Gary Lawrence Avril, age 63, died on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 surrounded by family and friends at the University of Chicago hospital. Gary was born June 16, 1952 in Oak Park, Illinois to Lawrence Paul Avril and Helen May Avril, nee Schroeder. 

Eldest of two children, Gary grew up in Hinsdale, Illinois and attended Hinsdale Central High School. Following his high school graduation, Gary left for Champaign, Illinois to attend the University of Illinois. There, he earned his undergraduate degree in engineering -- but more importantly, met and fell in love with his future wife of nearly 40 years, Vicki Lee Avril, nee McMahon. 

After graduating from the U of I in 1974, Gary married Vicki in 1976, and went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois. 

Returning to his roots, Gary and Vicki settled in Hinsdale in 1978 and raised their two children, Jeffrey Todd Avril and Megan Elizabeth Avril.

For 33 years, Gary had a successful career as the corporate attorney for Chicago Bridge & Iron Company, eventually retiring in 2012. In his free time, Gary liked to golf, read crime novels, to collect wine and most of all, travel the globe with Vicki. 

Gary will be remembered for his kind heart and undying love for his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Vicki, son Jeffrey (Kacey Lee Rovere), daughter Megan, mother Helen and brother Paul J. Avril. He was preceded in death by father Lawrence and sister-in-law Lisa Welden Avril.

Services have been held. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org or Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, www.alexslemonade.org are appreciated.