Gary Alan Spakosky

Gary Alan Spakosky, better known as Legendary Gary, passed away on December 15, 2025, surrounded by family and friends who loved him dearly—and probably still can't believe he's gone. Gary was precious to so many people.

Gary leaves behind his daughters Lori Hughes and Amy Spakosky-Perez, Gary's favorite son-in-law Ed Perez, his favorite and only grandson Braedan Perez, his brother Dave, and sister Sue and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is now reunited with his wife Rin (Lorinda), his son Steven, his parents John and Beulah, sisters Jean and Lorraine, in-laws Edythe, Eddie, Jay, Lawrence, and Peter—likely organizing a golf tournament, poker game, and/or wine tasting.

Born July 7, 1936, in Sioux City, IA, Gary grew up loving the outdoors. If it involved a boat, a golf club, a fishing pole, or a hunting rifle, Gary was all in. He lived life to the fullest.

Gary and Rin packed up the family and moved from Duluth, MN to Tacoma, WA, and then down to Portola Valley, CA and together, they were unstoppable.

After retiring, Gary and Rin embraced their inner vagabonds, chasing sunshine from Palm Desert to Tucson, and finally settling in Placerville, CA, to be near their grandson Braedan—because Gary knew the best adventures involve family.

Gary's final days were peaceful thanks to the incredible care from Snowline Hospice and Andrey Lomatchinski. The family is forever grateful for their kindness.

A memorial service will be held at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo, CA, on April 23, 2026. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Snowline Hospice at https://snowlinehospice.org.

Gary lived by this motto:
"Life's journey is not to arrive safely at the grave in a well-preserved body, but to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, 'Holy S***...What a ride!'"

And what a ride it was. Those of us left behind will miss Gary's humor, his exceptional stories, his kindness to everyone, and his zest for life—but we know he's already teeing off somewhere with a big grin.