- Date Of Birth: February 20, 1942
- Date Of Death: February 17, 2022
- State: California
Born in San Antonio, Texas, Gary grew up one of four kids in a family focused on construction, engineering and oil exploration, eventually living in both Michigan’s upper peninsula and Minnesota.
He enlisted in the US Navy in August 1962 serving as a Hospital Corpsman, eventually retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. During which time he would be posted to duty stations in San Diego, California; Jacksonville, Florida; Portsmouth, Virginia; Memphis, Tennessee; Kingsville, Texas; Guam, Marianas Islands; and aboard the ships USS Navarro (APA-215); USS Princeton (LPH-5); and USS Acadia (AD-42).
During his Navy career he deployed to Vietnam in 1968, conducted the post-mission physicals on the Apollo 10 crew in 1969, and supported the mass evacuation operations in the wake of the collapse of the Republic of Vietnam in 1975.
Following the Navy, Gary went to work in the pharmacy at Mercy hospital in Hillcrest while also attending National University where he later received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
The next chapter of his career started in 1985 when he became a pharmaceutical representative, with emphasis on oncology and HIV medications while serving hospitals and medical offices throughout Southern California.
In the late 1990’s Gary finally chose to pursue his interest in classic cars, specifically a 1956 Ford Thunderbird that he bought to maintain, drive, and show. In addition to participating in parades and winning numerous awards, he would also serve as the President of The Classic Thunderbirds of San Diego County for two years. Though he was less active in club activities in the later years, he stayed involved with the club until recently.
Gary passed away in his Poway home on Thursday the 17th, he was 80 years old. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cheryl, and their two children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
