Gary Findlay

Gary Warren Findlay April 21, 1937-April 25, 2025

Gary Warren Findlay was born in Ottumwa, Iowa to Rozella (Warren) and Daniel Ray Findlay. He was very close to his parents. He was also close to his grandmother, Mary C Ray Findlay whom lived with them as she was deaf and widowed. Gary was an Eagle Scout and a natural athlete excelling in all sports but absolutely loved basketball above all others. An 'all American kid', he caddied for tips at the local golf course, ice skated to school on the frozen streets of Ottumwa and worked at a local gas station. Clever and resourceful, after filling a customer's tank, he'd pour any spare gasoline reserved in the nozzle into a coke bottle for a bit of free gas in his car. He was an accomplished student and in 1955 received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. When he left for his Plebe year, he often shared he sobbed during the road trip to the Academy. It was his first time away from home and he longed for his sweetheart. However, his time at the Academy humbled him and shaped his life with discipline, abiding memories and deep friendships. He passed away with his Academy ring on his hand.

After graduation, on Flag Day June 14th 1959 he married his sweetheart, Jerry Bea Jones. (As a young girl, daughter Lori thought everyone displayed American flags in honor of their wedding anniversary). Gary elected to change service branches and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 1959. He entered basic pilot training and flew T-37 and T-33 jet trainers. Initially he was denied entry to flight school because he was too tall for the cockpit. A physician shared a tip: stand on his head in the corner of the room, without his hands, as long as he could, several times a day. He repeated the physical with a different flight surgeon and was eventually accepted with his very large neck... After basic he was accepted into 'Fighters' and continued to fly Fighters for the next 23 years. His job took him and his family all over the globe. He and his young bride welcomed their first born, Lori, in 1960 while stationed in Marianna, FL. Son Bruce, and daughter Lisa were born at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines in 1963 and 1964 respectively.

Our father served in the Vietnam war. Early in his deployment he was forced to eject over water during a flight check of an F-100 under "repair" following battle damage. After 183 missions, on Sep 14, 1966 he was hit with small arms fire and ejected again, this time at very low altitude over the jungle. Gary flew F-100's during the war and treasured his lifelong friendships with fellow fraternity squadron pilots over the years. He was a proud member of the F-100 Super Sabre Society. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart along with other commendations. His name is on the Wall of Honor at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Dulles, VA. He went on to also fly the F-4, F-5 and F-16 fighter aircraft. He often noted the F-100 used gears, cables and pulleys and shot fire out of the front instead of the back if you didn't treat her right, and he loved it.

Stationed 1968-70 at Nellis Air Base, enjoying their youth, Gary and his wife had a great time in Vegas during its heyday with Sinatra, Elvis and the Rat Pack as headliners. Dad's favorite, Scotch and water, went for a quarter at the Officer's Club. He earned his Master's Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology while stationed at Wright Patterson AFB near Dayton, OH in 1971. Mom typed his lengthy thesis on an old Brother typewriter. The Findlay clan then moved to a suburb of Washington D.C. while Gary had orders to the Pentagon. He worked as an "Action Officer" coordinating and documenting a Required Operational Capability report to determine needs and military capabilities of air-to-air missiles. During this time, he was also an Air Force delegate to NATO. Our mother traveled with him to NATO meetings in Brussels and Rome. Between international meetings, they enjoyed sightseeing and the local food and bar scene. In 1975 he attended the Industrial War College for a year at Ft. McNair. Gary then deployed to Taif, Saudi Arabia to fulfill military orders without the family for one year. Sep 1978 to July 1979, in response to the Defense Guidance issued by the President, he served as Division Chief of the Munitions Planning Division determining war reserve munition requirements worldwide. For his last military assignment, he landed his dream job serving as Vice Commander for the first operational F-16 Fighter Wing returning to Nellis AFB in Las Vegas (Air Force Top Gun). He retired with the rank of Colonel in 1982 at the age of 45. He accepted a civilian job with Ford Aerospace in Newport Beach, CA and worked there another 10 years. Gary was proud of his esteemed career and proud to serve his country.

With his last job located in Newport Beach CA, our parents bought an ocean view home in San Clemente, CA. Many parties, holidays, sunsets, wine and s'mores around the firepit will be remembered. They bought a timeshare in Maui, HI and enjoyed snorkeling, exploring, hosting friends and family, and whale watching each April. He purchased a sail boat and enjoyed sailing around the Dana Point harbor. He and our mother traveled extensively and went on several cruises. They especially loved the USNA autumn reunions in Annapolis. Dad was an active member of the United Methodist church St. Andrews by the Sea in San Clemente. He and our mom had many, many treasured friends and enjoyed the Southern California lifestyle.

It was unthinkable for Gary to have a car or any appliance repaired by a mechanic. He could fix just about anything and spent many thankless weekends under the hood of a car or at his work bench repairing things around the house. He built our first color TV with a Heath Kit and wept as he watched POW's return from war on the same television. He was also an excellent wood worker. Summer road trips in the wood-paneled station wagon visiting national parks and relatives provided adventure and memory making - - six feet of luggage piled on top and five happy souls inside. He taught us how to fish, throw a knuckle ball, and do fancy dives off the diving board. He spent a lot of time showing us the little things in life that ultimately become big things.

An avid reader, Gary never tired of learning. A big sports fan, he rarely missed a day reading the sports page cover to cover. The ringer on his phone was the ESPN jingle. He often traveled to WA state to watch his grandson's football games. He was very sentimental and loved his country. He teared up every time he stood for the National Anthem.

Following the death of our mother to ovarian cancer in 2006, Gary found love again and married Jeanne Harper Little, a classmate from their hometown of Ottumwa. She was a beloved wife and made him very happy for 17 years. Both stayed active world traveling, meeting new friends, attending wine tastings, playing bridge, entertaining, working out, visiting family and enjoying the grandkids. Playing golf, practicing golf, discussing golf, watching golf tournaments, taking golf lessons, not to mention enjoying a 5:00 scotch became Dad's new dedication. He spearheaded a plan for his retirement community to invest in a golf simulator.

In 2001 he was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, common for people who served in Bien Hoa, which ultimately resulted in a below-the-knee amputation. Ever an athlete and driven to improve his golf game, his competitive spirit never wavered. Gary golfed remarkably well with a prosthetic.

After several years living in Nipomo, CA, in 2020 he and Jeanne moved to a retirement community in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA. One of Dad's last desires was to go stargazing. His final excursion took him to the outskirts of Las Vegas 2-28-25 to do that with long-time friends David and Mary Sanchez. He was hosted by the "parade of planets" where 7 planets were aligned in the night sky. On April 25, 2025 the old pilot rattled the stars with his afterburner as he entered the gates of Heaven. He patterned a life filled with significance and worthwhile achievements. His loss leaves an irreplaceable void in our family. We were blessed to have him as our father. He had an incredible sense of fairness and was a loving insightful, father, uncle, friend, brother, husband, grandfather, golfer, decorated officer and leader. He beamed with pride for his family and imparted much guidance with a steady hand. He pursued his passions with fervor and encouraged us to do the same. His heart, work ethic and intelligence led his life to exceed his expectations in every way. In other words, he experienced a full rewarding 88 years of life and was so very grateful. We are comforted by this and by the rich memories we will have.

At his request, he will be laid to rest together with our mother at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. A private service will be held at a later date.

Preceding him in death are his first wife, Jerry Bea Jones Findlay and second wife, Jeanne Harper Little. Gary is survived by his children, Lori Bullard (Rich) of Reno NV, Bruce Findlay (Teresa) of Issaquah WA, and Lisa Romero (Oscar) of San Clemente CA. He leaves a granddaughter, Grace Little and a great-granddaughter Elaina Bullard. He leaves six grandsons: Mark and Glen Findlay; David and Grayson Romero; Richard Bullard III; and George Little. Through his second marriage, we fondly acknowledge step-relations all of whom he loved and genuinely cared for: Emily Little and Joel McGee of Redondo Beach CA, Greg and Kristen Little of Newport Beach CA. We would also like to thank Providence Hospice, especially Marilyn RN, who was very supportive and professional during a difficult time.