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 of Albany; 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 Monday, July 30, 2012 at Woodlands Cemetery starting at 1 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.

Please visit www.ackleyrossfuneralhome.com to share a memory or send a condolence.