Obituary

Garry Van Leppanen
April 13, 1947 – December 22, 2020

Garry Van Leppanen, born April 13, 1947, passed away December 22, 2020 with his loving wife, Colleen, by his side. In most recent years, he suffered from Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia, both claiming his incredible life.
Born in Rockland, Maine to Wilho and Evelyn (Clarke, Leppanen) Hammersley, Garry was the oldest of eight siblings: Linda (Leppanen) Ellis, Donna (Leppanen) Plunkett (pre-deceased), Clarke Hammersley, Susan (Hammersley) McGuire, Tracy (Leppanen) Janelle, Debbie Leppanen, and Craig Leppanen.
Garry leaves behind his children, daughters Erika (Leppanen, Russell) Perez (spouse Alex), Kara (Leppanen) Healy (spouse Bob), and son Scott Leppanen (companion Ralitsa Stanoykova); six grandchildren, Kyle (spouse Chelsi), Ryan (spouse Danielle), and Allison Healy, Matt and Jenny Russell, and Calista Perez; and two great grandchildren, Will and Asher Healy. He was also an amazing and loving uncle to countless nieces and nephews.
Garry graduated from Barnstable High School and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Suffolk University and later attended master’s programs in journalism at Assumption College. He worked as a senior editor for several Massachusetts daily newspapers and as a freelance writer throughout his life. He loved the written word and was fond of telling stories and jokes. He had a quick wit and a truly incredible dry sense of humor.
Garry loved sports, adventure, teaching, and people, but he mostly loved his family. He lived a full life of learning, laughing and the thrill of exploring. He traveled extensively with his incredible wife to Nicaragua and to several other central and south American countries, soaking in local culture, meeting new friends, and experiencing life to its fullest.
Garry was many good things to many good people. All were his friends. He loved a good book, a good conversation, Marlboro Reds, vodka with OJ, and a good, local Cape Cod bar where he could play Keno and chat with his friends and family. He also loved sitting on his deck observing wildlife, and grilling up burgers (on his multiple grills). He loved Cape Cod, the beaches, the ocean and all the critters that reside there.
Garry was a shining light. He was strength. He was loyal. He was support. He was kindness. He will be forever missed. Forever loved. Forever alive in our hearts and in our memories.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, our celebration of Garry’s amazing life is regrettably postponed until it is safe for us all to return and gather and hug one another. Until then, please raise a glass, tell a joke (i.e., The Pig with a Wooden Leg…), read a good book, take a long hike, breath in the fresh air, and smile and laugh. Life is beautiful - let us all live it to the fullest.
The Leppanen and Hammersley families would especially like to thank the caring staff at the Pavilion in Hyannis for their love and support. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Garry Leppanen’s name to Dementia and Alzheimer Caregiver Program, c/o Cape Cod Healthcare, PO Box 370, Hyannis, MA 02601.

Directions to Funeral Home