Gary Lorenzen 1954 - 2000

After a nearly nine-month struggle against metastatic pancreatic cancer on March 13, 2000, my 45 year-old brother passed away.

A 1976 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Gary returned there to fly and to teach navigation and physics after receiving his Masters degree in physics at MIT. In 1995, he took command of the 17th Training Support Squadron at Goodfellow Air Force Base. His unit received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and contributed to the 17th Training Wing recognition as the best wing in the Air Force.

On August 1, 1999 he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was a warrior to the end. Gary had attained the rank of Colonel. At his funeral ceremony, after presentation of the Legion of Merit and medals to his family, Gary was honored by the Air Force with the missing-man formation jet fly-by and a military gun salute.

Gary is survived by his wife Deborah and two sons Grant and Wes. Gary is loved (and missed) by his parents, family, friends and colleagues. His strength, faith and grace were infectious, and have become a part of our lives.

This campaign stands as a memorial and testament to all those valiant souls who have engaged combat with pancreatic cancer. Together we will make a difference.

Lee Lorenzen