening to extra loud classical music.) He loved his time at the YMCA, especially the hot tubbing and sauna-ing; and he had a whole crew of friends there as well. (It was hard not to befriend him with his big ‘ol smile and friendly demeanor.) He donated over 1,000 hours of time to the Disabled American Veterans, and was always looking for ways to give to others. Generosity is an understatement when it comes to the time, energy, and love he shared with those he cared about.
He spent hours each day working toward self-improvement and self-love, whether that be meditating, prayer, time with his service dog (Louie), therapy, journaling, sending texts/emails/hand-written letters to brighten others’ days, making gratitude lists, and so on. He fought harder for his sanity than anyone we know has fought for anything--but when your wires are tired the way his were, even that doesn’t cut it. He went to the St. Cloud VA Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program, hopeful for relief from his OCD, “a 24/7 job [he] never wanted.” It was there that he died by suicide, and now rests easy. He’s “happy, joyous, and free” at last.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Judith Markus Gair; children, Matthew (Angela) Gair, Benjamin (Mary) Gair, Joseph Gair (Mary Andorfer), and Anne Gair; his grandchildren Ashtyn (Trenton), Benjamin, Cecilia, Charlie, and Joan; his sister-in-law, Ellen Gair; his siblings Michael (Sheila) Gair, Mary Gair, Teresa (Louis) Klingelhoets, Kathy Frederick, Ann (Rob) Gair, Geri (Ruben) Lopez; his service dog, Louie, his AA sponsors, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Norbert Gair; his mother, Florence Gair; and his brother, David Gair.
There will be a private memorial service and private interment arranged by Bradshaw Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Equal Justice Initiative, MIGIZI, the Amherst H Wilder Foundation, or another meaningful organization of your choice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeffery A Gair, please visit our floral store.
Joey Buzay and Frankie
It is with hearts filled with sorrow that we announce the passing of Joey Buzay, the very first Veteran to be paired with a Patriot Assistance Dog, Frankie.
Joey and Frankie were both very charismatic individuals. Joey had a fire red mane and facial hair, a disarming grin, and political views that landed him in Facebook jail more often than not. Frankie had intense blue eyes, and a willingness to vocalize on command. He charmed everyone who met him. He also had a wanderlust that took him on too many walkabouts. Both of them were good at working through the predicaments they got themselves into and always managed to return to the good graces of those who were important in their lives.
Both of them came with a story. Joey was very open about his previous suicide attempt, when he "took enough pills to drop a Clydesdale." He was not supposed to survive, but did. Frankie was found wandering back roads with his chain collar grown into his neck, metal fragments in his mouth, and shot pellets under his hide. Fate brought these two together, and Joey credited Frankie to saving his life many times over.
The two of them were responsible for many of our "firsts."
Joey and Frankie were the face of PAD for the duration of their lives together. The best known team in our program, they were great ambassadors for spreading acceptance of the ability of a service dog to help treat PTSD. Joey and Frankie appeared on PAD's behalf at many events; helped with classes; mentored teams; referred Veterans; found, procured and fostered several dogs for the program; and witnessed PAD certify over 200 teams from 2012 to 2020. Their memory will always live on with PAD.
We, at Patriot Assistance Dogs, salute you, Joey. Thank you for both your service to our country and for your years of involvement with our program. You will be greatly missed. Our prayers and sympathies go out to Joey's family and friends.
"Their working chapter is closed, their legacy will live on."
Joey and Frankie were both very charismatic individuals. Joey had a fire red mane and facial hair, a disarming grin, and political views that landed him in Facebook jail more often than not. Frankie had intense blue eyes, and a willingness to vocalize on command. He charmed everyone who met him. He also had a wanderlust that took him on too many walkabouts. Both of them were good at working through the predicaments they got themselves into and always managed to return to the good graces of those who were important in their lives.
Both of them came with a story. Joey was very open about his previous suicide attempt, when he "took enough pills to drop a Clydesdale." He was not supposed to survive, but did. Frankie was found wandering back roads with his chain collar grown into his neck, metal fragments in his mouth, and shot pellets under his hide. Fate brought these two together, and Joey credited Frankie to saving his life many times over.
The two of them were responsible for many of our "firsts."
- Frankie was our first dog to pick his own Veteran (back in 2012)
- They were the first team to be matched, and Frankie was the first service dog to go home with a Veteran under a foster contract.
- They were the first team to graduate and be certified as a service dog team by PAD.
- They were the first team to be featured in a nationally published book, "Unconditional Honor."
- They were the first team to have both passed on, Frankie in May of 2020, and now Joey in December.
Joey and Frankie were the face of PAD for the duration of their lives together. The best known team in our program, they were great ambassadors for spreading acceptance of the ability of a service dog to help treat PTSD. Joey and Frankie appeared on PAD's behalf at many events; helped with classes; mentored teams; referred Veterans; found, procured and fostered several dogs for the program; and witnessed PAD certify over 200 teams from 2012 to 2020. Their memory will always live on with PAD.
We, at Patriot Assistance Dogs, salute you, Joey. Thank you for both your service to our country and for your years of involvement with our program. You will be greatly missed. Our prayers and sympathies go out to Joey's family and friends.
"Their working chapter is closed, their legacy will live on."
Jim Elmquist
Jim Elmquist, age 72, of Rush City, passed away unexpectedly of a massive heart attack on Friday, October 2, 2020 working outside at his lake house doing what he liked most with a friend and in the presence of his faithful service dog, Leif.
James Howard Elmquist was born June 9, 1948, the only son of Howard and Myrtle (Sorlie) Elmquist in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Jim spent his life attending school in Minnesota graduating with an MBA from the University of Minnesota followed by a career in business as an accountant and CFO at Graffco in Forest Lake. He was also a gifted home builder and built elegant furniture that was installed in some of the most important businesses in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Among business people, he was respected for his ability to lead people and to accomplish planned goals in a manner that proved satisfactory for all.
Jim was involved in service for Veterans; with his favorite charity being Patriot Assistance Dogs (PAD). He and Rosalind raised several service puppies that became service dogs of veterans with PAD. Jim helped other veterans with PAD train their service dogs. He was also a member of the American Legion. As always, he was there to help.
Jim was a loyal friend to many and will be remembered as a very talented, kind, gentle man with a profound faith in God. He appreciated the extraordinary blessings of his many friends and business associates. We all want to think we are better people for having been touched by him.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Rosalind Elmquist of Rush City; son Steve Elmquist of Coon Rapids; daughter Ingrid Hofmann of Falcon Heights; grandson Kody.
He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Myrtle Elmquist.
Rev. Rob Krajewski officiated at graveside services in the Salem Lutheran Cemetery southwest of North Branch. The Patriot Guard was in attendance and Dr. Ralph Magnuson provided a bagpipe tribute. Close friends and Rush Lake neighbors; Jerry Oliver, John Hirsch and Kurt Erickson shared memories.
Memorials may be directed to: Patriot Assistance Dogs, 1478 Mallard Street, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Olson Chapel.
James Howard Elmquist was born June 9, 1948, the only son of Howard and Myrtle (Sorlie) Elmquist in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Jim spent his life attending school in Minnesota graduating with an MBA from the University of Minnesota followed by a career in business as an accountant and CFO at Graffco in Forest Lake. He was also a gifted home builder and built elegant furniture that was installed in some of the most important businesses in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Among business people, he was respected for his ability to lead people and to accomplish planned goals in a manner that proved satisfactory for all.
Jim was involved in service for Veterans; with his favorite charity being Patriot Assistance Dogs (PAD). He and Rosalind raised several service puppies that became service dogs of veterans with PAD. Jim helped other veterans with PAD train their service dogs. He was also a member of the American Legion. As always, he was there to help.
Jim was a loyal friend to many and will be remembered as a very talented, kind, gentle man with a profound faith in God. He appreciated the extraordinary blessings of his many friends and business associates. We all want to think we are better people for having been touched by him.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Rosalind Elmquist of Rush City; son Steve Elmquist of Coon Rapids; daughter Ingrid Hofmann of Falcon Heights; grandson Kody.
He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Myrtle Elmquist.
Rev. Rob Krajewski officiated at graveside services in the Salem Lutheran Cemetery southwest of North Branch. The Patriot Guard was in attendance and Dr. Ralph Magnuson provided a bagpipe tribute. Close friends and Rush Lake neighbors; Jerry Oliver, John Hirsch and Kurt Erickson shared memories.
Memorials may be directed to: Patriot Assistance Dogs, 1478 Mallard Street, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Olson Chapel.