Gary R. Stephens

Gary Stephens Obituary

Gary R. Stephens, 63, of Carpinteria, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008, from a heart attack, in his sleep, while on a vacation cruise in New England.

Gary was born in National City, Calif., to Mabel (Stephens) O'Rork (David) and Dean T. Stephens.

He is survived by his wife, Brooke, of 42 years; and his mother, his father; and sisters, Valerie Brown (Kent), Vicki Stephens, (David Lishan) and Lisa (Hofmann) McCombs (Rich); four nephews; three nieces; and four great-nephews and three great-nieces.

The boat builder turned cabinet maker turned ambulance driver turned electronic technician is mostly known through his company, Electronic Technicians, which he ran for over 25 years. His skills led him to work in the "oil patch" in Ventura and ultimately to the County of Ventura in its IT Services (communications) department.

There wasn't a hobby that he didn't like. Fishing, hunting, photography, sound systems, music, driving, traveling, watching TV, working on cars (and not just his), tools, but most of all he loved to sail. His timing for passing on the ship was right on. He had the ability to key in on any topic from anyone to talk about, and talk he did. He loved people and all their "stuff." He was never mean or grouchy or pessimistic, and it was real, no artifice.

Someone said that Gary has joined the clouds, flying high with his many dreams. He will be missed by an amazing number of people.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to SI Sunrise Soroptimist, P.O. Box 792, Summerland CA 93067, or American Heart Association, http://www.americanheart.org.

His Life Celebration will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008, at Vista de Santa Barbara Mobile Home Park in the Clubhouse, 6180 Via Real, Carpinteria 93013.

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

Published by Ventura County Star on Nov. 9, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Stephens

9 Entries

Charlotte O'Brien

November 23, 2008

Dear Brooke,

Jon and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to you in the loss of your beloved Gary. I will always remember him as your faithful "techie." Please take care.

Geoff and Carol Stubbs

November 21, 2008

Brooke,
Geoff and I are were so sorry to read of the passing of your sweet Gary. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Brian Hunt

November 14, 2008

Dear Stephens Family:
My prayers are with you. I just heard yesterday from a fellow County worker that Gary had passed. I was one of Gary's "customers" at the County, working at different agencies. Gary always helped me when others couldn't or wouldn't. He enjoyed doing that, and he was very good at that.
But Gary always had a kind and caring heart! He always made time to talk and be a friend.
Gary you will be missed my friend. But it is only temporary! I will see you again, in HIS light.
God Bless,
Brian

Edith Fuentes

November 12, 2008

Dear Brooke,
Please know that my LOVE, thoughts and prayers are with Gary and the entire family. He is at peace, smiling and sailing on to a new life. Take care.
Love,
Edith

Joni Berger

November 12, 2008

Dear Brooke and family:
Jay and I are so saddened by the loss of your sweet husband. It always amazed me how Gary so enjoyed being a Soroptimister. He will be missed by all.
Our love,
Jay and Joni Berger

Sheri Wollard

November 11, 2008

Dear Stephens Family:

I was saddened to learn of Gary's passing. I had the opportunity to get to know him when he came over to our building to work on our equipment. I enjoyed our conversations about boating and our favorite local restaurants. He always had time to talk about fun stuff.
Bless you all during this difficult time.

Karen Barstow

November 10, 2008

I was shocked and sadden when we were told about Gary. Gary was a good friend and coworker. He always had time to stop and say hello. I will miss seeing him in the halls of the Government Center. My prayers are with his family.

Debbie & Bill Gohlke

November 9, 2008

Dear Brooke,
We are deeply saddened over the loss of Gary. He was a wonderful guy who loved you and your Soroptimist activites as much as you did. He was the epitome of a Soropti-Mister!! We will miss him and remember the occassions we had with you both fondly.
Your friends,
Debbie & Bill

Denise & Randy Elliott

November 9, 2008

Brooke, My heart goes out to you and your family! Gary was the BEST! I will always cherish the pictures he took of our wedding and will think of him EVERY time I attend a Soroptimist event...he was a great "sound" man!! We love you dearly and are praying for you!!

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