Gary SITTON

75, of Forestville passed away unexpectedly on August 30, 2014. The son of Irene and Ernest V. Sitton, Gary was born on January 26, 1939 in Pasco, Washington. He is preceded in death by his wife Janet and son Todd Sitton. Gary was raised in Washington, Idaho and California. When he was 16, his family moved to Guerneville, CA. Here, he met many of his life-long 'River Rat' friends. Gary met his wife Janet Aldridge in 1956 while attending Analy High School. He attended and graduated from SRJC in 1959 and then moved to San Jose where he and Janet both attended SJSU. In 1964 Gary graduated from SJSU with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. After graduating Gary and Janet moved back to Sonoma County, making Forestville their home. Their son Todd was born in 1965 and their daughter Patricia was born in 1967. Gary was both a registered California Civil Engineer and Geotechnical Engineer. His career spanned almost 50 years. He worked for Harding Lawson Associates, Herzog & Associates and Brunsing Associates. Known for his "common sense geotechnical engineering", Gary was a well-respected mentor to many geotechnical and civil engineers in the area. With the exception of a two-year stint in Reno and Hawaii, Gary and Janet raised their children in Forestville and called it their home until present. Gary was an active and proud member of the community. He enjoyed his many years of coaching Little League and many more years of being a front-yard spectator. For several years Gary was a volunteer fireman for the Forestville Fire Department and he volunteered for and supported the Forestville Youth Park for decades. When his children were young, Gary enjoyed family road trips, camping and water skiing (looking for "the perfect glass", in particular). In recent years, Gary developed a craving for travel and enjoyed trips abroad to Australia and New Zealand as well as areas state wide. He was a classic car enthusiast and cherished his friendships with members of the Russian River Rods and Coupes. Gary loved being with people and could tell a great story with an easy, enthusiastic laugh. He loved and was proud of his family. Up until his passing, he was happy and full of gratitude. He will be deeply and dearly missed. Gary is survived by his daughter Patricia and his granddaughter Hailey Grace. He is also survived by his sister Ellen Ferguson and husband Pat of Apple Valley, CA, sister-in-law Betty Pownall and husband Wally, brother-in-law Barry Aldridge and wife Lynn, and brother-in-law David Aldridge and wife Gerrie, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Memorial services for Gary will be held at 1p.m. on Saturday, October 4th at the Forestville United Methodist Church. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, his family wishes that contributions be made to his son's memorial fund: Todd Sitton Memorial Fund, c/o El Molino High School, Forestville, CA 95436.