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- Gary was a great and kind man. Had the honor to work with him and enjoy Cobras together. Shocked at his passing. Jeff Grice
- Shocked and saddened to hear this news. Gary was a kind and gentle soul. Quick to laugh and smile. A good man. God bless my friend. Keith Ulrich
- My condolences to Karen and the family. What a great person to have crossed paths with in our years on Ford. These tributes speak volumes. Gary was a wonderful example of a boy growing up in Detroit with great values, work ethic and a passion for success. Rick Bartus
- I worked with Gary on the Lincoln account. He brought knowledge, wit, and a steady hand to the business. He was forever smiling, eager to chat, full of sly asides and incredibly deep knowledge. He will be missed. Greg Mills
- I'm sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I received it today, Thursday the 6th. I met both Karen and Gary at Kenyon & Eckhardt. We were both alums of the mail room. Kearen an Admin in the Media Dept. I ended up in Product Information on the Lincoln-Mercury account working for the famous George May. I know both Bob O'Neil and Gary as well as Karen. All three are the best. Those were great times for a number of reasons. Bob, I know you grew up with him and have similar roots. Thank you for writing the eulogy you did. I lost track of Gary later and saw him sporadically but thought of him as a person you would pickup friendship immediately because of the good guy he was. Both Bob and Gary are talented in sports and business. Though Gary and Bob are heads above me in sporting talent, never did they "Lord it" over anyone. I always thought even more of them for that. I remember being an average player on the Ad League teams we played on and we had nicknames for some of the guys. Gary's was coined by myself and a copywriter we worked with, Fred Beal (a talent himself). We tagged him, Gary "Watch it go over your head" Kopico for his tremendous blasts while hitting. Gary would laugh when we called him that. Prayers for Gary, Karen and family. God Bless. Fred Fisher
- Annie you and your family have both of ours deepest sympathy. We will keep you, Gary and your family in our prayers. Love and comfort. George & Sandy George & Sandy Augustyniak
- There are many facets to Gary a lot of us got to know through family, work, sports or school. As just one of his many friends, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to know him as a student, teammate and co-worker. He took pride in his humble downriver beginnings, and we watched him grow to achieve tremendous success in a business, sometimes dominated by ivy-league educated professionals from places that he would affectionately describe as ‘the other side of the tracks.’ I remember times when we first started in a world of 3-piece suits, he would show up for work in a shirt and tie proudly wearing his D&D Softball jacket. Gary attended St. Mary Magdalen, where I believe he was actually an altar boy, undoubtedly a mischievous one, and a bright student who could hold his own on any subject that piqued his interest. He graduated from Melvindale High School in 1973. He formed many lasting friendships from at least 2nd grade on, that remain to this day. His parents instilled in him a strong sense of family, solid morals, and from his Dad, a relentless work ethic. Gary took pride in the fact that if there was a storm or flood downriver, his Dad would get the call in the middle of the night and work double-shifts until the problem was resolved. Gary worked his way all through high school and college. While this didn’t afford much time for organized sports at the time, he proved to be a powerful and competitive athlete, and enjoyed playing softball or Golf with his friends all over Michigan. He attended Western Michigan University, where early on he would say he majored in Euchre and was in the middle of all the extracurricular activities, whether it was as Quarterback of their Intra-Mural championship team, or Softball team. He always demonstrated a presence and natural leadership skills, along with a tremendous sense-of-humor, often directed at himself. He could hit an iron farther than most could hit their driver, but would often remark something like “too much postage, wrong zip code.” At Western, he experienced the inevitable sophomore slump, and took a semester off because he had committed to his Dad to make the payments on his souped-up Z-28 Camaro. He returned to WMU and buckled down to attain his degree in Business. Soon thereafter, he landed an entry level job in the mailroom at K&E Dearborn on the Lincoln-Mercury account. The mailroom was a ‘rite of passage’, where the legendary Chairman of the Board, Dave Gillespie started back during the depression. He was promoted through the ranks and landed a field position in Pittsburgh, where he was embraced by the large contingent of Italian mega-dealers back east as one of their own. He was promoted back to Detroit and worked for a time on the Buick Account, then spent a couple years on the West Coast working with Mazda. I had the good fortune to spend some time with him out in Newport Beach, where he lived a stone’s throw from the Pacific. We enjoyed golf, softball, and catching Detroit Lion’s games via Satellite whenever possible. For the entire 2+ years he lived in California, regardless of whatever activity he may have been engaged in, he would invariably disappear around 7:00 PST to call Karen. (note: before cellphones) He eventually worked his way back to the Motor City where he landed back on the Lincoln account, and ascended to Executive Vice-President. He always admired the fact that his Dad worked hard for Allen Park for 30-years to take care of the family and retire up north, but lamented that he didn’t get enough time to enjoy it. Gary was determined since moving back to Michigan to take advantage of every opportunity to spend quality time along with Karen and friends and family and dogs at Hubbard Lake. While he worked with heavyweights on both coasts as well as in Detroit, he remained loyal to his close friends from home and was part of their extended families. They called him Rabbit, for reasons nobody seems to remember. He enjoyed watching all the kids growing up and took pride in their accomplishments. He was even closer to his sister Janice’s family and was most proud of his nephew Andrew, following his soccer and academic exploits as he grew up. Gary also had many hidden talents, and might surprise you by suddenly appearing at a family Christmas party jamming on the accordion. When he wasn’t traveling for business, he was generally in the middle of things, rounding up a card game or watching football, or hosting a pay-per-view fight at his house. He was a formidable card player and, win or lose, his laughter and enthusiasm would fill the room. He always felt the need for speed, and at various times, would trade up for a new toy, a faster boat or Porsche. If the boys were eliminated from a tournament early, they would usually head toward the water to get out on Rabbit’s boat, which he only drove at one speed, full throttle…he would laugh as the acceleration hurtled his friends to the back of the boat. To say he was versatile is an understatement. He was patriotic, he was an avid fan of classic movies and could quote classic John Wayne westerns or War Movies, Clint Eastwood, The Godfather Trilogy. He loved music from Frank Sinatra to the Beatles to Led Zeppelin and not much since; He was always a voracious reader, usually devouring a novel or two on a plane trip or a weekend up north. He loved Dogs at least as much as people. He loved sports, football, baseball, softball, outdoors, boating, watersports. He recently sent out a clip of Billy Sims professional debut. He admired his style of running through people at full speed rather than around them. That was Gary’s style. You always knew where you stood. He was an honest, stand-up guy who would come right at you, full-throttle, and if you were in a jam, he would stand-behind you 100%. Over the past few years before his recent retirement, the pressures of business, commuting to NY and health issues, we lost touch from time to time or he temporarily ‘flew under the radar’ in his words. Whenever he resurfaced, he always spoke fondly of his family & friends and enjoyed sharing stories about their exploits and looked forward to spending quality time among them. He was a versatile, memorable and colorful character, who leaves a big footprint and all of us with our own lasting memories and life lessons we will cherish. Bob ONeill
- Gary was a teacher, a confidante, and most importantly, a friend. He was one of the most generous people in the business who readily shared his expertise to any and all who came to him. His passion for sports and joy of life were contagious. He brought perspective and wisdom to our everyday challenges. He will be dearly missed. God bless him. Doug Molloy
- I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother Janice. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Barbara Rangus
- Gary was my boss for nearly five years. We were not in the same location so every Monday morning I had "coffee with Gary" over the phone at 10:00am Chicago time. He was supportive, encouraging and a true mentor. He always spoke so fondly of his family.....his mom, sister, Karen and especially when his nephew Andrew entered his life. Gary was kind, and made me feel protected when I felt vulnerable during a stressful work situation. Years after he was no longer my "boss" I still looked up to him and sought his advice. There was a time (in 1999) when I was feeling remorseful that I hadn't purchased a lakefront lot in Michigan before prices had increased. He got very firm with me and said, "Monie, there are 2 good times to plant an oak tree.....yesterday and today." He was one of a kind and I was so very lucky to have worked with him. I have so many memories and I am so very sad about his passing. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Monica Gronert Monica Gronert
- I met Gary in the early 1990s in California. He recruited me back to work with him about 10 years later in Michigan. Truly appreciated working for and with Gary. Out of the office he was private, but always made time for me. He will forever be in my thoughts as someone who helped guide me to be the person I am today. Karen, thank you for sharing Gary with us all. He left a positive and lasting impression on so many of us. Tad Smith
- Gary was a wonderful man. We cared for him at the hospital. His positive attitude and uplifting spirit were truly inspiring. Gary was so thankful for all his care and fought until his passing. His family was very supportive and loved him very much. We all miss Gary. Casey, Kim L., Kim M.
- I worked with Gary on the Chicago L/M business for several years in the late 90s.. He knew how to handle the tough situations with calm and focus- something I very much welcomed during an especially difficult time for the business in Chicago. I enjoyed sharing the love of cars with Gary then and through the years when we met at car events. He was the only person I know of to own and have built three distinct Cobras- I will miss him! Dave Alden
- We have been fortunate to have Gary as our friend for over 35 years. He was always the influence in our group to live life to the fullest. We took many trips together over the years. Whether we were snowmobiling up north or walking the streets of Rome it was a great time with Gary. When we sit at our cottage where Gary sat with us or take trips in the future, Gary will be in our thoughts and hearts. God Bless. Dan and AnneMarie Lis
- Door to door - something Gary talked about 30 years ago. You don't pick someone up further than their door, and when you drop them off, it's back at that same door. Best interview question ever - "If you can name the 13 NFL Hall of Famers in the picture above your head, you have the job - never been more stressed in my life. A man taken too early - I will miss him a ton! Rest In Peace Gary, many are remembering you today. Al Morris
- I was shocked to hear that Gary was stricken with cancer. When Kristan called to let me know he was gravely ill, I could not believe this wonderful guy could leave us so soon. Gary was always a gentleman and one of the nicest guys I have ever known. Gary was a liked and loved by all who knew him. Gary earned the respect of his Lincoln Mercury Dealers and Ford/Lincoln Mercury clients. Gary embodied all the traits of a leader and I could always count on him when I needed advice on how to improve our work and relationships with our clients. We had fun too. Gary helped me launch my first new boat on Pine Lake. We rode our Harley's together and I was lucky enough to ride with him, and A J Wagner of Ford Credit up to his cottage for a weekend of boating, eating, and riding. He had no peers. Our thoughts and prayers are with Karen, his family and all of those who like me, will miss him terribly. God Bless you Gary. You left a big hole in a lot of hearts. Don Williams
- I'm so saddened by Gary's passing. He was a true gentleman. So helpful and kind. He left a mark on this world. Kevin Cour
- For nearly 25-years Gary and I worked together - for most of that time he was my boss. I owe a lot to him for allowing me to take the career path I chose. Very sorely missed. Karen and the Kopicko family will continue in my thoughts and prayers. Jeff Drews
- So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Gary for many years while at Ford. He was truly a class act and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary and his family. Randy Stewart
- Linda, Jimmy, Amanda and I are heartbroken over the news of Gary’s (Mr. Opicko’s) passing. He was truly a special person, a man of kindness, integrity and class, who touched so many both professionally and personally. Gary and I started out as colleagues and became fast friends. Year after year, Karen and Gary opened their cottage to the Heidt clan and our time spent on Hubbard Lake are and some of our most cherished memories. Over the past few days as we remembered baseball games and golf outings, graduation celebrations and dinners that we shared, it is difficult for us to believe that Gary is gone. Mr. Opicko will always have a special place in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with Karen and the Kopicko family. Jim Heidt
- Gary was not only a colleague, mentor and confidant, but with countless memories, truly an incredibly great friend. My best thoughts, sincere prayers are with 'Kopicko', his love ones, family and friends. Bless you all. Glenn Sutherland
- I am so saddened by Gary's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Gary for almost 12 years in multiple positions. He is the definition of class in every sense of the word and we will all greatly miss him. My family will keep Gary, Karen and his entire family in our prayers. God Bless. Andrew Frick
- Very sorry to hear about Gary's passing. He was a wonderful guy to work with, a real professional . More importantly, he was a kind and caring man who was a pleasure to be around. I will keep Gary in my prayers as well as Karen and his entire family. Bob McClowry Bob McClowry
