I first posted this blog at Christmas time in 2017. I’m reposting it here on the occasion of Gary Lane’s 73rd Birthday. 
As you’ll see … this message first written in ‘17 … Is timeless.

Gary and me. The Not So Odd Couple? Well, no. As you’ll learn here. Not odd at all. We’ve known each other for a long time. But have really gotten closer in recent years. Both of us excelled in the insurance industry. I’m the “Oscar” in this Not So Odd Couple. The practical guy. The serious one. Gary’s my “Felix” The nut. The crazy one. You see I’ve always had a kind of “heavy” personality. Serious. Over the years as I softened, I opened a little space for a zany guy like Gary to come into my life. Lighten me up. And oh, has he ever.

We joke that he’s my “Convener”… just gets me involved in everything, going everywhere. Lunches, his 35 yard line seats at Falcons games. He recently took me to a speakeasy under Chop’s Restaurant. On and on we go. Gary’s the only guy I invited twice to travel north to play Pine Valley. The number one golf course in the world. Only time I actually “convened” him. Where to next? He pays my way … way too often. He’s just one of the most generous soles on earth. His motto, “Let’s roll!” “Here we go, Bob!” Like a couple of bowling balls rolling down an endless alley we go. So joyful … what a ride. Right, Gary?! “Heyyy Gary!!!” And with it all, we share a steadfast, common value system. Integrity, honesty, always with a caring spirit for others. And most of all … we both just love life. 

Gary’s a great leader. Was president of the Atlanta Life Underwriters as well as our CLU Society. He once served as President of the Dunwoody Rotary Club. A pretty stodgy, old bunch. Kind of assisted living like. You get the picture. Enter President Lane. His first breakfast meeting. To juice it up a little? Loud speakers blaring rock and roll music. All the eyebrows raised. You could hear the teeth rattling. Gary got away with it though. As he always does. Dunwoody Rotary was never the same. At the end of his presidency, Dunwoody was recognized as one of the most successful clubs in GA. At the center of it all? The “Convener” … just doin’ his thing. Naturally. So him.

Too many more examples of his caring successes to mention here. But here’s some more. Oscar and Felix share an infectious sense of humor. If laughter’s the best medicine, then we’re medical wonders. If high energy says we’re in good shape, then we’re the electrical grid.

Oh, don’t get me wrong. Gary can drive me nuts me too. Changes “channels” during conversation like an two year old pushing buttons on a radio. My phone bill has tripled. When he gets excited about something? Like a spaniel with a bone. Never expect him to let go of it. At times … Gary can be kind of a pain in the neck. But something so endearing about him? He’s never without a smile. A waitress, a valet, a checker at the food store. He tips big. He shares his joy, and fun big… with everyone he encounters. Challenge, loss, sadness? Gary smiles. Always puts a best spin on things. I’ve learned why.
Simply? Gary just keeps on lovin’ … all his countless friends. His family. his Martha so. And yeah, I’m blessed to know he has come to love me too. Wonderful when we think how Love brightens everything. Gary and me? When we’re together? We brighten every day. Everyone we touch.

So, we’ll continue to “run the table.” Roll down the alley. Events, trips, going to all the special places. Won’t end until we can do it no more. But as BB Brown our ninety year old late, great buddy used to declare when we set dates for our monthly lunches, “You’d better hurry up!” I pray for the gift of time. Lasting friendship. How more precious they become … with each new year. So how will Gary and I continue to spend our time? He’ll keep convening. And I’ll keep saying yes. Playing like two kids in a sandbox. By the way, neither of us look our age. Happens I think when you live each day in your passion.

I buckle my seat belt every time Gary calls. What will my dear friend think of next? What will the prize at the bottom of today’s “Cracker Jax” box look like? Don’t care. I know whatever it is. It will be sooo much fun! Stay the Course … “Felix.” “Oscar” is here waiting for you.

Thank you for all the gifts and love, Gary … I Love you, pal.

Happy Birthday!