Gary W Lennert "K2KYJ"

Gary Wayne Lennert of Columbia, South Carolina, died on November 27, 2025 following a sudden cardiac arrest. Gary was active to the end and had spent his last days engaged in one of his favorite activities, working in his yard and greenhouse with his daughter, Kristin.

Gary was born on May 20, 1944 in Lockport, NY to Frank and Mary Frances (Ranney) Lennert. He is survived by his loving wife Aili; daughter Kristin; son Matthew and his wife Kimberly; granddaughter Tizzy; and sister Donna.

Gary enjoyed an adventurous childhood filled with many outdoor activities, complimented by an early interest in science, particularly communication technology. Gary and his father became licensed amateur radio operators in the late 1950s, often designing and building their own radios and communications equipment. At age 11, Gary was assigned FCC call sign K2KYJ, which he would carry throughout his life and career. Gary was also a competitive swimmer for Lockport High School and an early member of the Niagara Scuba Club.

After high school, Gary’s love for the water, intense patriotism and heart of service would lead him to enlist in the United States Navy. Gary served proudly and was honorably discharged in 1966 after a distinguished career as a radio technician and operator, stationed at Naval Base Guantanamo Bay. Gary spent his off duty hours working as a lifeguard, sailing and spearfishing.

Upon returning home to Western New York, Gary embarked on his career in communication technology and soon met his wife-to-be, Aili Pold of Corry, PA. Among other things, the two shared a love of the beach — and sporty convertibles. Gary drove a Datsun; Aili, a Ford Mustang. Gary and Aili married on May 27, 1967 and would remain devoted to each other for the following 58 years, meeting all of life’s joys and challenges together.

Gary’s career and life’s endeavors were driven by his passion for learning new technologies, problem solving and ‘making things work.’ He contributed to the development of many groundbreaking technologies including the pacemaker, the lunar module developed by Bell Aerosystems, UPC code scanning, data transfer over radio frequencies and later, computer networks. Even in retirement, Gary continued working on tip-of-the-spear technologies including high-speed data transfer projects connected to NASA and SpaceX.

Despite his dedication to career, Gary would never hesitate to drop everything to help family and friends in any way. Whether it was advice or guidance, a ride somewhere, or fixing a broken item, Gary was always available. When his son Matt asked if he wanted to help build out a restaurant, Gary not only showed up and stayed on the project for several months, but hand built all the tables and banquettes with his trademark precision craftsmanship.

In his free time, Gary returned to the water time and time again. He was often found helming a 49-foot sailboat across the Mediterranean, tooling around the Atlantic Ocean in a 14’ monohull or a 16’ catamaran, and paddleboarding and kayaking on Lake Murray. Gary also delighted in cooking for others, especially barbecue and his hometown Buffalo wings.

Of his many achievements, Gary might have been most proud of his service to organizations in emergency management for both the state of South Carolina and the federal government. Gary was a leader across numerous emergency management organizations, and shared his knowledge and expertise as a teacher and mentor to many. A tribute page with last call has been set up honoring Gary’s volunteer efforts.

Gary lived a full and passionate life driven by his unwavering values of loyalty and service to those he loved, and to his community. At this time no services are planned. Those wishing to honor Gary are encouraged to contribute to SCHEART, a South Carolina nonprofit which operates, supports and encourages the use of amateur radio for emergency communications and public functions.

Learn about Gary’s public service and/or donate in his honor at by clicking here.

Gary’s tribute page on the SCHEART website by clicking here.