Gary Owens Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jay Russell
October 14, 2009
I just heard of Gary's passing (10/14/09). My condolences to the family. Gary gave me my first radio job on the Central Coast somewhere around 1983. He was a gem of a person and an inspiration to all who worked for him. I'll always remember his big smile and positive attitude.
LORI MACHADO
October 6, 2009
I could not make it to the service. However my mother Elsie Bough and sister Sheryle Machado did make it. I heard the service was excellent and so many people attended. Which goes to show you how well liked of a person he was. My sister and mother both called me to tell me a insert of mine was read during the serice. That made my whole day.
KEEP YOUR HEADS HIGH.
EVERYONE ADORES GARY AND HIS FAMILY
SMILES AND WARM THOUGHTS
Joe Heringes
October 4, 2009
I remember meeting Gary in 1976 when I started my brief radio sports play-by-play career at KFYV. Immediately I recognized his passion for AGHS sports, in particular football. His Eagles were number one! Over the years I would run into Gary around the Five Cities and we would briefly update each other regarding our career paths. I will always remember his sincerity, enthusiasm and infectious smile.
My condolences to Gary's family.
Carol Roberts
October 3, 2009
I am so very very sorry about Gary's death. He was such a special guy always so full of optimism. He played a big role in the lives of so many. He did a lot for both (the late) Don Roberts and me. Helen, you and your family (and all of us) are so lucky to have had him while we did. With love....
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jerry Sloan
October 2, 2009
I am very saddened to hear of Gary,s passing.
My condolences to you Helen and your family. Gary and I were friends in High School and had some odd jobs together, we also were neighbors as kids. May God bless you. He will be missed.
Natalie Hackman
October 2, 2009
My prayers go out to Gary's whole family! I will miss him so much and he didn't deserve passing away the way he did.
Jim and Lorna Weaver
October 2, 2009
Helen, with deepest sympathy to you and your family. Gary made us laugh and smile all the time. We sure enjoyed having you as our neighbors at the lake.
The Byars Family
October 2, 2009
Helen, Heath, Garrett and family,
We send our heartfelt condolences on your loss. I will always have nothing but great thoughts of Gary from all the way back to 1980's football and all the way forward to 2008 and beyond football. Always the first in the stands and always a smile on his face. I will miss that but will always remember it too. Take care.
Kim Talley (Hicks)
October 1, 2009
I'm just sick about Gary's passing. He was too precious to lose. Helen, you're in my thoughts and prayers. Ally, I'm so sorry honey, hang in there. Here's a long distance hug from me. Love and miss you. Love, Kim
Gayle Wilson
September 30, 2009
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Coastal Medical Research
September 30, 2009
"Our prayers and best wishes to all of Gary's family. We did not know Gary but a short time. He was a very positive and dynamic person and enjoyed knowing him." From all of us at Coastal Medical Research.
Bob Adams
September 30, 2009
September 30,2009
After reading the numerous entries about Gary I find he never changed from the fun loving guy that I worked with back in the 70's at KBBY/KUDU. I've been telling "Gary Stories" for 30 years.I was so sorry to read of his passing and my condolences to his family.
Don Davis
September 30, 2009
Dear Helen, last night I was stunned to hear about Gary's passing. I feel privileged to have known Gary for nearly 50 years. I have many wonderful memories from our early days at KACY Radio to the present. Broadcasting has lost a true professional and all who new Gary will miss his smile, honesty and friendship. Judy and I send our sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Don and Judy Davis
September 29, 2009
While I have not worked worked with Gary in recent years, as a past client I have always felt that Gary Owens is a "class act" and one of the finest human beings that come across in a lifetime. I will always remember his daily smile and laugh! He was called...Tim O'Hara
Kristin Kelleher-Wong
September 29, 2009
Dear Helen and Family, My prayers are with you all. Gary was such a dynmaic man and i was blessed to work with him ( right next to him) No one worked harder than Gary. I was proud to be assoicated with such a good man. He will be missed
Kristin Kelleher Wong ( El Macero (SAC) CA)
Frank & Edna Murphy
September 29, 2009
My husband & I were impressed with Gary's distinctive voice and enjoyed listening to him when we moved to Ca. from N.Y> We're sorry for your loss.
Joan Fredericks
September 29, 2009
September 30 2009
Dear Helen and Family,
All my prayers and deepest sympathy are with all of you.
Joan Fredericks
pete and Connie Brodnick
September 29, 2009
Am so sorry to hear about Gary. Everybody loved him. Everytime we saw both of you...you both always had a smile on your face. He will be missed by many.
Mary Jane Deal (Foust)
September 29, 2009
Helen and family
My prayers are with you and your family at this time. Keep all the memories that you shared with Gary over the years.
JERRY HATHAWAY
September 29, 2009
IVE DONE BUSINESS WITH GARY SINCE THE "70"S IT WAS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO SEE HIM, HIS SMILE AND UPLIFTING PERSONALITY BROUGHT LOTS OF JOY
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY AND FREINDS HE WILL BE MISSED
Connie Cobb
September 29, 2009
Our thoughts, love & prayers have been with you and the entire family throughout Gary's illness & will continue thru the days ahead! We all feel a void with Gary's passing.
My Deepest Sympathy,
Connie Cobb Burnett
September 29, 2009
Dear Helen and family
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. May Gary rest in peace. Our condolences are with you all.
Sonny and Nina Borja
Tim & Liz Brown
September 28, 2009
I was blessed to have the privlidge of calling Gary my friend! He was of course a colleauge for many years in Cenral Coast radio, but most of all Gary was a friend.
Gary's infectious smile and constant positive attitude, even when the chips were down, is what I will remember about him most. He was always chipper and, even when things weren't going "our" way in "the biz", he would shake his head with that ever present smile and say; "I know, I know, but that's how it goes"... The smile never faded!
God bless you friend! Heaven is a better place now that you are there! I shall look forward to seeing you again someday. Until then, keep smiling!
September 28, 2009
Helen and family,
Our Condolences to you and all your family. Gary was the best! A person who everyone liked because he made everyone feel special with his great smile and always kind words. Those of us who knew him from school are so lucky for the memories we have of those fun days.
Love,
Donna Mae and Marty Lowy
Stephanie Bell
September 28, 2009
I was very surprised and saddened to hear about Gary's passing. We worked at Clear Channel together and he was always smiling and very kind to everyone around him. I am very sorry for your loss.
Mike and Shirley Shannon
September 28, 2009
Dearest Helen & Family: If there were any doubt about the effect Gary had on the lives of others, just read the entries in this guest book. We are so blessed to have been touched for so many years by his love and laughter. Mike and I have been reliving our memories of times spent with both of you. We are so happy that we took the time to stay in touch over the years. We are separated by distance, but united by lasting memories of our friendship.
Judy Madsen
September 26, 2009
Dear Helen: We we're so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.
Mike & Judy Madsen
September 26, 2009
Helen, Ally & family - we have such good memories of Gary and your family, and have the utmost respect for this man. We had some wonderful times together surrounded by Music and family. Thanks for the memories.
Harvey & Gwen Hunt
"Sly96 Boogie Man"
Carl & Cathy Barringer
September 26, 2009
Sending our love & condolences to you all. Sorrry but will not be able to share the celebration with you. However, will be with you in spirit!
Sending much love & prayers,
Carl & Cathy Barringer
Finney Smith
September 26, 2009
Gary's great smile showed us what was inside this good man.
He was a pro and a kind soul, and we were all lucky to know him
Rita Cain Vasquez
September 26, 2009
Helen and family,
My condolences and prayers are with you.
Mike, Mary Lyn, Carlee and Cadie Bates
September 25, 2009
G.O......
Just not many people in the world like him. Our love and admiration for that man is beyond words. What an amazing human being. We will always love you G.O..... and we will always be grateful to have known you.
The Bates Family
Guy Huskerson
September 25, 2009
Helen,
Betty and I are so very saddened that one who we considered a Brother has left us. We had so many wonderful times together.
Rest asssured we will be there on 4 October.
Love,
Guy and Betty Huskerson
Reese & Sharon Blake & Gang
September 25, 2009
Beautiful Aunti Helen and the Owens clan, what a huge loss to the world. Such an energetic, positive, upbeat, life giving soul seems like Uncle Gary should have had more time to infuse this world. But I guess it's up to the rest of us who knew and were influenced by him to carry some small bit of his exuberance to those who won't get to know him. He was the kind of guy that made the waitress he met for only a few minutes have a better day just by seeing his smile and a kind word. I know our family will continue to hear that laugh every time we think of him. May God grant you all a peace that passes all understanding.
Chrys Barnes
September 25, 2009
I worked for Gary back in the early 80s at KZOZ and KKAL, my first radio job. He was a legend in the industry and taught me a lot!
Lue Baty
September 25, 2009
We met Gary and Helen when we both had properties at Heritage Ranch at Nacimiento Lake. We had countless good times over the years. Gary was the best story teller I can remember. Oooh....how many night around the campfire. He could always keep us laughing.
Then when Gary and Helen moved to the Sacramento area, we were lucky to also live up north and able to continue to get togethers with them and enjoy each other's company. Then we moved back to the Central Coast and they moved back and the fun times went on.
We will always remember Gary as one of our best friends, as a friend whom you could depend on, one that would do anything for you. We will miss his phone calls just to ask "how's it going?"
Our hearts go out to Helen and all the family.
Les and Lue Baty
September 25, 2009
Dear Helen and Family, Our Love, thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Your Cousins , The Mike Auslam Family
Cathy Jones - Tyerman
September 25, 2009
I am sorry for your loss. He was a great dad and husband. I always loved traveling with your family to the track meets. Gary and Helen always made it fun. He always had a BIG smile and kind words for everyone. Take care and love always.
Bernard Norman
September 25, 2009
Helen,
We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Respectfully,
Launa and Bernard Norman
Anna Scott
September 25, 2009
I have fond memories of this wonderful man. He has an exceptional legacy with the great, warm and wonderful people he loved; his wife and children and grandchildren and many friends. There are so many people who live here who are also so saddened by the passing of Gary Owens. My heartfelt condolences to Helen and all of the Owens family. See you at the memorial. It will be crowded. So many people loved that guy! Wouldn't miss it for the world.
Anna "Annie Hansen" Scott
Gary & Jean Nelson
September 25, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Seth Doulton
September 25, 2009
What a shock to loose such a great friend and a wonderful inspiration in my life. Every phone call and every lunch I ever had in the last 20 years with G.O. was filled with energy and I always came away from them full of life. You were the best at what you did. You were what we all set our goals to. I will miss our talks and the life that you pumped into me.
Seth
Lori Machado
September 25, 2009
Helen, Allyson, Heather, Heath and the entire family. I am so very sorry for your loss. It seems like just yesterday I was babysitting for all you kids. I will NEVER forget and still talk about it to this day. I was always teased about my big lips (let alone buck teeth)from other kids. I remember Gary telling me all the time you "just wait until you get older all those kids will be wishing they had big lips just like you". He was correct they pay for big lips know. He taught me to water ski and one time he said Lori see how close you can get to shore before letting go of the rope. He was yelling at me "let go let go" Before I knew it I was on shore with my ski's still on laying in the SAND.
Helen comes running over to me and tells Gary "look what you did". Gary's response "a little sand wont hurt anyone". A little sand my hole face and mouth was full of sand. Then he looks at Helen with a big smile would you like to ski honey?
I could go on for ever with these stories. Gary, you are by far one of the best people I ever met and you taught me so much when I was younger. You will for sure be missed. My prayers to the family and you.
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. Please say Hello to my father when you get to heaven.
Showing 1 - 43 of 43 results
Make a Donation
in Gary Owens's name
How to support Gary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Gary Owens's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
