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Ek, Gayne
Gayne Ek, 78, of Allen, Texas, passed away June 18, 2012.
He was born Sept. 5, 1933, in Flint, Mich., to Henry and Ruth Ek. On Jan. 29, 1971, Gayne married Joleta Haney in Plano, Texas.
He is survived by his children, Gil Ek (Sheryl) of McKinney, Texas and Cindy Ek and Cheri Ek Rizer (Ken) of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Ryan Leach, Carly Ek, Andrew, Nicole, Anna and Will Rizer; great-grandchildren, Spencer and Bryson Leach; and a sister, Janine (Richard) Merrick of Minnesota.
Gayne graduated from Franklin High School in Cedar Rapids and received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State. He worked for Collins Radio and Pan Am, then moved to Dallas and partnered with a co-worker to start Forum Communications, where he was president until his semiretirement in 2003.
Gayne and Jo enjoyed traveling the world and visiting family and friends. He was an active volunteer and did a variety of charity work, including crew chief for a Dallas chapter of Habitat for Humanity and various work for child advocacy centers.
Gayne was preceded in death by his wife, Joleta; and his parents, Henry and Ruth.
A “Celebration of Life” is planned in both Texas and Cedar Rapids.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to either the local Habitat for Humanity or Waypoint.
Published July 15, 2012 in The Gazette
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