Gary Richard Tavis, 56, of Grand Rapids, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, in Grand Itasca Hospital after battling esophageal cancer. He was born October 8, 1958, in Albert Lea, the son of Richard and Phyllis Tavis. Gary was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. He attended Albert Lea High School, graduating in the class of 1977. Following high school, he attended college at Mankato State University, earning a bachelor's degree in accounting and was later certified as a public accountant. He was employed as CFO/Controller for Jerry Hammann Transportation for over eleven years and then started his business as Co-Owner/CPA for CT Transportation where he currently worked for twelve years. He was also a current member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cohasset. When he wasn't working or doing taxes, he enjoyed spending his time outdoors hunting or fishing with family and friends and his daily work out at the YMCA. He recently spent a weekend fishing with family and friends including wife, Joy, and son, Austun, on the Rainy River where he caught the largest walleye after celebrating his last day of radiation. Gary also enjoyed golf, hockey, and waterskiing growing up. He will always be remembered for his willingness to help others, his good-hearted nature, his hearty voice, and numerous nicknames like Cacti and G-Man. He was honored the most to be called Husband, Dad and Papa Gary. He was united in marriage on August 11, 1979, to Joy Domes at Zion Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. They enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing, golfing, having bon fires by the lake shore, and taking a boat cruise on Pokegama Lake in his Sea Ray with their dog, Nellie. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. Gary is survived by his wife of 35 years, Joy; children, Amber (Randy) Kline of Greeley, CO, Austun (Alison) Tavis of Blaine, MN, and Aaryn (Neal) Forst of Grand Rapids, MN; grandchildren, Adrian and Aric Kline and Mason Forst; parents, Dick and Phyllis Tavis of Albert Lea, MN; parents-in-law, John and Joleen Domes of Albert Lea, MN; sister, Kay (Scott) McCall of Smithville, MO; sisters-in-law, Jill (Steve) Sharaga and Jeren (Darris) Porter; and his dog, Nellie. Gary leaves behind many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives as well as many friends. Memorial Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cohasset with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Rev. Bill Zeige officiating. A Memorial Service will also be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea on Saturday, May 2 at 2:00pm with visitation from 12:30-2:00pm. See online family guestbook at www.andrews-libbeyfh.com. Memorials are preferred to the Grand Rapids Area Cancer Foundation or the Grand Rapids YMCA, or to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Arrangements by Andrews-Libbey Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 218-326-4000.