For Gary Seevers, fishing in Southwest Florida was never just a pastime. It was how he connected to the places he loved most.
Beginning in the early 2000s, Gary made annual trips from Michigan to Naples, spending time on the water and exploring the Ten Thousand Islands. Those experiences deepened his appreciation for Florida’s coastal ecosystems and the need to protect them. During those visits, he became a supporter of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, returning often and sharing that connection with his family.
His daughter, Sharon Seevers, remembers those years as a time when nature brought their family together. Boat rides, visits to the Conservancy, and even family birthday celebrations on campus became part of that shared experience. Although her career initially took her to Manhattan, it was Sharon’s father who encouraged her to put down roots in Florida. In 2004, she did just that, opening what would become Goodness for Pets, an all-natural pet supply store centered on animal wellness and thoughtful care. That focus on animals and conservation carries forward her father’s values.
Gary’s commitment to conservation extended far beyond Florida. A graduate of Michigan State University, where he earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, he began his career as a 4-H extension agent and later served as a professor. Throughout his life, he supported agriculture, natural resources conservation, and education through leadership roles and philanthropy, including establishing endowed scholarships and conservation-focused positions at Michigan State University. His support also included organizations dedicated to land conservation, sustainable agriculture, and environmental stewardship nationwide.
Thank you to Goodness for Pets and the Seevers Family Foundation for making a $100,000 gift to the Conservancy to support conservation efforts in Southwest Florida. The donation reflects a long-held belief among Sharon’s family that protecting water, land, and wildlife is essential to the community’s health.
Gary Seevers’ love for fishing and nature left a lasting mark on the places he cherished. This gift honors that legacy, helping ensure that the waters he fished and the wildlife that depend on them remain protected for future generations.