Gareth C. "Drysdale" Ferree, 64, of Ceresco and formerly of Battle Creek died at Select Specialty Hospital in Kalamazoo on Thursday, April 23, 2009. He was born in Battle Creek to Clifford and Barbara (Iden) Ferree on August 26, 1944. Gareth grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1962 graduate of Harper Creek High School. His career in the music business began working with his father at Ferree's Music Shop. Gareth repaired musical instruments most of his life and was currently working at Ferree's Tools, Inc. as a consultant in the manufacturing of specialized tools to repair musical instruments. Gareth also owned and operated Avanti Bicycle Shop on NE Capital Avenue and various rental properties. Gareth was formerly married to Sharon Rea. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Christa Lynn Ruth Ferree. Gareth is survived by his son, Curtis L.R. (Theresa) Ferree of Union City; two grandchildren, Ryan and Alyssa Ferree; his mother, Barbara Ferree of The Villages, FL; his father, Clifford (Michelle) Ferree of Land-O-Lakes; four brothers, James, Peter and Thomas Ferree all of Battle Creek and Robert (Jeri) Ferree of Castle Rock, CO; and many nieces and nephews and their families. Gareth served two terms as the Master of Masonic Lodge #419 F & AM, and was a 15 year member of the Iron Coffins Motorcycle Club, known to his brothers as "Drysdale". At one time he hosted a show on Access Vision called, "State Your Case". Drysdale was a NASCAR fan and enjoyed traveling and visiting restaurants across America. At the request of the family, friends may call after 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where they will be received 6:00-8:00 p.m. Memorial services to celebrate Gareth's life will be held at the funeral home 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2009. Inurnment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Gareth may be made to the Christa Ferree Scholarship Fund, payable to "The Battle Creek Community Foundation", 34 W. Jackson St., Suite 1, Battle Creek, MI 49017-9984. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.


Published in the Battle Creek Enquirer on 4/28/2009