Gary Michael Ensor

GARY MICHAEL ENSOR, formerly of Bel Air, died suddenly on Thursday, October 11, 2007 at his Forest Hill residence. Born on October 29, 1953 in Havre de Grace, MD, he was the son of the late Benjamin Thomas and Rosetta Amrein Ensor. A 1971 graduate of Bel Air High School, he will always be remembered for his stellar portrayal of “Sancho Panza” loyal sidekick to “Don Quixote” in the senior class production of “Man of LaMancha”. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, he was able to showcase this talent in productions of “Fiddler on the Roof”, “Oliver Twist”, and “The Mad Woman of Chaillot” among many others. Gary was a true “Renaissance Man”. He excelled in all of the arts and served as a photography assistant to the late Jim Warner at James A. Warner Studios in Forest Hill. Jim often said that he was fortunate to have him as a friend and coworker. His creativity led him to work in graphic design and he served as the Production Director for Diversified Signs of Forest Hill and the FW Haxel Company in Havre de Grace. Among his many accomplishments were working at PBS, Channel 67, as a puppeteer for “Consumer Survival” and on TV pilots; “121 Elm Street” and “Uncle Lester’s Place” for Channel 2 WMAR in Baltimore. He appeared on the “Professor Kool Show” with legendary showman, Stu Kerr, and produced, as well as, acted in the Cable TV production, “Sidney’s Cellar” for CATV in Elkton. He was a long time member of the “Mark Twain Society”. Gary was also a generous man with a great compassion for others. He developed the Child Life Tour Program (to alleviate hospital anxiety) at Franklin Square Hospital (now in its 33rd year) and portrayed the role of the Doctor for 4 years. A gifted writer, he co-wrote and acted in the production of “Yankee Doodle Review” for the 1976 Philadelphia Bicentennial. He later toured with the show as a member of “Camera Five Production”. As co-owner of “Peake Productions” he produced and edited video productions for local corporations (and also produced the BHS Class of ’71 video montage for their reunion). He was a frequent collaborator with master puppeteer/comedian/vocalist, Jack Foreaker. A natural entertainer, he entered the work world at age 15 at the then “Brownies” (later known as “The Hickory Inn”) and went from kitchen worker to bartender where he regaled the patrons with jokes, impressions, and his personalized take on current events.

Mr. Ensor is survived by a brother, Randy McComas Ensor of Paeonian Springs, VA; a sister, Susan Lee Hudler and her husband, Larry, of Delta, PA; two nieces, Emily K. Ensor of Winchester, VA and Jamie L. Hudler of Delta, PA; and a nephew, Benjamin Michael Hudler, also of Delta, PA. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Phyllis Ann Ensor.

Contributions may be made to the Harford Christian School German Department, c/o Peggy Nickson, P.O. Box 88, 1736 Whiteford Road, Darlington, MD 21034.