Gary Marshall Beu

Mar 22, 1947 -

Jan 6, 2021

Gary Marshall Beu died on Jan. 6, 2021, in Bowling Green, Ky.; he was born in Longview, Texas, on March 22, 1947. Fifty of those eventful 73 years, he lived in Alaska.

Gary's first 10 years were spent in Texas learning to love plants and people at Sapp Nursery, his grandparents' plant nursery and landscaping business in Longview. In 1957, his dad transplanted the family to Anchorage, Alaska. Gary loved riding his bike through empty, early morning streets and spending hours exploring Chester Creek alone or with friends. As a teenager in the 1960s, he became active in the local music scene as the lead singer in a succession of bands. Gary eventually went solo with his guitar, playing mostly folk and country for his own enjoyment and when someone handed him a guitar wherever he was.

Gary's inquiring mind would get focused on a subject until he became satisfied with his knowledge and/or competence until something new grasped his attention. This trend was evident in his working life. He transitioned through loan officer, credit union manager, construction, aviation, farming and cheese making. After becoming disenfranchised with the banking world, he taught himself carpentry through "Carpentry Made Easy" eventually owning Sourdough Constructors which built many log and conventionally framed homes. He became a skilled airplane and helicopter pilot, which led into owning and operating Aviation North on the Birchwood Airport. While flying he had chickens and rabbits in a hutch he built onto the side of the building. He eventually built Windsong Farm in Palmer and became locally known as "The Cheese Guy."

After moving to Kentucky, Gary semi-retired and restored to working order a tractor and an MGB. Not being inherently mechanical, he was very proud of those accomplishments. "The Cheese Guy" role was eventually reprised when Gary accepted the task of getting Western Kentucky University's cheese making facility operational. Hilltopper Creamery has been producing "Student Made Cheeses" for the past four years.

Gary loved and was loved by many. He is survived by his wife, Carla (Larson) Beu; his brother, Edwin "Eddie" Beu (Lisa); along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Edwin Beu Jr. and Marsha (Sapp) Beu; and his sister, Barbie (Beu) Sammartano.

There will be a celebration of Gary's life at the Ag Expo on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, at 5 p.m. Masks and proper social distancing are required. Those wishing to attend virtually can do so by the following Zoom link and password: https://wku.zoom.us/j/91778536641. Password: Gary