The obituary of dancer-choreographer Gary Naylor appeared in the Nov. 16, 2008 edition of the Arizona Republic.

For more on Gary, go here: HERE

Naylor, Gary B. of Phoenix, Arizona unexpectedly passed away October 20, 2008. Gary was born in Etna, California on August 10, 1948. He and his family moved to Phoenix when he was 9 years old. He graduated from Glendale HS in 1966 and from the U.S. International School of Performing Arts in San Diego in 1974. Gary had a varied career. He was a cosmetologist and owned Hair Bender’s salon. He was a well known dancer and choreographer in the valley. He toured with Disney on Parade, World, and danced in, or choreographed musicals in the valley including The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Mame, Celebration, and Boys from Syracuse, to name a few. He also toured on the Windmill Dinner Theater circuit. He later owned the Phoenix Dance Centre and created and performed in the Gary Naylor Dance Company. He also owned and operated Briarwood Floral Shop. Gary was preceded in death by his father Gerald Naylor; mother Penny Ricci; step-father Lee Ricci; sister Linda Naylor; uncle Keith Naylor and his beloved dogs Blanche and Winnefred. Gary is survived by his aunts Mary Rankin of Sun City, Gay Luther of Phoenix, Louise Ellison of Globe; Theresa Naylor of Etna, Calif.; many cousins; close friends Bette Hughes, Rosa Rochin and Dennis and Alije. A private funeral was held on November 12, 2008 for Gary at Most Holy Trinity and he was buried at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on November 22, 2008 at Hansen Chapel, 8314 N. 7th St., Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Society or the Andre House in Phoenix.