Gary Raymond Slebzak, (Gare Bear) 57, a resident of Cape St. Claire for the past 33 years died August 9th at his home of natural causes. Born June 27, 1955 in Annapolis Maryland, the son of Malcom (Mac) Slebzak and Dorothy Slebzak.

He was a graduate of Annapolis Senior High School and Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was employed at ATK Space System Division in Beltsville, Maryland. He took great pride in his many years of involvement in our space program.

He had many hobbies over the years including coaching baseball in Cape St. Claire where he was a positive influence in the lives of many of the young men in the community and was well respected for his organizational and coaching skills. He loved music and especially singing and was in numerous local bands throughout the years. He was a member of the St. Andrew By The Bay Choir for many years and participated in their annual talent show. He also enjoyed trap shooting and was a skilled marksman. For many years he enjoyed skiing and was an avid golfer. His pet golf excursion named the VBI Invitational was an annual golf get-a-way held in Virginia Beach, VA. This year's event will be the 25th anniversary with some 30 attendees getting together once again. However, just a few years ago, he fell completely in love with yet another hobby, that being scuba diving. He has continuously taken classes and instructions, achieved many credits in scuba diving, and had the rank of Dive Master. He was scheduled to take his instructor's test at the time of his passing.

He was a member of American Legion Post #175 in Severna Park, Maryland and held many positions in the SAL. For several years he was an active member of Broadneck Elks Lodge #2608 in Arnold, Maryland where he also served in many different capacities. He was always willing to give a helping hand for any charity, especially ones involving children.

He was Polish by origin but you could never convince him that he wasn't Irish on Saint Patrick's Day and believed in living life to the fullest. He was always willing to make one more friend and to become the friend of one more person. Where ever you found him you knew good times were not far behind.

He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Lori A. Slebzak, his son Matthew Slebzak and his wife Colleen Slebzak of Jay, Maine, his son Paul Slebzak, a 2012 graduate of UMBC from Baltimore, Maryland, a daughter Crystal Landon of Worton, Maryland, Elizabeth (Lizzie) McDougal of Cape St. Claire, Maryland, twins John and Rebecca Machen of Worton, Maryland and his grand daughters Alexis and Melissa Landon of Worton, Maryland.

He is also survived by his faithful dogs Tinker Bell (The Mayor Of Dogwood Tree) and his lap companion Hallie, his favorite patio cat Xander and the new kid on the block Allie Cat. He will also be missed by his favorite Blue and Gold Maccaw, Crock and his Green Wing Maccaw, Morgan as well as his two Severe Maccaws, the magicians of the family Chip and Dale and lastly, the comedian of the house, his African Grey Parrot, Tootles.

He is pre-deceased by his father Malcom (Mac) Slebzak, his mother Dorothy Slebzak, and his two brothers, Dennis and James.

Friends may visit on Monday August 13, 2012 from 2-4 & 6-8:00pm at the Barranco & Sons, P.A Severna Park Funeral Home 495 Ritchie Highway Severna Park, MD 21146. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM on Wednesday, August 15th at The American Legion Post #175, 832 Manhattan Beach Rd, Severna Park, MD 21146. Phone: 410-544-2066.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231.