My father, Gary Spooner, has been a real-bearded Santa for 57 years and is truly a cornerstone of our community. He started the first Chamber of Commerce, published a local newspaper, and served as past president and organizer of the Deputy Registrars Association. Gary was also a board member and president of the 916 Foundation, a member of the Board of the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, and the last original member of the Woodbury/Cottage Grove Rotary. As a past owner of the Cottage Grove Deputy Registrar, Gary headed the Deputy Registrars Legislative Committee and served as a lobbyist. His dedication to service has touched countless lives in Cottage Grove and beyond.

Despite his many accomplishments, my father never sought recognition—he simply believed in doing the right thing. When he sold his business, he hoped to enjoy retirement with my mother, but life had other plans. My mother suffered a massive stroke and spent 18 months in hospice, which depleted their savings. Afterward, my father moved in with my husband and me, and we have managed to cover living expenses together, but only just. Now, as he faces leukemia and we prepare for the long goodbye, we are reaching out for help with funeral expenses.

His values were to be honorable and to do right by others. He may not be a rich man, but if he is judged by the number of friends he has, he is rich beyond measure. He has never asked for anything and was always happy to give. Any funds raised will go toward his funeral expenses, and anything left over will be donated to Basic Needs Inc. of South Washington County, a charity he and my mother supported. We are grateful for any support you can offer, whether through a donation or by sharing this fundraiser. Thank you for helping us honor his legacy.