Gary James Hovis

FUNERAL HOME

Lambert Funeral Home

400 Douglas Blvd

Roseville, California

Gary Hovis Obituary

HOVIS, Gary James
Passed away early Friday, Feb. 17, surrounded by his loving family after a short and courageous battle with cancer and its treatments. Survived by his wife Linda; daughter Tiffany; parents Ralph and Joyce Hovis; brother Greg and wife Sherri Hovis; niece Katie Hovis; aunt Edna Cervera, cousin Matt and wife Kimi Cervera, cousin Nick and wife Rachel Cervera and their children Allison, Rileigh and John; best friends John and Marge Ewen, and Brad Petersen. Gary was born March 15, 1955 in Oregon City, Oregon. Later the family moved to Salem and settled in Portland where Gary began the 4th grade at Fernwood Grade School and graduated from Ulysses S. Grant High School in 1973 where he received a letter in wrestling. Gary loved to tell people that it was his high school in the movie ''Mr. Holland's Opus.'' After high school, Gary, went to work for Coast Crane Co. which his father started in 1971 in Portland and which grew to emcompass the entire west coast. Gary moved to Sacramento in 1985 to become General Manager of the 4 Coast Crane offices in California. Through the years, Gary's passion in life was to make people happy and laugh. His big heart and generosity was felt by all he met in life. His close circle of friends started in grade school and high school where he first met and became fast friends with his wife Linda. Not until their 20th high school reunion did that friendship turn into a deeper love and they were married in 1997. They loved to travel but Linda's love of horses moved them from Citrus Heights to 4 acres in Pleasant Grove in 2001. Gary is a season ticket holder of the Sacramento Kings which he shared with his employees and friends. Coast Crane Co. was sold in 2004 which put Gary in instant retirement where he enjoyed spending time golfing, fishing, and just being with family and friends. A family trip last year to Brazil was a highlight and he was looking forward to future distant travels. His illness came on shortly before Christmas and he was taken too quickly from us. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 2pm at Lambert Funeral Home, 400 Douglas Boulevard, Roseville, CA (916) 783-0474. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local Blood Bank.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee from Feb. 19 to Feb. 21, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Hovis

8 Entries

Barb Lower - Sundholm

February 27, 2006

Linda,

Dan Sundholm called me on Saturday to tell me of Gary's Death. So terribly sorry for your loss. You can be fortunate you had the past 9 years together. I have been living in Albuquerque for 13 years now, and with my Significant other since 1997 as you & Gary have been.

Can't forget the great times together at Grant. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.

Barb Lower - Sundholm

Vangie Huntington

February 24, 2006

I was saddened to hear that Gary had passed away. My heart goes out to Uncle Ralph and Aunt Joyce and Greg.

Shirley Mitchell

February 24, 2006

My husband and I rented the house where I still reside,19 yrs ago. This place holds so many special memories. Rolla and I brought up our family in this house. When my husband,Rolla was first diagnosed with cancer six years ago, Gary cried with us. Rolla went into remission for 4 years,however the cancer came back even stronger. His oncologist recommended a stronger chemo to help Rolla to prolong his life. I telephoned Gary to let him know that I needed some changes made to the house at that time so that Rolla would not die from infection. Gary did not hesitate to have the house almost completely remodeled for us. Little did Gary know just how much that meant to us. Gary has such a kind and wonderful heart. I will never forget just how wonderful he was to us. It is because of him that my family and loved ones got to spend one more year with Rolla before his recent passing. My heart and prayers go out to Gary's loved ones. If there is anything that I can do for any of you please let me know.

Ron Kuhn

February 23, 2006

My heart aches for Gary's family and freinds.

I will always cherish the time I spent with Gary. We lived together, worked together, went camping, hunting, fishing. He was always a joy to be with.

He will be sorely missed!

Darlene DuVal

February 21, 2006

Ralph Joyce and family,

Gary’s smile and laughter will surely be missed by many at Vince’s Restaurant in West Sacramento. Personally, I will miss his jokes and they way he would slip me a phone card or Mervyn’s card to try and pay his dinner bill instead of a credit card just to get me going. We had lots of good times in the 20 years I knew him. Gary, I will treasure the memories till we meet again in heaven. I want to express my sympathy to all of his family, love-ones and closest friends at this difficult time. May the family members left behind have peace knowing that Gary is at rest and in God's hands and he will be cherished. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

May he laugh with the Saints, dance with the Angels and rest with the Lord.

Randy Carasco

February 20, 2006

I had the opportunity to meet Gary through some of my friends in West Sacramento. He was always so friendly. He was a very kind and special person. I offer my deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

May he rest in peace.

Ginny Puccio Macko

February 19, 2006

I first met Gary 23 years ago through the Greater Sacramento Exchange Club and was impressed with his passion for life,his friends and those less fortunate. He was taken so young, but I'm sure he will never be forgotten amongst family,friends and others his life touched. My condolences to his family.

Barbara Ingle

February 19, 2006

I met Gary in 1987. I was a single mother struggling with two daughters and was introduced to him by my neighbor, Mary. He was fun and full of laughs. Gary was so generous to me for helping me with a car. I will never forget his kindness. He touched my life and both my daughters lives. It was a short friendship that showed his true self. He will never be forgotten. I truly am sadden by hearing this news and I pray for the family and friends that comfort will be their's.

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