My Teenage Sweetheart and Mother of My Children Dies

Vicky Cornaire and Myself, Gary Walts, at my parents house in Calcium, NY in 1972

This was me in 1972 with my high school sweetheart and the mother of my children. We were young and eventually went our separate ways. During our years together she chiseled away a lot of my rough edges making me a better man. She was kind and loving. She was hardworking, artistic and independent. Vicky Walts passed away Friday afternoon, July 11, 2025. 

Vicky Walts with our first grandchild Stone Walts, December 1999.    photo by Gary Walts

Portrait Painting of Me by Jerry Merrill

Wonderful portrait of me by Jerry Merril.

Here is a painting of me playing guitar created by artist Jerry Merrill, Rodman, NY. He painted it from a photo of me taken back in October while I was playing guitar at the Orion Art Gallery on Mullin St., Watertown, NY. Jerry revealed it to me and others at Orion Gallery during their Christmas Party on Dec. 14. I was very honored that Jerry took the time to paint me. I am also impressed with the result. I truly feel he captured my likeness. I was blown away by it. Jerry and I have been friends for quite a few years. I really got to know him when he took some guitar lessons with me. Jerry is quite a prolific painter and also a talented sculptor. 

Jerry Merrill shows photo his portrait of me during Orion Art Gallery Christmas party.