Dr. Gary Lee D'Spain

Dr. Gary Lee D'Spain, 82, passed away peacefully at home on January 10, 2023. He was three weeks shy of his 83rd birthday. His beautiful wife of almost 60 years, preceded him in death by six months.
Though he was born in Iowa, Gary grew up in Cheyenne, WY. He often spoke of roaming the plains with great fondness. He was blessed with childhood friendships that endured the test of time. He graduated from the University of Wyoming where he was an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He went on to earn his doctorate in dentistry from the University of Oregon. During that time he met the love of his life, Donna Wilber, a United Airlines flight attendant. The two were married a few months later. Dr. D'Spain served as a captain in the army during the Vietnam War. After completing his service, Gary and Donna moved their young family to Scottsdale, AZ where they opened a successful dental practice. Gary served in numerous philanthropic roles with the Phoenix 20-30 Club, Boys and Girls Club, and Scottsdale Charros. They provided him with many of his favorite memories and with life long friendships. An avid boater and water skier, Lake Powell was a favorite weekend spot shared with friends. Golf was another great passion. With three hole-in-ones, and a double eagle, Gary was a safe bet during the Pick a Partner events at Arizona Country Club. After an allergy forced Gary to sell his dental practice in 1977, he moved his family to San Clemente, CA to begin a new chapter. He continued his education and became licensed as a Certified Financial Planner and Real Estate Broker. Though Gary loved spending weekends on his boat traveling up the coast, or out to Catalina Island, the family returned home to Scottsdale, AZ in 1980 and he became a partner in a financial planning company. Late in his career, Gary returned to dentistry (and to Southern California) pioneering hard tissue lasers and teaching at the Las Vegas Institute. Gary and Donna retired in La Jolla, CA briefly before moving to Overland Park, KS to be closer to family.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, brother, wife and infant son. He is survived by his brother Phil (Tam) Webb of Omaha, NE; sister Diana Harford of Aurora, CO; sister-in-law Glenda Gilde of Overland Park, KS; daughter, Kelly (Steve) Lyons of Leawood, KS; son Jay (Laura) D'Spain of Bentonville, AR; granddaughters Kathryn (Charlie) Henderson of Bentonville, AR; Emily (Ryan) McLoughlin of San Antonio, TX; Isabelle D'Spain of Nashville, TN; grandson Wyatt (Annie) D'Spain of Little Rock, AR; great grandchildren, Chase Henderson, Madison McLoughlin, and another great grandson due in April to Wyatt and Annie D'Spain.
Gary was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him! He will be laid to rest at Green Acres Memorial Garden in Scottsdale, AZ with his wife and son in early February. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his honor to or to .