Gary Walter Chandler

BANGOR - Gary Walter Chandler, 89, was born March 8th, 1937, in Enfield Maine. He was one of four children born to Lawrence and Harriet (Buck) Chandler.

At eight years old, while his father worked on Liberty ships during World War II, Gary discovered his life-long love of flying, taking his first ride standing up behind a local game warden in his float plane.

When his father returned home and became a private pilot, Gary began flying too-so small at the time that he needed a pillow behind his back to reach the pedals.

Gary married his sweetheart, Bonnie-Lee (Hallett) on December 25th, 1961. They were happily married for 64 years. They had two children, a girl and a boy. Their daughter, Charyl, liked to describe her parent's relationship as "When he inhaled, she exhaled, they are that connected!" Charyl's friends noted after seeing pictures of all the family trips that they "Never saw a picture of Bonnie and Gary where they were not holding hands." Before knowing differently, Charyl described her childhood as "The typical American family: mom/dad, boy/girl, dog/cat, camp/house, car/truck!"

A man of many skills, Gary was a Flight Instructor, Master Electrician, and also trained in welding and refrigeration. He taught himself plumbing and mechanical work, and even built his own home --laying every block in the foundation, mixing his own cement, and crafting a beautiful fieldstone fireplace in the living room. As a Master Electrician at the Bangor base, he was often called upon to troubleshoot what others couldn't.

Coming from humble beginnings, Gary developed an unmatched work ethic. While attending flight instructor school in Oklahoma, he supported his wife and baby by working over 60 hours a week and using discarded tires on his car to make ends meet. Later, he traveled state to state for work, sleeping in the back of his truck to send his full paycheck home. Crossing the Kittery bridge each weekend, he'd say "The air got clearer," a nod to his deep love for Maine.

Gary waited a year after high school working at odd jobs so that he and his lifelong best friend, Andy Webber could go into the service together. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force, reaching the rank of Buck Sergeant and being selected as crew chief for President Eisenhower's Aero Commander. He flew thousands of hours and never had an accident; earning the Wright Brothers Master Pilot award and being named a Master Pilot in 2018. He was very proud of all the students he taught to fly, he had a 100% pass rate when he sent them for their license.

Gary loved his little sister Suzanne and he nicknamed her "Sioux City Sue." She loved him as well and nominated him to be put on the Wall of Honor at the National Air and Space Museum in Virginia, where his name and Bio are displayed with other aviators.

Gary was honored with a lifetime achievement award for the state of Maine in Augusta, Maine in May of 2025. Dedicated to others, Gary volunteered with the Civil Air Patrol, at the Maine Veteran's home, in his church, and among his neighbors. He was the very definition of generosity and service. His unexpected death in April 2026 has left an immeasurable hole in all the lives of the people who loved him.

A graveside service with military honors will be private. A public celebration of his life is planned for August 1st at 10:30am at the River Church, 146 center street, Bangor Maine. Please come to the celebration of life service to support his loved ones and, if you have one, bring your favorite Gary Story! Condolences may be expressed to the family here at BrookingsSmith.com.