W. Gary Sitton

1945 - 2015

W. GARY SITTON Wesley Gary Sitton was born on October 17, 1945 and passed away on October 27, 2015 at the age of 70. He was born at Enloe Hospital and lived most of his life in Chico, California. Gary was the son of Fern and Wes Sitton. His beloved sister Elaine precedes him in death. Elaine had three wonderful sons, Gary's nephews: Dan Monroe and wife Mary, Mike Monroe and wife Carlye, and Jeff Monroe. Gary developed his strong work ethic as a kid. From age 11 on, he always had a job supporting himself and helping his Mom. One of his favorite jobs was being a dock ape (as they were called at the time) because he could go to school all day and work on a freight dock 6-8 hours at night. He was also a cow milker, farmhand and box boy. Gary met and fell in love with Judy Lynn Carlson while both attended CSU, Chico. In 1964, when they met Judy was a freshman and Gary a sophomore. After three separate engagements to each other, they married in 1967. They had their first child, Holly Christine who was born April of 1972 in Edmonton Alberta, Canada. Gary and Judy returned to Chico in 1972, where Gary began his full-time teaching career at Chico State. Their second miracle came in September of 1974, when Mark Edwin Sitton was born at Enloe Hospital. Gary, Judy, Holly and Mark had 23 glorious years together until Mark's tragic passing in 1998. Gary continued to deal with the deepest sadness one can ever know, finding gentle healing as the years went by with the help of his family and friends. Gary created a fund-accounting software package for Chico State's Associated Students Foundation and the entrepreneurial dream began. With the birth of Bi-Tech, the Sitton home in Cohasset, CA went through three remodels to accommodate 17 employees. Bi-Tech continued to grow to 220 employees and over 300 clients when it was acquired in 1995. Gary embraced his employees as family enjoying meals together, humor and tricks; sharing the joys and challenges in each other's personal lives, celebrating milestones, while always exercising the most phenomenal work ethic, honesty, trustworthiness and companionship a family could ever hope for. Gary retired in 2000 and refocused his energy on his true love of the outdoors. Hunting and fishing expeditions abounded, but more important to Gary was the time spent with his group of buddies enjoying the fresh air, the hunt, and the brotherhood their adventures provided them. Gary taught a graduate level course on Entrepreneurship at CSU, Chico and authored "Fire Up Your Startup & Keep it Up". The book allowed Gary to share his keen entrepreneurial spirit, drive, dedication and commitment with others. This past summer Holly threw a big bash in her dad's honor to celebrate his 70th birthday, 48th wedding anniversary and the publication of his book. The focus of the festivities was not only to celebrate Gary, but to honor his family and friends, and pay special tribute to the close band of brothers and sisters known as "Bi-Techers". Gary wanted to recognize and appreciate those nearest to him for touching his life with love, caring, support and joy. The gathering personified the belief that Gary held on the highest that life is all about relationships. Gary leaves behind his devoted wife and best friend, Judy Sitton; adoring daughter, Holly Sitton; and the true lights of his life, his grandsons, Maxwell and Joshua Andersen. Gary is now getting to embrace his son Mark once again. In lieu of flowers, Gary asks that donations be made to any of the following organizations: Gateway Science Museum, Enloe Medical Center Foundation, Pleasant Valley High School Football Program, Chico Country Day School, and/or The Computing and Electronics Academic Excellence Scholarship Endowment (CSU, Chico). A Graveside Service will be held at Glen Oaks Memorial Park on Thursday November 5th, 2015 at 6:30 a.m. promptly. Arrangements are under the direction of Brusie Funeral Home.