Community comes together to assist 80-year-old grocery bagger in settling late wife’s medical bills

An 80-year-old grocery bagger at Smith’s Market on Bluff in St. George, Gary Saling, has a remarkable life story that many patrons are unaware of. Despite designing multi-million-dollar mansions for Wall Street financiers and serving Hollywood royalty in his architectural career, Saling now works tirelessly to pay off the medical bills accumulated during his late wife’s illness. His work ethic was instilled by his single mother, the head waitress at a renowned Beverly Hills restaurant.

Saling’s relentless nature led him to hold down three jobs in high school and made him a sought-after architect in his prime. Despite his high-profile clients and industry recognition, facing personal challenges such as raising two sons alone after his first wife left him, Saling’s life found new meaning when he met Carol at a serendipitous moment in 1991.

Carol’s devastating diagnosis of Sundowner’s syndrome in 2017 prompted the couple to relocate to southern Utah for specialized medical care. Throughout Carol’s illness, Saling remained steadfast in his commitment to care for her at home, a promise he made to her and himself. Carol, an artist, passed away in 2021, leaving behind substantial medical debts of $80,000.

Duana Johnson, a local community member, noticed Saling’s continued efforts to work and decided to take action. She set up a donation account and Venmo account to help ease Saling’s financial burden. The community’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive, with funds raised to assist Saling in his post-retirement years. While Saling humbly expresses discomfort in seeking aid and never considered himself a hero, he remains dedicated to fulfilling his promise to Carol.

The outpouring of support from neighbors and strangers alike showcases the power of community and compassion. Saling’s dedication to his late wife and commitment to honoring his vows resonate deeply with those who have rallied behind him. The initiative to assist Saling in his time of need reflects the goodwill and empathy that exists within a community bound by a shared sense of humanity.

Saling’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to caring for one another. As individuals come together to support a man who has given so much of himself, they embody the spirit of compassion and generosity that defines a community capable of making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.