Remembering Gunny Massey

The Marine who saved Christmas for thousands of Southern Utah Children was remembered with a Memorial Bench.  By William G. Fortune, Public Relations Officer, Utah Dixie Detachment #1270

Jan 2, 2022–– Marines, friends, family gathered today near the final resting place of Gunnery Sgt. Rick Massey for the dedication ceremony.  Known as the Marine who saved Christmas for thousands of Southern Utah Children during the past 18 years his friends, family and Marine detachment members felt he deserved a big thank you for his tireless effort as the Area Coordinator for the Toys For Tots organization.

The bench started out at a granite quarry and Marines who worked there made a special effort to pick the granite, cut and finished the bench with care because it was to honor a fellow Marine. Then the Utah Monument Company applied the finishing touches and cost donations. Even the Tonaquint Cemetery staff put in an extra effort for the event, like lowering all the Service flags in the area to half Staff.

People were welcomed by Pat Lisi, Detachment Commandant, and the National Anthem was sung by Ivie Forsyth, a local theatrical and music talent. A firing detail from the Detachment fired a rifle salute and taps was sounded and a moment of silence was called for. The Marine Hymn was played by John Mayer, the detachment piper.

Steve Handy, fellow detachment member and second assistant to Rick, as the area coordinator of Toys for Tots for many of those 18 years shared his memories.

Then it was time for the “ceremonial toast” to Rick with his favorite drink (Pepsi, a piece of ice and a cherry in a shot glass).  To accomplish this, shot glasses were prepared with a Marine Corps emblem and filled accordingly. Everyone present was invited to participate and keep the glass as a memory.

Several of Rick's coworkers from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department joined in with the toast. Other service members, like Danny Greathouse, president of the Vietnam Veterans Association, also joined in on the toast. Danny had volunteered to help with the Toys For Tots effort the last several years.

A traditional phrase used in memory of the Marine's sea going service was used to close the event. “…Fair Winds and following Seas…Gunny, you will be missed…”

 

Jan 2,2022––Marines of Utah Dixie Detachment 1270 and friends gathered to dedicate a Memorial Bench and drink a “Toast” to the Gunny.