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BORN
1943
DIED
2007
Gary Desmore Obituary
Gary Patrick "Poppy" Desmore, more affectionately known as Pat, Poppy or Sonny to family and friends, went to rest with our Lord Savior after unexpectedly passing away from a heart attack on Nov. 24, 2007. He was 64 years old.
He was born July 29, 1943, to Robert and Martha Desmore in Rochester, N.Y. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to California, where he would spend the remainder of his life until retirement. Raised in Hawthorne, Calif., he graduated from Hawthorne High School in 1961.
He was known as a practical jokester and was well-liked by all who knew him. He was also an exceptional athlete in his earlier years. He lettered in football for three years and all four years in baseball for the Hawthorne Cougars. He eventually went to college after a knee injury occurred during his senior year of football. Prior to his knee injury, he was being scouted by the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians for professional baseball.
After college, he started his career as an electromechanical engineer and continued to do so for close to 40 years.
By the time he started his career, he had already met and married the love of his life, Maureen Manning. They would have been married 42 years this March and had three children, Kimberly, Patrick and Kelly. They eventually moved to Thousand Oaks, which he enjoyed immensely, and where they raised their family. To show his love and affection for Maureen, he recently asked her to take his hand in marriage once again and renew their wedding vows. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge in Thousand Oaks.
Besides Maureen, his children and grandchildren, the other loves in his life were the University of Southern California Trojans football team, Los Angeles Dodgers, fishing and his dog, Barnie Bear. Half of his clothing that he owned had some sort of USC insignia labeled on it. This will be the first year in which he will miss the traditional USC and University of California, Los Angeles, rivalry, but certainly he will be watching and cheering on USC from above.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Maureen Desmore of Las Vegas; daughter, Kimberly DaSilva; son, Patrick M. Desmore (wife Yolanda Desmore) of Port Hueneme; daughter, Kelly Desmore; granddaughters, Vanessa DaSilva of Las Vegas and Alyssa and Cassidy Desmore of Port Hueneme; sister, Marlene Neldon (husband Louie Neldon) of Coeur D'Alene, Idaho; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and Barnie Bear.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Martha Desmore, with whom he can now surely rest in peace with for eternity.
A memorial celebration on his life was held on Nov. 28, in Las Vegas and another memorial celebration will be held in Ventura County in the near future.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Desmore
Sue Walsh
December 28, 2007
Pat was a one of a kind gentleman. We were friends in high school, and I always enjoyed his friendship. Rest in peace Pat.
Saundra Cooper
December 28, 2007
It is never easy when God calls someone we love back home, and my prayers have been with you since I heard the news. Some of us have reminisced the gifts of Pat in our younger years, and have enjoyed some wonderful memories. Wishing you and your family smiling memories to help you through this very difficult time.
Loving thoughts,
Sandy Cooper
Adrianne Robbins DeAlejandro
December 28, 2007
As an HHS alumni, c/o '63, I know the heartache of losing a husband. The pain is so intense, you feel like you'll never smile again. But you will in time. The wonderful memories, loving friends and family, and most of all, God, will keep you going. As you go through this grieving process, reach out to people for comfort and support. Don't recluse yourself. Cry all you want, it's okay.
Marlene Neldon
December 19, 2007
Sonny, Today as I was shopping, I heard the song Away in the Manger. I remember, when you were five years old and sang it in the Christmas play at church. You were the littlest angel in the play. Now, you have your wings and are my special angel. Merry Christmas, my brother. Love your sister Mar.
Dave and Jean Brooks
December 11, 2007
Dear Maureen and Family,
So hard to believe, We think of all the times we were together. Pat was such a strong and self assured man. We will miss him.
Much Love, as always your friends.
Maureen Desmore
December 10, 2007
My Deepest Thanks to each of you that have written in.
It's still not real to me.
I have so many memories after 41 years of marriage. Good, bad or whatever Pat Desmore was the "love of my life" and always will be. I miss him and I know I will be missing him more and more.
I would like to send each of you a Baseball Remembrance Card (with Pat's picture on it and his stats)so if you would please email me your addresse's I would appreciate it and........ when you think Baseball think of Pat.
Thank you.
Maureen
Tammy Lange
December 8, 2007
To my uncle sonny,
You were my favorite, you were my god father. My second dad and held a very speacial place in my herat and always Wlll.I do miss you so much and my heart aches now but knowing you are in jesus hands makes it a easyier place in my heart. I will always keep you deep in my heart my uncle sonny< Love Tammy
Brittany Nichols
December 7, 2007
To my Great Uncle Sonny, I'm sadden by your passing because I've thought a lot about you recently because my daughter (you're great great niece) was baptized in the same dress my mother Tammy and I had wore to our baptizing. You to got a dress since you were the God parent of my mom. So that dress went through 3 generations so far and many to come, all because of you. I will always remember you and how good you were to us girls. I love you and know that you are in a better place singing with the angels Tell Papa and Granny Goose hi for me. Rest in Peace Uncle Sonny.
Marlene Neldon
December 6, 2007
My Dear Brother Sonny, I miss you so much and hope you are at peace, with mom and dad. I had a nice visit with Maureen and your chilren. You can be very proud of them. I still remember our talk on the phone, just three days before you left us. I miss you and we will be together again one day. Love your sister, Marlene
Cathy Vergeer
December 6, 2007
Dearest Uncle Sonny, You will be so missed, Thank You for all the fun and crazy times.Tell Grandma and Grandpa Goose that dingaling said hello.My mother is really missing you alot!!!I'm glad I got the chance to be with the family at your funeral. Love and kisses Cathy Vergeer(niece) Tony,Heather, Emily, Landon
Kelly Desmore
December 5, 2007
Dad, Rest in Peace...I will always be your Daddy's girl, no one will ever take your place. I love and miss my larger than life father, but know he is with us all the time. Peace and Love, thanks for all the beautiful emails and calls everyone. He was an original:) His daughter, Kelly Maureen Desmore
Chico, Ca.
Judy DeGrazia-Blomsterberg
December 3, 2007
To Pat's family:
We were so very sorry to hear of Pat's early passing. Being from Hawthorne, we have very good memories of both Pat and Maureen. After all, we knew each other when we were just kids and crazy teenagers. A magic time and place to say the least. One thing we can't forget is that "In the still of the night" was one of Pat's favorite songs. He was a slow dancer.
Here's to you Pat. Thanks for the memories. See you on the other side!
Sincerely and with our love,
Judy DeGrazia-Blomsterberg
Eric Jan Blomsterberg
Doug Stevens
December 3, 2007
To Maureen and Family
We are very sorry to here of Gary's passing. We had some really great times working at Aero Products and the parties. We would like to attend the memorial service in Gary's honor.
Our deepest sympathy Love Doug & Bev.
Bridget Quacchia-Humphreys
December 3, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the Desmore family during this difficult time...I remember meeting Mr. Desmore and his lovely wife Maureen while attending a wedding in Calabasas.. he was a HOOT when I approached them both claiming to know his daughter Kelly from college! A humorous conversation ensued.
He was taken much to soon.
don buggs ansell
December 2, 2007
i am sorry to here of the passing of pat i was good friends withhim we paled a round at tom corrigens bar please let me know when you will have the memorial in thousand oaks my prayers are with you all buggs
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