Gareld Robert Waite

Gareld Robert Waite, 68, of Wellington, died Thursday, August 21, 2014 after a lengthy illness. He was born on January 21, 1946 in Oberlin to Melba (nee Handley) Waite and the late Robert H. Waite, and was a 1964 graduate of Wellington High School.

Gareld worked as a tool and die maker and retired from General Motors in 2006. He was a member of the Wellington Eagles Aerie 2051. Gareld's passion was raising and breeding Mini Lop and Californian rabbits, he was a member of the Lorain County Rabbit and Cavy Breeders Association, the Huron County Rabbit Breeders Association, the Ohio Mini Lop and Ohio Californian Associations and the Ohio State Rabbit breeders Association. Gareld was recognized for his work with rabbits and, in 2007, placed in the Ohio State Rabbit Breeders Hall of Fame. He was also recognized in the Ohio Mini Lop Hall of Fame. Gareld enjoyed attending the Lorain County Fair and competing to win the champ for meat rabbits, he also enjoyed attending other rabbit shows and conventions.

Gareld is survived by his wife of 48 years Marie (nee Parsons) Waite; daughter, Cathy Waite of Elyria; son, Doug (Tracey) Waite of Wellington; grandson, William Waite; his brother, Russell Waite of AZ and his mother Melba Waite of Wellington. He was preceded in death by his father.

Family and friends will gather to visit and celebrate Gareld's life on Sunday, October 5, 2014 from 1-5 p.m. at the Wellington Eagles, 631 South Main Street, Wellington. The family requests that donations in memory of Gareld be made to the Lorain County Fair Building Fund, 23000 Fairgrounds Road, Wellington, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Norton-Eastman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements and condolences may be expressed online at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.