Gary Vernon Kaiser, 70, passed away on April 23, 2013. He was born in Peoria, IL on June 10, 1942, to Vernon and Anna Kaiser. Gary went on to receive his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Illinois in 1964, and graduated with honors. He received his Doctorate of Philosophy in Chemistry at the University of California at Berkley in 1967.

Gary started an illustrious 35-year career at Eli Lilly and Company in 1968. He rapidly advanced to positions of leadership in areas spanning virtually all facets of drug discovery, development, and treating disease. Gary's colleagues at Lilly will remember, above all, his boundless enthusiasm and commitment to solving important challenges in treating human disease as well as his personal commitment to the growth and success of his fellow scientists. He retired in 2003.

Gary was an active member of his community. He took a genuine interest in others and worked to help those in need. Gary made generous contributions to benefit the needs of children, the arts, and education. He enthusiastically embraced the importance of volunteerism and was a member of the Democratic National Committee.

He is survived by his wife of forty-eight years, Patricia, two children, Matthew Kaiser and Courtney Kaiser-Sandler, three grandchildren, and sister, Karen Kaiser.