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Gary Boatwright Obituary

Boatwright, Gary Alan On May 5th Gary Boatwright passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends at his home in Gold River. He was 60 years of age. A native of Vallejo, Gary was the son of Vaughn and Grace Boatwright and brother to Linda Morgan. Gary was an avid golfer who attended UCLA on a golf scholarship and graduated from Pepperdine University. Gary loved to travel, and more importantly, share his love of travel with family and friends. His favorite place to be was with his family on the golf course in Palm Springs. Gary was perhaps best loved for his wickedly fun sense of humor which made him many friends. His quick wit also enabled him to succeed in business, putting people at ease with his laugh and sharing his warm and engaging smile. Gary married his best friend and high-school sweetheart, Debbie Olson in 1983. They were able to spend a total of 42 of the most wonderful years together. Gary will be deeply missed by Debbie, their beloved sons Bradley and Bryson and many dear family members and friends. A Celebration of Life to honor and remember Gary will be held on Saturday, May 30th, at 11 a.m., at Haggin Oaks Golf Course, 3645 Fulton Ave. in Sacramento. If you would like to share a special story or memory of Gary, please go to http://gary-alan-boatwright. forevermissed.com/. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Gary's name to either Donate Life at www.donatenetworkwest.org (Donor Network West, 1000 Broadway, Ste. 600, Oakland. CA 94607) or Melanoma Research Foundation at www.melanoma.org/ get-involved/support-the-mrf.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on May 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Boatwright

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Debbie

May 17, 2025

It has now been 10 years since I last saw you but when I look at pictures of you, it doesn´t seem possible. There are days that are just as hard as the first day that you passed. There is so much that you´ve missed out on. Not being able to see how incredible your two boys have become. Both very happily married to incredible women. You didn´t get to see any of that. How unfair. My favorite time is when I´m with them because part of you, your personality, your mannerisms, and your heart grows in them. Still doesn´t seem real. I will miss you and love you till the day I die.

Debbie

May 16, 2024

I miss you as much today as the day you left. You have missed so much with the boys both getting married. I know you would be so happy with their choices they´ve made. But that´s because you taught them about love, integrity, confidence, and how to treat their partner with respect. I think my heart breaks the most because the boys and I miss you so much. I will love you and miss you forever!

Sherree

May 16, 2024

It´s been 9 years and you are so missed everyday. I miss your jokes. I miss your stories. You did such a great job with your boys before you left. You helped to make them the men they are today. You would love their wives. I can hear you joking with them. It makes me laugh. Miss you every day Bestie. Love, Your sister-in-law and lifetime friend and partner in crime, love, Sherree

Sherree

May 17, 2022

Miss my buddy every day. Still so hard without you. I still can´t believe u are not here. It doesn´t seem real. Love you forever

July 31, 2015

Dear Boatwright Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences. Although I did not know Gary well, I do remember his great laugh and smile at the endless events at GRDC. He was definitely a valued neighbor for the last 25+ years and will be missed.
The Downton Family

Sherree

June 14, 2015

Think of you everyday, buddy. The tears can't stop flowing. I try to hold them in as much as I can, but they just build up until it feels like a tsunami is going to explode. Just miss you sooo very much. It just doesn't seem real. I look so very forward to hopefully seeing you again one day. Thank you for taking such good care of my baby sister and giving me two of the finest young men ever that I am so very proud to call my nephews. Thank you for all the wonderful memories and laughs. Words can't come the least bit close to describe what an impact you have had on my life and everyone else's lives you have touched. Wow!! I thought I knew what a character you were, but am finding out from all your friends that have reached out to Deb and the boys that there are so many stories of your jokester personality out there that I hadn't heard about. Love the stories as they make me feel like you are in the room which I know in some way you are. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE YOU!!! To Deb, Brad and Bryson: I think it was you, Brad, that said "You don't know happiest until you have felt sadness" -- or something like that. I guess that explains why I miss your dad so much and the depth of the pain and sadness because of how great it was to have him and know him. I still wouldn't change the sadness I feel today if it meant I had to give up all the wonderful fun years I had with Gary. He is such a huge part of my life and always will be. One day at a time. XOXOXOXO

May 29, 2015

Debbie, Brad & Bricen. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. We will always remember Gary as a great husband, father, son, son in law and friend! His positive attitude and wonderful smile were inspiring and so fun! Our hearts go out to you and your family more than we can express. May God bless you with comfort and peace. Gary will be truly missed and we will always remember him. Love The Kish family

Chuck Dooly

May 29, 2015

Everyone will always remember the huge smile, Debbie next to him, driving his VW and giving a "honking wave hello!" The entire Dooly family respectfully expresses our sincere condolences to the entire family....all good folks! Gary was always "THE BEST!" We will miss him.

Josie Manica

May 28, 2015

We miss you, Gar bear! I keep expecting to come to work and find another news paper clipping about the latest news on my desk. Or, for you to stand behind my cube wall and throw something at me. You were a great boss, and an even better man and friend. You loved your wife deeply, and you were SO incredibly proud of your boys. Everyone that knew you is better for it. Thank you for just being you. We will miss you terribly, but I am SO thankful for the time we had with you. I know for sure you are up in Heaven doing two things- golfing up a storm, and making everyone laugh by cracking the dumbest, but the best jokes ever! Hit one out of the park for us! Miss you, boss!

Love,
Jos

Terri Phillips

May 27, 2015

What a blessing to have known Gary. He provided so many laughs with a positive attitude that I will always admire and treasure. I still keep expecting him to walk through the door at work with a smile and share a funny story or a weekend trip. What a great husband, father and all around great guy that would do anything for you, and a person you could count on. I miss you "GB." There are so many memories around the office that will forever keep you in our hearts.

Dee Anthony

May 27, 2015

My heart aches at Gary's passing, but I know that the loss Deb, Brad & Bryson feel is indescribable. Gary was such a great husband, father, brother and friend; and the hole he has left in everyone's hearts and lives will remain forever. Gary was there for me with advice and help, and got me through many tough times - I knew I could always count on him. Gary always made everyone feel comfortable, and special; and his thoughtfulness is unforgettable. I have so many memories from the 38 years we have known each other that my head is spinning with them all.

Deb, Brad & Bryson You have so many wonderful memories to hold him close to you. Know that he will always be with you in your hearts, will still guide you with his advice and will still share life's special moments with each of you.

Gary - I love you and will greatly miss you. Please know that I will always be there for Deb and the boys just like you were always there for me.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Dennis & Patti Passalaqua

May 26, 2015

Debbie, Sons and Family, We want you to know that we share in your grief. Gary was a great guy and he will be missed at our "family" reunions. Sending love, hugs and condolences to you all.

Raul Baeza

May 24, 2015

Gary, I was shocked to hear of you passing on. You were a great coworker and manager. My Prayers are with you and your family.

Susan Taylor

May 22, 2015

I was so very sorry to hear of Gary's passing. It seems like just a few years ago that Gary, Debbie, John and I got together for the first time, but it is nearly 35 years! All those songs that talk about the passage of time never seem as relevant as when we lose someone. I remember that night so well. Debbie and I decided to meet just before Christmas at a Japanese restaurant with our significant others so they could meet. Actually there was a third couple, but for the life of me I can't remember their names. Gary came directly from his Christmas party and was so drunk because he was doing Tequila shots. He bravely waited and actually sat down at the teppan table. However, the prospect of sitting through an entire meal with the server juggling those knives was too much, and they had to leave. Debbie was beside herself as it took a lot of planning to get a night when we could all meet. Going home she took every turn at high speed that night and Gary slept next to the toilet bowl. But we all did get together. We attended each other's weddings. John and Gary became good friends, and we all spent some wonderful time together, golfing and fishing. Time I wouldn't trade. Now John and Gary are both gone. But we have the memories. I keep this picture on my bed's nightstand. And Debbie, no one will ever take that away from you, and after the pain subsides, they will comfort you. He will always be with you.

Betty Olson

May 22, 2015

I think how sad I feel on Gary's passing. How I wish we as a family and Deb and my wonderful grandsons could have had him much longer. Then I stop and think how lucky we were to have had him in our lives as we did. He left us all with his good humor and love in his short time then most people leave in a lifetime.
I will miss all the funny things he pulled on me and there were many through the years.
I was a lucky mother-in-law the day Deb brought him into our lives. I will surely miss him.
Betty Olson

Betty Olson

May 22, 2015

I think how sad I feel on Garys passing. How I wish we as a family and Deb and my wonderful grandsons could have had him much longer Then I think how lucky we were to have had him in our lives as we did. He accomplished much more with all of us and left his humor and love in our hearts in such a way that most people don't do in a much longer lifetime.
I will miss all the funny things he pulled on me and there were many through all the years.
I was a lucky mother-in-law the day Deb brought him into our lives. I will surely miss him.
Betty Olson

Debbie Richardson

May 22, 2015

Gary-we are so very blessed to have you a one of those true friends. Even after you all moved to Northern Calif, we still remained in touch and when we did see one another, it was like you still lived across the street. Thanks for being the husband, father & friend that you were. Even when times got tough and you were so sick, your attitude reminded us of how very strong you were. We love you and promise to keep your memory alive here on Joshua Drive......

Cheryl Cresteno Nott

May 22, 2015

It is with great sadness that I am leaving this message, I am however smiling at all of the great memories that seen not so long ago, but we'll leave that one alone for now. A great guy, extremely proud of his family. Debbie I hope that this will help carry you during the days ahead. I am thankful that you have a great family and are happy. A lot of people never get that. Love ya lots ~Banana~

Debbie Boatwright

May 22, 2015

Babe:

I wanted to go on to be the first to sign your Guest Book. You would be so proud at the outpouring of friends and family to help us through this most devastating process. Never in my wildest dreams, could I imagine the support and unconditional love coming to us from every direction. I want to thank you for 42 amazing years filled with love, travel, and most importantly the gift of two incredible boys who overnight have become men due to your mentoring them and being involved in every aspect of their lives. Every time I see them and talk to them, I see you, which helps me get through. I will always love the wonderful husband and father you have been to us. Our lives have been so blessed by you in every aspect and although life right now seems very unfair, I hold onto the great memories we have shared and I know deep in my heart that you will always be with me in spirit. 143 Forever.

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