PITTSFIELD, Mass. —  

Gary Wade Shampang, 92 of Lenox enjoyed a full and happy life. He passed away May 5, 2025 at Kimball Farms Nursing Facility.

Born in Pittsfield on February 9,1933, he was the son of Jerry and Eleanor Shampang. After graduating from Pittsfield High School in 1951, Gary joined the US Army and served in post war Germany, where he met and married his beloved wife of 70 years, the former Doris Walter. Self-taught and fluent in German, he frequently traveled to Germany with family. When not traveling in Germany, he was peddling with Doris by bike, long distance, throughout New England and into Canada or hiking the Appalachian Trail.

After retiring from a 35 year career as a draftsman and designer for General Electric Ordnance, Gary joined an international team of free-lance professionals and continued to share his technical expertise. An avid birder and former president of Hoffmann Bird Club, he spotted many first species in Berkshire County to include the Northern Cardinal and Parasitic Jaeger. A passionate sportsman and naturalist, Gary inspired a love of nature in his children. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushrooming, gardening, and membership in Massachusetts Audubon Society and Berkshire Museum Aquarium Club. A prolific storyteller, gourmet cook and expert baker, puzzle wizard, and poetry writer and reciter, Gary was truly a renaissance man who will be lovingly remembered.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Shampang of Lenox and their children; Lawrence Shampang of Montague, Steven Shampang and wife Dana of Pittsfield, Lorraine Schreiber and husband Paul of Norfolk, VA, Charles Shampang and wife Lori of Annadale, VA; siblings, Ronald Shampang of Savoy, Marcia Wakefield of VT and Andrea Kenney of MA.and beloved grandchildren who affectionately called him Opa; Alicia, Jared, Christopher, Caroline, Charles and great grandchild, Lars Warren. Funeral services will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Hoffmann Bird Club and Massachusetts Audubon Society in care of Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield.