Gary was always positive wherever he was on campus. Always willing to help. He helped Faye Mitchell’s , a Dorm Mother, parents dig holes and lay brick in their back yard. He was a very kind Man. Gary will be truly missed.
I didn’t know you well Gary, but I loved watching you and Laurie travel, exploring the world with such gusto. Your smile was infectious, your dedication to Laurie obvious and eternal.
Godspeed on your next adventure.
Gary was so passionate about the Holocaust Museum and also his hometown of New York. I loved how he shared that passion with our 8th graders! I'll also always remember how kind and compassionate you both were when I lost my mama. Praying for you all, The Hudson; Kelly, Sarah and Jeremiah.
Gary was a beacon of light. Always upbeat, always interested, always interesting, never complaining about the crappy hand he'd been dealt, just determined to fight to live life to the fullest. He was an inspiration, and I am so thankful and blessed that he became one of my dearest friends. He will be sorely missed. (from Janet Berkman)
I remember the first time I met Gary with many of our Class of 75 alumni. He fit seamlessly into the conversations, was always interested and engaged in what was happening in YOUR life, and never made his health difficulties anything we needed to talk about. Both Gary AND Laurie navigated their challenges with grace, dignity, and strength that I admire greatly. (from Jeff Adair)
It’s hard to believe that so many years have passed that now the “Silly Six” is tasked with sending sympathy cards to each other. Life does seem to march on. I know that nothing can ever replace the funny, adventuresome guy that Gary was, but I hope you feel surrounded by love now?his and all of ours.
Wishing you strength and peace. (from Cathy Anthony)
While I only had the privilege of spending a limited amount of time with Gary, what I will always remember is his ability to be such an engaged listener. He had such a a variety of experiences and adventures, but he always was interested in the story of whoever he was speaking with. A man devoted to making the most out of every day; a lesson we all could learn. From Cory Benson
I believe I met Gary for the first time at our 10 year reunion; I do remember thinking at the time “Laurie married someone pretty quiet…” That changed during the evening. I liked him right off the bat; and I can't imagine anyone ever not liking him. I never saw him without a smile; never heard him complain; and every time he looked at Laurie I could see how happy he was. (From Scott C,)
Gary was always such a great person...though I only know him from our few SHS get-togethers, he was really fun to spend time with. I liked him and enjoyed his company from the first time we met. I did not know of his health challenges, which makes his ever-positive attitude all the more special and impressive. I’m glad our small group of friends has surrounded you with love. (Bob Mills)
Thinking of you and Ben at this time. So sorry for your loss. Gary was such a beautiful person—I loved both of you together, and he always made me laugh. He was always thinking of others—what a wonderful spirit! I will miss him. My heart is with both you and Ben. Love to you both! (From Elena Mori)
I appreciated and looked up to Gary's attitude in a couple of ways. While obviously going through the gauntlet with his battle with cancer for so long, he always appeared to be upbeat and positive. In what must have been difficult times, he was willing to focus on others, not just himself. Gary also was so willing to jump into our HS group. He proved to be outgoing, open, & friendly.-Dan
Gary was my favorite Uncle. He was always so kind, thoughtful and generous. I loved how positive he was toward me, friends, family and life in general. He had such a love and excitement for life. He role modeled healthy living through diet, exercise and positive thoughts. We had much in common: love for dining out with good food and company, art, healthy diet, love for cooking, etc. Miss U
Gary, with your recent passing, I am painfully aware that the love and support you have provided not only my sister Laurie and nephew Ben, but also my father, mother, and brother, my three daughters and their families, Aggie and me, and the rest of our family will be sorely missed. I am of the belief that from your new vantage point, you are still looking out for all of us. Godspeed Gary!
Words cannot describe the loss we all felt when you passed Gary. Your life journey has touched and impacted many lives including mine. I will always remember your kindness and thoughtfulness whenever we had family get-togethers. I am also grateful that you shared your love of art, cooking, family history and life with us all. Your generous heart made you one great brother in-law.
I’m so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He was a wonderful man. I was always strengthened by his positive energy. I will miss him.
Rest in peace, Gary. My thoughts and prayers are you and your family.
Happy birthday Gary!
Lisa Johnson
My heart aches for all of you. The courage and light you’ve shared through this long battle have been inspiring and uplifting. We will hold all of you in our prayers.
Jackie Lee Sierra
I’m so heartbroken to hear this. We love you guys very much and wish we could be with Uncle Gary, Ben and you during this time. We are praying for you guys! We love you guys!
Janis Gerlinger
So sorry to hear this Laurie. Gary has been such a fierce fighter throughout this long battle. My heart goes out to you.
Dee Constanti
So sorry to hear this, Laurie.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I pray that Gary is not in pain.
Andrea Alvarado
Gary and Laurie, thank you for the Starbucks run while we were at science camp. Thank you for your friendship and my friend Ben.
Kate Daniels
Oh Laurie Merta Aknin! I am so sad to hear this! You have been such amazing fighters through this journey keep fighting and love to all of you!
Kelly Hudson
My favorites memories of Gary come from our 8th grade trips. I remember his passion in showing us Daniel’s Story and telling us his family’s contribution to it. I remember how joyful he was in sharing his hometown with us I’ll forever be grateful for the compassion you both showed me when my mama passed and your beautiful memory rose bush.
I’m so sorry for this time you are n
Cheryl A. Matthey
Such very sad news, Gary has been a true fighter the past 17 years, our hearts and prayers are with you, you are both loved, dear cousin.
Tami Von Merta
We are with you in this difficult time. We love you. Hope to see you all in August when I’m in town. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything ~ only 7.5 hours away.
Tere Ertola Charney
I’m so very sorry Laurie. I’m sorry I did not get to know Gary other than our discussions on FB. He is a very articulate, caring mensch. Give him a hug for me. Take care.
Kathy Miles
Oh Laurie, I’m so sorry to hear this. You have both been warriors, living life with gusto as you did all you could to keep this under control. You are amazing examples of living life fully no matter what....my heroes! I’m sending prayers and love to you both.
George William MacArthur
Sorry to hear this.... you two have been a joy to be around whenever we had the chance. Gary is such a good guy and so kind. I will continue to keep you both in prayer that he and you are comforted and at peace
Amanda Shim
We are thinking of you and your family during this incredibly hard time. I was always so inspired by the love you two share. He has fought to be with you and Ben tirelessly. I hope he is at peace being home with you and that he isn’t in too much pain. …
Jackie Floersch
I am sorry to hear this.
I loved when the two of you met up with us many years ago on our 8th grade trip and we shared time together at the Holocaust museum, (Gary shared so much knowledge) and touring Arlington cemetery, when Gary had that unfortunate accident tripping off the side walk - but insisting he was ok. We finished our morning tour and went on with our day only
Drew Donati
I worked closely with Gary on the A.B. Marketing Committee. He always brought enthusiasm, innovative ideas, and his lively sense of humor to each meeting. On several other occasions, I had the pleasure of hearing Gary as a public speaker. In particular…
Jose Vicente Gonzalez
My fondest memory of Gary is when we went to Sacramento for Legislative Action Day and as we walked in downtown, he shared his perspective on the architectural designs of the buildings.
Gail Gerlinger Tremaine
I am so sorry. Gary has always been there, a influence to every situation and gathering adding wisdom, insight and humor, Gary has fought a long, hard battle and I stand in awe of him. May you both find peace. Love and hugs flying your way to all of you.
Julie A. Howard
My heart is breaking for the three of you He is the true meaning of a warrior in my eyes. Gary, what I respect most about you is how you have shown such unconditional love to your wife and son. You have been a rock for them. My favorite memory is when I started working at Robert Sanders and I came to your home to work with Laurie and you made me a delicious filet mignon
Janet Menary Haukaas
Laurie, you and Gary are so special to Norm and I! We always enjoy all our times together whether we are just with the two of you or with more of our family! Gary first impressed us when you brought him to my parents’ home for Thanksgiving. We were further impressed as he brought a backgammon set play backgammon with our sons Ken & Jeff; they really liked Gary! Gary, y
Cindy Currie Morici
My heart breaks to hear this news. My continued prayers are with you all. I have always
Rachel McCauley
Dearest Gary, you are one of those people I wish I had gotten to know better. I remember running into you and Laurie with my parents in, I think Mountain View. We chatted, it was 2 years before Laurie was to retire. Every time I have crossed your path, you have greeted me with an infectious warmth in your smile and your overall being. I read snippets of your journey and all
thinking of you with lots of love.
Laura Brown,
Dear Laurie and Gary, You have been inspirational in your patience and positive attitude during health trials that would have stopped an ordinary person. Your love for each other and your joie de vivre is beautiful. Sending you peace.
James Chapman-McDaniel
James had shared that with us this morning. Ben has been a good friend to James and a very good son for you. I find Gary's strength very inspirational. If we can help in anyway, please reach out to us. I remember the support and love from both of you the year that James and Bre were married. Gary is in our thoughts every day
Merry Muse
I never have expressed it as openly as I could have; but I would like Gary to know that, unbeknownst to him, that his perspective and philosophy on life, food, people, passions, art, i could go on... besides a terminal condition... has reframed my own views on MY diagnosis so incredibly. If it wasn't for the last few years of getting to know you two, I wouldn't be here today. S
Michelle Sunseri Layton
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Gary and Ben! I remember meeting him and Ben at August Boeger over 25 years ago. I could see Gary’s love for both of you then and through your Facebook posts I can see it’s only grown more and more! My heart aches for you!
Patricia Gambucci Pizziol
I am so sorry to hear this news. Every time I saw Gary, he always had a smile on his face. I loved to listen to him talk about NYC! Sending love and prayers to you, Gary & Ben.
Stephanie Donofrio
I remember soon after you moved next door and Gary made guacamole for the block party. It was absolutely spectacular, definitely chef worthy. A special time was when you & Gary brought over your new kitten to share with us! So sweet of you as fellow cat lovers. Many years ago, Laurie, you stopped by to alert us that there may be noise coming from your house...Ben's Bar M
Anthony Stenberg
I always have cherished the opportunities Gary and I had to talk about art. It is very nice to have someone to talk to that actually knows a great deal about art. His strength, joy of life and art has inspired me over the years to keep working despite any challenges or obstacles that get in my way. I always love to see the wonderful pictures you post of all the great museu
Happy Heavenly 64th Birthday.
It has been five years that you have died. We both miss you so much. You would be proud of Ben and I. We are living life to the fullest as you would want us too. I travel to places we talked about going and to some we never dreamed of going! I keep your “story” alive. I try to give back to the community as you did—volunteering. You taught me so much about life and living!
