As disease takes its toll, artist keeps churning out works
August 24 2006 | PALS Profiles
Dayton Daily News, Dayton, Ohio
By Doug Page
Staff Writer
WEST MILTON, OH — Artists use their work to communicate their vision of the world, but Gary Wickman's paintings are about the last way he has to communicate at all.
Wickman was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's Disease), an incurable progressive neurodegenerative disease, three years ago. He is approaching its final stage.
"We were watching a PBS auction that included an oil-painting set. He turned and said, 'I think I could still do that,' " said Jill Wickman, Gary's wife.
In the past year, painting up to five hours at a stretch, Gary has produced dozens of small canvases.
"Everything is all about outdoors and nature. Maybe it goes back to where he grew up, on the Upper Peninsula," Jill said of Gary's Michigan upbringing.
All came from pictures he had seen or that were found on the Internet by his wife. Though he can barely sign his paintings, each is a riot of detail and color. Trained as a mechanical engineer, Air Force Maj. Wickman was preparing for his next posting — back to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Within days came the diagnosis. In the space of two months, Gary retired from the service after 20 years, the couple sold their house in Maryland and moved into what was once Jill's grandmother's house in West Milton.
"We just piled everything into the house, bought two Harleys and headed West," she said. Gary smiled as his wife recalled their summer of '03 farewell tour.
A year-plus later, the Harley was parked in favor of a wheelchair. Now the wheelchair has been replaced by an overstuffed recliner and a ventilator.
Don Shough has spent 13 years as a home health assistant, most recently with Gary and Jill. He has assisted a number of ALS patients.
"It's hard for a man to let somebody help you. It's especially hard when you can't do anything for yourself," Don said. Though Gary has lost most of his mobility and his voice, Don sees things in Gary the disease cannot touch.
"He's ready for the inevitable. He's a good man with a good sense of humor."
Gary communicates on canvas and through hand signs — and humor. He's not above teasing his wife with a twinkling eye and a sly glance.
Propped up against the TV in front of his recliner is a plaque from an Air Force buddy.
"A friend," it reads, "will come and bail you out of jail, but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, 'Damn, that was fun!' "
