Gared O’Donnell, beloved husband, father, son, friend and brother to many, and founding member, guitarist, and vocalist of Planes Mistaken For Stars, at the age of 44, passed beyond our realm of existence on November 24, 2012 in Peoria, IL surrounded in love by his friends and family. A memorial celebration will be announced in the near future. Please keep in your hearts Gared’s surviving family including his wife Becca, his mother Cynthia Jackson, his two sons Lux and Loki O’Donnell, his sister Sara Cook, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who became family, too numerous to name. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Pop and Nan O’Donnell, and his father-figure, Sheldon Eater.
Gared’s legacy is vast. A titan, a pillar, a beacon, no one that knew him wasn’t touched or inspired. He was too big for this world and burned so bright for so many. The gift he gave us was himself, fully unselfishly pouring his life, love, and soul out to the world, so honestly that it hurt.
He was a born musician, destined for the front of the stage. He founded multiple bands including Planes Mistaken for Stars, Blunt Razors, Hawks and Doves, and Dismiss. His music and lyrics touched countless souls all over the world and inspired a generation of musicians to follow their dreams. After every show, Gared urged us all to take care of one another. It was a plea for us all to open our hearts and recognize each other for what we all are, brothers and sisters. A plea for us to appreciate every heart wrenching, beautiful, and terrifying moment life has to offer. Gared O’Donnell, mythical beast, will never be forgotten. His legend will spread to the ends of the earth and beyond. And his love will endure in our hearts forever.
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