DURAND RESIDENT Sara Overman gave her friend, Gary, an early birthday surprise on Saturday, Sept. 30 by arranging for her plane-loving friend to ride along in a fly-over of Shiawassee County on board a 1964 Piper aircraft. While airplanes fascinate Gary, he is an absolute train enthusiast, so getting an aerial view of Durand Union Station – where he regularly volunteers – was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After taking off from the Owosso Community Airport Saturday morning and flying over Durand, Gary was then given an overhead view of southern Shiawassee County before returning to the airport.
Though he admitted he was a little nervous, he reported, “The take-off was smooth, and the landing was real, real smooth.” He was also brave enough to take pictures from the air. Overman was helped in arranging the surprise for Gary by her parents, Pat and Larry Pfeiffer, and their friend and Durand AmVet member, Steve. Overman and a number of other Durand-area residents who have been touched by Gary’s warm smile and friendly personality have organized a surprise 60th birthday party for Gary that will be at his beloved Durand Union Station on Saturday, Oct. 7. In addition to organizing the surprise celebration, the group raised money to purchase a section of fence at the Depot in Gary’s name.
(Courtesy Photo)
