Gary Dean Mendenhall

1960 - 2017

Gary Dean Mendenhall

Newbury Park, CA

Santa Clarita, CA

Gary Dean Mendenhall, beloved husband, son, stepfather, brother, uncle and friend, left us suddenly on Thursday, March 2, 2017. He was 56 years old.

Gary was born in Culver City on April 21, 1960. He was the middle child and only son of Dean and Chris (Brown) Mendenhall. The family moved to Newbury Park while Gary was still a toddler.

Gary was a natural born builder and fixer. He worked in construction from the time he graduated from Newbury Park High School. He became a craftsman whose keen sense of observation and attention to detail was unsurpassed. A meticulous problem solver, Gary liked a challenge and used his creativity to fabricate solutions.

He was also a hardcore outdoorsman. He learned his skills early on. As a teen, he assisted his dad in teaching hunter safety classes. He hunted with a close circle of friends that crossed several generations. The wild game included dove, quail, pheasant, duck, elk and, occasionally, feral pig. Every September, Gary and his buddy trekked up a mountain, each carrying an eighty-pound backpack, to hunt deer.

In addition, Gary liked to fish and he was good at it. He spent years fishing bass, competing in tournaments and winning prize money. Later he discovered deep-sea fishing. He went out regularly on a fishing charter and was a member of the Saturday group known as Team En Fuego. Gary generously shared his bounty with family and friends.

In August of 2013, Gary married the love of his life, Maria, and they lived happily in Santa Clarita. The two shared a love of gardening, cooking and creating a beautiful home.

Gary enjoyed his life to the fullest. He leaves us with the countless stories he shared about his outdoor adventures that reflected his love and knowledge of the natural world. He will always be remembered as a kind soul, willing to help family, friends and strangers alike.

His father precedes Gary in death. Ora Dean Mendenhall passed away in 2014.

Gary is survived by his wife, Maria, his mother, Chris Mendenhall, stepson, Joseph James, two sisters, Sherri Mendenhall (Alan) and Gina Weizer (Mike) and nephew, Michael Alari.

Funeral services will be held at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo on Sunday, March 12th at 2pm.

Memorial donations in honor of Gary Dean Mendenhall may be made to your favorite charity.