Gary Maitland, 66, of Cave Creek, Arizona died at home cared for by his wife on August 28, 2007 after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on August 23, 1941 in Belvidere, Illinois. He was a son of Marguerite Maitland and Milton Maitland. He grew up in Poplar Grove, Illinois where he graduated from North Boone High School and attended Rock Valley Junior College. He was a Veteran of the US Army from which he received an honorable discharge; he served 16 months in Germany. He was an active member of the Teamsters Local 325 while working with Shappert, Redi-Mix and Cassens Transport, his license plate is still "ex trucker". He started "The Bedroom" a water bed store which grew to 23 stores all across the Midwest, he was considered a visionary. Gary was named Retailer of the Year for water beds is in 1981.He loved playing sports, especially basketball and softball. His record for basketball was 59 consecutive free throws finishing with 15 "3" pointers in a row. He loved fishing in Alaska and watching his kids play sports; including soccer, softball, basketball, track and hockey. He was the world's greatest "Illini" fan. Gary as a father and friend loved to tell stories to anyone who would listen about his life and adventures.He married his wife of 21 years Sarah Kay Lindroth Maitland on November 22, 1986. He has three beautiful daughters Shannon, Tiffiny, and Lisa. Other survivors include: his mother Marguerite Maitland, his brother John Maitland of Poplar Grove; cousins Sally Richey and Pat Fayar; mother in-law MaryLou Lindroth; several brothers and sisters in-law; many nieces and nephews; and many others who loved him.Many thanks to our close friends in Arizona for the special home care given. He died knowing that he was loved by his friends and family. We will all miss him and his stories.

A memorial will be established with Poplar Grove United Methodist church and the American Cancer Society in Gary's memory.