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Gary L. "Birdman" Rainstrom, Sr.

Gary L. "Birdman" Rainstrom, Sr.

  • July 12, 1949 - July 25, 2012
  • Cambridge, New York
  • Capt. Maxson American Legion building Fund
    Cambridge, NY 12816
  • Friends of Hospice
    415 Lower Main Street
    Hudson Falls, NY 12839
Pause My Homeland by Nicholas Barry, composer (BMI), Tomas Jacobi, comp
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Thank you for your support during this difficult time. Please enhance this tribute to Gary by adding your memories and photos.

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“Kerri and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We were so very sad to hear of Garys' passing. Remember all the great times and...Read More » ”
1 of 33 | Posted by: Dean and Joy - MO

“I was so sorry to hear that Gary had past away. I worked with Gary at Verizon and no matter what we were doing he always made the job easier with his...Read More » ”
2 of 33 | Posted by: Mary M Arnold - Cossayuna, NY

“Tara and family, My heart goes out to you at this unimaginably difficult time. Take comfort in knowing that you did everything in your power to...Read More » ”
3 of 33 | Posted by: Jen Manierre - Albany, NY

“How do you say goodbye to someone who was so loved and so much a part of your family? YOU DON"t-- through pictures, memories,stories and family...Read More » ”
4 of 33 | Posted by: Suanne Mclenithan - Cambridge, NY

“Kerry, We never had the chance to meet Gary, but feel we knew him through you. It was so clear to us how much you loved each other. Our hearts...Read More » ”
5 of 33 | Posted by: Michele, Chris & Tim Ruland - NY

“Kerry, I am so sorry for your loss. Please remember all the wonderful times you had together and never forget Gary will always be with you. If...Read More » ”
6 of 33 | Posted by: Lauren Peterson - North Easton, MA

“so many class mates i see just brings back how many years have gone by and how old we are all getting sorry for your loss ”
7 of 33 | Posted by: marlene davis lee - cambridge, NY

“Sending out thoughts & prayers to all of Garys family at this difficult time. May you keep his memories close to you. He will be missed by so many. ...Read More » ”
8 of 33 | Posted by: June Hommel - Eagle Bridge, NY

“Tara, Amy, Rob, Rebecca, Gary, Emily and the boys, Although I only met your father/grandfather a few times, I have a picture perfect moment-in-time...Read More » ”
9 of 33 | Posted by: Anna Hughes - Troy, NY

“So sorry for your tragic loss. Although thinking I didn't know Gary, when I saw his picture posted I fell through the floor! I used to have so many...Read More » ”
10 of 33 | Posted by: Shirley Geisler - Cambridge, NY

“Kerri, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. When the days seem too tough to handle just remember his smile and the good...Read More » ”
11 of 33 | Posted by: Cindy and Larry Casavant - NY

“Ah, Kerry, I feel close to you. Remembering your wedding is a big 'uplifting' feeling for me and I hope it is also with you! I have learned a...Read More » ”
12 of 33 | Posted by: Lucile Playfair

“Kerry, My heart aches for you.My prayers and thoughts are with you. love you, jennifer ”
13 of 33 | Posted by: jennifer bassett - salem, NY

“Gary we miss you more than you know your visits were always welcomed loved to listen to your very interesting stories and those trivial...Read More » ”
14 of 33 | Posted by: Barb & JIM - cambridge, NY

“Kerry you are in our thoughts and prayers. The girls send lots of hugs and love. Will see you soon! Love, Steve and Sue ”
15 of 33 | Posted by: Sue and Steve Aalderink - NY

“Kerry, We just wanted to tell you how sorry we are for your loss and to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. To the Emerson...Read More » ”
16 of 33 | Posted by: Sandy & Stanley Mattison - NY

“My prayers & thooughts are with all of Gary family & friends at this difficult. time. Gary & I grew up together, always doing every thing together....Read More » ”
17 of 33 | Posted by: David Mears

“Kerry, Sending you love and prayers during this time of loss and sorrow for you and all the family. Be comforted with special memories of the...Read More » ”
18 of 33 | Posted by: Angie Estramonte - Cambridge,, NY

“Gary is now resting peacefully, our thoughts and prayers now go out to Kerry, all of the family and friends. Enjoy each day and cherish each other......Read More » ”
19 of 33 | Posted by: Heidi & Greg Griffin - Shushan, NY

“Kerry, sorry to hear about your great loss, your in our prayers, Gary will be greatly missed. ”
20 of 33 | Posted by: steven and rebecca (ruggles) cook - AK

“My mom and Dad (Dee and Ken Schroeder) have known Gary for several years. Gary was always there for them to help them fix their telephone, paint, or...Read More » ”
21 of 33 | Posted by: Jennifer Decarlo - Schaghticoke, NY

“Tara, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts. I know how dearly you loved your father. Your NYSERDA family is here to support you. ...Read More » ”
22 of 33 | Posted by: Miriam Pye

“Kerry thinking of you. Wish we could be close like when school. But if you need anything let me know. love Dodi ”
23 of 33 | Posted by: Dodi Spear-Hill - Norwich, VT

“GARY, I MISS YOU SO MUCH. YOU WERE A WONDERFUL FATHER TO OUR DAUGHTERS & A GREAT POPPA TO OUR GRANDCHILDREN. SO GLAD YOU ARE NOT SUFFERING ANYMORE....Read More » ”
24 of 33 | Posted by: Vicki Severson - CAMBRIDGE, NY

“Gary, you brought so much love into Kerry's life, I could never have thanked you enough for making her world complete. So few in this world will...Read More » ”
25 of 33 | Posted by: Lisa Pembroke - Cambridge, NY

“Gary painted our home, inside and out a few times. My husband loved talking to him. He was very supportive of us. Once a few of Flying Pigs farms...Read More » ”
26 of 33 | Posted by: Roslyn and Robert Kaye - Shushan, NY

“Well, What can i say about my uncle, He was the most amazing man ive ever met in my life. Him and my aunt had the most beautiful and loving...Read More » ”
27 of 33 | Posted by: Kayla & Matt - Greenwich, NY

“Kerry, my heart goes out to you..if you need anything please let me know and us at TCT..you are an amazing women and the love that you have for Gary...Read More » ”
28 of 33 | Posted by: Tanya Reedy - Cambridge, NY

“We had a lot of laughs together. I'll miss cutting those inch and a half thick steaks for Gary, just the way he liked them . Sylvia and I are...Read More » ”
29 of 33 | Posted by: Steve Cristaldi - Shushan, NY

“My heart and prayers are with you Kerry.... ”
30 of 33 | Posted by: Erin Woodcock Sheridan

“RIP Gary! Thanks for all the fun times all those years ago. You made a lasting impression on me and I thank you for all the good times. ”
31 of 33 | Posted by: Betsy McCullen - Latham, NY

“Thank you for being our friend, the laughs, jokes and serious conversations , that we had in the past. You gave many people a vision, of a man, who...Read More » ”
32 of 33 | Posted by: Lee Ann And Al Wooddell - NY

“Many fun memories at the lake.. You are at Peace my friend. My dogs are going to miss the many goodies you brought them.. And as a matter of fact, I...Read More » ”
33 of 33 | Posted by: Lee Ann Campbell - Cambridge, NY


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Cambridge Gary L. Rainstrom, Sr., aka "Birdman", 63, died peacefully, Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at home with his wife, Kerry L. (Emerson) Rainstrom,and beloved dog, Maddie Blue, by his side.
Born in Cambridge on July 12, 1949, he was the son of the late Oskar Rainstrom and H. Louise (Westerberg) Rainstrom Lindeman. The family lived in Eagleville and Gary attended school in Cambridge, graduating from CCS class of 1967. He was always seen about town in his 1958 Ford Thunderbird which earned him the moniker "Birdman".
From 1969 to 1971 he served in the United States Navy. He then studied telecommunication at Hudson Valley Community College and earned an Associate Degree.
Gary worked for Verizon for 27 years, retiring in 1999. He always answered his home telephone, "Welcome to Verizon", sounding just like James Earl Jones. After retirement, he had his own painting business.
After eight years of courtship, Gary and Kerry were married on September 4, 2004.
Gary was a member and past-commander of the Captain Maxson Post #634 American Legion. He was very active in the community serving on the Cambridge Village Board, the American Legion building committee, and was involved with the Cambridge Central School Board. He was also a member of the Troy Communication Workers of America 1116 Union.
Along with spending time with Kerry, Gary loved to golf, fish, garden, cook, dance and take sunny day rides in his 1966 Sting Ray, cherry red Corvette. If you showed up at the right time, you could find Gary and Kerry dancing in the kitchen to Donna Summer. He also loved spending time with his grandkids. One of their favorite games was "The Dollar Questions".
Gary was knowledgeable on all subjects but especially enjoyed talking about local and national politics. Ask anyone who ever crossed paths with Gary and they will tell you he had a great sense of humor and a kind heart.
Gary and Kerry's "baby" a Jack Russel Terrier, Maddie Blue, went everywhere with Gary and never left his side right up till the end.
Gary is predeceased by his stepfather, Carl Lindeman and his sister, Gail Taylor.
Besides his soul mate, best friend and devoted wife of eight years, he is survived by five children, Amy Rainstrom (Rob Hall) of Eagleville, Rebecca Rainstrom (LeRoy Page) of Saratoga Springs, Tara Rainstrom of Albany, Gary L. Rainstrom, Jr. (Kahla Kuchta) of Albany and Kaylynn Rudd (Bill Towne) of Manchester, VT; a brother Wayne Lindeman (Dennis Miller) of Albany, (Christopher Wesolowski) of Newfane, VT and (Paul Lamar) of Albany, NY. ; nine grandchildren, Emily, Graham, Carter, Owen and Corbin Hall, Noah and Olivia Rainstrom-Page, and Ryder and Amaya Rudd; inlaws, Tedric and Mary Emerson, Kim Emerson (Bill Jeffords), Kate Mattison (Mike) and Ted Emerson (Holly and several nieces, nephews and close friends including his best friend, Donnie Mone, who was like a brother to him.
The family will receive guests on Sunday, July 29, 2012 from 3 to 6 PM at Ackley & Ross Funeral Home, 73 West Main Street, Cambridge. An American Legion service will take place at 5:45 PM.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Monday, July 30, 2012 at Woodlands Cemetery, Cambridge starting at 1:00 PM.
The family requests memorial donations be made to either: Capt. Maxson Post # 634 Building Fund, Cambridge, NY; or Friends of Hospice, 415 Lower Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY or American Cancer Society.
"You Had Me at Hello". Rest in peace and save "The Last Dance for Me", your loving wife, Kerry.