Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Gary Sutton Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Sutton
Sponsored by Pacific Beach Chapel El Camino Memorial.
Lisa Nirell
February 15, 2016
Stacy, this is a playful yet poignant reflection of your Dad's wild and precious life. We enjoyed many discussions about business growth, strategy, and the oddities of organization life. His book, "The Six Month Fix," is a staple on my bookshelf. Gary was always there for me when I launched my business and my first book, which he gladly endorsed. Whenever we met for coffee, I would leave laughing heartily! Please know what an impact he has made on this planet. Sending you and your family deepest sympathy.
Kim (Watson) Ramey
September 8, 2015
Ahh Stacy. I love this precious tribute. Makes me feel like I knew your dad and it made me laugh and then cry for your loss.You had a wonderful dad and it is so sweetly refreshing to read about a person's charming non flaws. People tend to go on and on about how perfect a person was when they pass but that to me is not as endearing. And its not who anyone is. Truly I feel even more fond of him because of these fun quirks. I do remember him from high school, your mom and dad were both very visible in your life and I am thinking of her and you and Lindsay. It is so hard. On the bright side, he was able to live life to the fullest right up to the end instead of languishing sick and in pain like some people do. (Michael Watson) You are a sweetheart Stacy and I am thinking of you. Love you guys.
Wendall Mohler
August 7, 2015
So sad.....so many memories over forty years, some stories best not told. We will miss you Gary, the world was a happier place with you here. You were the best of friends!
Penny Breslin
August 7, 2015
A true friend and the purest definition of human being. You are missed more than you can possibly know. Thank you for your humor, mentoring, writing and belief. The world is less through your passing.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
steve belden
August 2, 2015
Hi Stacy. I apologize for using this message board, but I don't have your email address saved for some reason. It would be great to reconnect. Can you send me your contact info again, please?
Bill Barton
August 2, 2015
When I heard of Gary's passing I was stunned. It just couldn't be so, I wasn't ready for him to be gone. The fact is I don't think anyone could have been ready.
Gary was bigger than life and made everyone around him feel important. I was lucky enough to spend quite a bit of one-on-one time with Gary, and always felt honored that he kept in touch.
He downplayed the importance of his books, but they contained so much good business sense that they should be required reading for anybody running a company or thinking about starting one.
My sympathies go to his family.
Pamela Coker
July 26, 2015
As my business mentor for 30 years, Gary taught me more than anyone else. Integrity, Intelligence and Irreverence. Gary was the best. My warmest condolences to his often bragged about family.
Steve Sheetz
July 26, 2015
When I received an envelope from Gary Sutton, I expected it to contain an article about one of our Harvard classmates. Although we lived on opposite ends of the country we always stayed in touch and Gary always brought a smile to my face. He was so creative and so full of energy. He always seemed to have something new on his plate. And he always took time to think of others.
I will miss him for sure. I will miss getting that envelope with something surprising and entertaining. And I will miss that occasional phone call where we would talk about our classmates and what they were doing now.
The obituary was so well written and so Gary! I was so shocked when I opened that envelope! I will miss you dear friend!
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Nancy.
Steve belden
July 25, 2015
So many great memories as a child with Gary and his family at Montron company picnics and 4th of July extravaganzas where he showed of his trouble making skills. My condolences to Nancy and the girls. Time for me read a few of his books I have on the shelf...
Tim & Julie Stine
July 24, 2015
It is terrible when we lose a long time friend and worse when it occurs so unexpectedly. Our deepest sympathy goes to Nancy and the girls as we share their loss. We have great memories of Gary and have admired his talents, particularly his sense of humor. You can be sure his memory will last at least as long as family and friends are alive to share stories of his escapades. He will be missed. He was one of the good guys. So long friend.
Ryan (Judy Ryan Haaversen)
July 24, 2015
Sutton was the most delightful scoundrel I've ever known. We met in J-school at ISU and I always loved his attitude about life. His obit is so wonderful; proves there are more good writers in his family.
Nancy, be good to yourself at this terrible time. Hold those beloved kids.
Marlene Prohaska
July 24, 2015
I only knew Gary a short time, in high school, but he was fun loving guy who made us all smile. Rest in Peace.
Julie Coan
July 23, 2015
I loved him as a neighbor, community difference-maker, and supporter in the short time I knew him. What a man. Love you Gary!
Rebecca Tall-Brown
July 23, 2015
My heart goes out to the entire Sutton family... Nothing will be able to fill the Gary-shaped hole left by his passing.
Isn't that the true hallmark of a genius! And because he wouldn't admit to liking my use of that word... I'll simply say he was one of a kind.
May Gary's memory bring you comfort and laughter, and inspire us all to take advantage of every opportunity before us with a bit of his hallmark enthusiastic gamesmanship and integrity.
I had the pleasure of being introduced to Gary through our mutual friend, John Belden. Learning from them absolutely transformed my identity as a businessperson. In an era of emotion and sensationalism, they were the pillars who taught me the value of order, process, vetting of opportunities and real value.
From them I also learned the art of under-emphasizing anything worth remembering ;)
Bev Cataldo
July 21, 2015
Gary had a unique personality that was loved by everyone. We will miss him at our BHS reunions. In Sympathy, Bev Schaefer Cataldo
Joe O'Connor
July 21, 2015
Gary was a great friend of more than fifty years. My world will never be the same without him. There are so many fantastic memories and laughs through all those years. I'll miss our long lunchs each year and discussing solutions to the world's problems. Wine sales might take a big hit since Gary has left us.. My thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy and her family.
Joe O'Connor ... Atlanta, GA
Barbara Moehrl
July 20, 2015
We were all so shocked and saddened when we heard about Gary. Mike is absolutely devastated by the loss of his good friend. You, Nancy, and Gary had been so kind and generous to our entire family for over thirty years: participating in Kelly's wedding, contributing to the college fund, visiting and communicating with Mike consistently over the years.. Gary was a very special and brilliant individual and will be greatly missed by all..
Kelly Montana
July 20, 2015
Gary made a difference in my life. I will always cherish and miss his humor and wisdom. He was brilliant!
July 20, 2015
Our hearts are broken. We have so many fond memories with you both and cherish those times. He definitely was a unique, talented, creative person. The obituary made us smile....it sounds so like Gary.
Allan and I send our love to you, Nancy, and to Stacy and Lindsay and their families.
With Sincerest Regret,
Allan and Cheryl Abbott
Jim Day
July 19, 2015
So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He definitely touched a lot of people in his many travels and business endeavors. Peace and blessings to his family.
Dode Anderson
July 19, 2015
Please accept my condolences
Nancy and girls. You all mean so much to my daughters and their Father.
Chris Deon
July 19, 2015
He was an important mentor to me (as he was to many). I treasured every moment I spent with him and every piece of advice he provided. My thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy and the family.
Brad Holtzinger
July 19, 2015
To Nancy and the family. My heartfelt condolences!!
Joe LaBreche
July 19, 2015
Surely if there are aliens among us, Gary was one and showed us that they are brilliant, funny, thoughtful, and now, greatly missed. His intellect was exceeded only by his imagination; his wit by his humanity. He was just great fun to be with. Take care, my friend.
Claudia Jean
July 19, 2015
Hugs dear Nancy in your shocking loss. Gary was a giant mentor of small business and although he didn't 'believe,' I'd call him one of God's great gifts to so many of us. Your family Christmas cards were ever collectible, now even more so. Gary's wit and wisdom are a loss to all. In deep sympathy, Claudia Jean
Judy Studer (Cook)
July 18, 2015
Gary, RIP.......... sad time for our class. Good guy gone to soon. So many memories of those years he lived in Britt. Thoughts to all his family. B'day...Anv....... he would want a celebration for sure. Feel him in your hearts!!
Diane King Vann
July 18, 2015
Dearest Nancy and family,
I met Gary (and you) through my husband, Jimmy (Wiener) Vann - and always enjoyed our time together. His wit, his dry sense of humor, his verbal sparring were all a delight, and we treasured the Christmas cards of "Then and Now" that were sent through the years. I know Gary will be sorely missed, and we send you all our love and continued prayers, Diane King Vann
Gary and Katie Kahl
July 18, 2015
We will miss you at our class reunions. Always enjoyed your stories.
Ron Haugland
July 18, 2015
Thanks for the memories!!
Giles Bateman
July 17, 2015
Gary was a good friend, and I will miss him greatly. His wry humor and sharp mind always lit up my day.
Larry Hochhaus
July 17, 2015
Gary and I were very close in grade school and junior high school in Britt, Iowa many years ago. His sense of humor was delightful and amazing. He will be deeply missed.
Vincent Gordon
July 17, 2015
Dear Nancy, Lindsay and Stacey,
What a beautiful and fitting obituary for Gary. Reading it makes me think that Gary may have contributed to his own tribute which makes me smile - it would be so like him.
Gary had a gift for making people laugh and feel uncomfortably comfortable. His story telling was legendary and I often catch myself re-telling his colorful stories just because they remind me of how we would laugh.
I am so glad you decided to have a celebration in his honor. We will all have stories about Gary and pay a proper tribute to a great man and his cherished family.
Rest in peace my friend - we all miss you
Vince & Natalya Gordon
Scott McMillan
July 17, 2015
So sorry to hear of Gary Sutton's untimely passing. I always admired him.
July 16, 2015
Want to express my deepest sympathy to you, Nancy, and your beloved girls. You can bet heaven is now a brighter place but a great loss to you and family. Stay strong.
With Love and respect,
Henry and Gloria Shoop
Bob Johnson
July 16, 2015
Dear Nancy, Stacy and Lindsay,
I am crushed. I lived with Sutton for so long, I thought I was part of his family. So many stories (Most of which can't be told).
Bob Johnson
LORD BE WITH YOU, BROTHER.
Shawn McMillan
July 16, 2015
My condolences to you, your sister, mom, and the grand kids left behind. I loved your dad. Even as an adult he made a lasting impression on me. I have thought of him often as I've aged. I was always stoked to read his opinions and exploits in the local papers. Please give your mom my best. If there is anything I can do to help her through these times, let me know immediately. He gave me lots of good memories, and I'd like to repay that debt. Shawn McMillan
July 16, 2015
Dear Nancy, Lindsay, and Stacy,
Our hearts go out to you as you mourn the loss of Gary. What a wonderful, original and talented man! He brought joy, laughter and wisdom to those who were fortunate to know him. He will be greatly missed. Thankfully he has endowed Stacy with his writing skills!
With heartfelt sympathy,
Penn and Vanda Post
Linda Wallace
July 16, 2015
My heartfelt sympathy to you, Nancy, and the rest of Gary's beloved family. Gary was a true gem of a gentleman, endlessly entertaining, interesting and interested. So many lives were touched and brightened by him and I am fortunate enough to have been one of them. He will be remembered fondly and missed terribly.
Connie Alfred Lidster
July 16, 2015
This is probably the best obit I've ever read. Everyone who attended Ames High knew Gary Sutton. He was definitely a fun guy and put a lot of smiles on a lot of faces. RIP, Gary.
Statia Carey
July 16, 2015
The obit says it all.... One of a kind who will be sorely missed. We were all blessed to have had Gary in our loves and such wonderful memories remain. So sorry, Nancy, Stacy, Lindsay and all. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ana Alarcon Morris
July 16, 2015
My thoughts are with you and your lovely family. May you rest in paradise.
July 16, 2015
My heartfelt sympathy to the Sutton family. An unmatched and irreplaceable part of so many people's lives.
Paul McGuire (Munich)
Sylvia Strunk-Hart
July 15, 2015
Mr. Sutton (Gary) always made me laugh. I admired him as a child as well as when I became an adult. He was kind with his words and made me feel good about myself. I wish I could've seen him one more time. We spoke by phone 5 years ago but I did not have the chance to see him. God Bless you Mr. Sutton and thank you for being a large part of my childhood.
tom kelley
July 15, 2015
Thinking about both of the wonderful sister I went to school with. Sounds like you Dad Gary was a stand up guy. My condolence to the Sutton family.
Jeff, Christina & Liz, Pacific Beach Chapel
July 14, 2015
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Showing 1 - 45 of 45 results
Make a Donation
in Gary Sutton's name
Memorial Events
for Gary Sutton
People and places connected with Gary
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Gary's loved ones
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 more
Resources 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 Sutton'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
