I was Gary's ex wife. We were married for 7 years and he never remarried which saddened me since he was truly a wonderful loving guy. I stayed in touch with him sporadically and just now realized that he was no longer in this world. I am so sad. His mom Melba was a wonderful mother in law . He was such a special person.

Gary and I first met at a beginner's golf lesson.
We found some things in common. 
He was trying to learn something about golf so not to play too terribly bad at a Dey golf event.
At the time my wife Darleen also worked at Dey.
Over the next few years Gary invited me to play the Dey event of which I would always accept. A good time was always found. Though we both found the golf lessons did not help either of us. We both kept our heads up and had more than one laugh about our golf abilities.
We both grew up in Fresno. And we both had the experience of the Army.
Gary has been to my home where we shared meals and enjoyed good conversations.
My last contact with Gary was by email. As we were both 'retiring'. I invited him to join me more often on the golf course after all the dust settled. Of which he accepted.
Though that was not to be...I will always remember the times shared with Gary and that Gary was a good friend.

As a colleague of Gary in the IT Department at Dey, I remember him as the kind, considerate, thoughtful man who was a stable force in what could often be a chaotic environment.

Gary had a way of making everyone feel comfortable in approaching him with their questions on how to make their systems work better.  He was generous with his help, always ready to listen and to provide ideas to develop a solution to technical problems.  In his quiet, steady way, he created a calm and reassuring presence during times of difficult discussions.

We all looked forward to the end of summer when Gary would bring bags full of lemons and wonderful sweet cherry tomatoes from his garden.  We loved the hilarious costumes he managed to get Buster to wear for Halloween.  He proudly showed off his well-behaved dog at the Dey Asthma Walk fundraisers.  Gary enjoyed training Buster from the time he brought him home from the pound, and spent many relaxing hours on their daily walks, particularly when he could take his time on the beautiful sunny mornings and cool evenings of this past summer.

Several years ago, another co-worker and I, thinking that Gary’s birthday would get lost in the December holidays, took him to lunch at the new Meritage Resort just up the street from Dey. We chided him for rarely tearing himself away from his office to take the time to have a relaxing meal.  I can still picture his sheepish grin and remember the enjoyment of that one small break.

Gary was devoted to his family, enjoying his frequent visits to Fresno, and shared his amazement over the treasured letters saved at his family's home, which provided such a personal and vivid picture of early California life.

My husband and I experienced Gary’s generous nature as we volunteered with him at various Red Cross, Napa Valley Wine Auction, and Arts in the Valley events. Gary, of course, lent a hand wherever needed, setting up tables, pouring wine, acting as an auction ‘spotter’ (one of his favorite roles), and generally making sure things went smoothly. He also participated in some of the Dey golf tournaments, commenting that he did it not to compete in the sport, but to enjoy the outdoors and have the chance to talk about something other than the zillions of numbers and stacks of computer printouts that he dealt with at work every day.

Gary was a caring, thoughtful, generous and respected member of our department.  His innate goodness stands as a reminder to us all to try to emulate his worthy life.  His time among us was a blessing, and we will miss and remember him with great fondness.

My deepest condolences to Mrs Walker and Gary's extended family.  He touched so many lives, never letting his shyness prevent him from making a new friend.  We worked together, long-distance, for 15+ years at Dey.  He taught me many things and was never too busy to answer any question I had.  I enjoyed our chats, as invariably a simple business call would turn into a discussion about pets or vacations or life in general.  He was an extraordinary man with a gentle soul and a gift for making people feel at ease and relaxed in his presence.  Goodbye my dear friend and  thank you.  I cherish each and every  memory you've given me.

Bless you Melba for raising such an incredible son and gentleman that was Gary.  He is greatly missed by all those you came to know him. I came to know Gary during the 10 years I worked at Dey.  He and I shared our "Far Side" sense of humor often.  His courtesy to everyone and gentle nature was an example that few can emulate, but everyone appreciated.  Gary, I'll miss hearing your laughter and ever present smile.  See you on the far side when we, once again, can share some laughs.

Gary was a wonderful volunteer and friend at the Napa Valley Dog Training Club.  He was willing to help with any type of activity or training class - - always with a smile.  

A true gentleman, we are all truly saddened by this loss.  I feel lucky to have worked alongside Gary with animals and seen his amazing talents first hand.

What a wonderful man and what a wonderful friend.

I am surprised and saddened to hear of Gary's passing. Those of us who worked with him at Dey knew him as an intelligent and dedicated worker, but also as a gentle, caring, and fun-loving person. He was a joy to know, and he is sorely missed.

I was sorry to hear the news regarding Gary's passing. I had the opportunity to work with Gary for many years and always admired his devotion and dedication to work, cycling, golfing and voluntary time helping the community. My thoughts and prayers are with his family

Gary was an amazingly patient and thoughtful man. I will miss his sense of humor, but fondly remember all the great laughs we shared. So sadden and sorry for your loss Mrs. Walker.

I am so deeply saddened with the knowledge that I will never see my dear friend Gary again.  We worked together at Dey Labs/Packaged Business Solutions for over 5 years and had remained good friends since then.  He truly was one of the most kind and generous people I've ever known and I feel very lucky to have had him in my life.  My deepest sympathies to his Mother Melba.

I worked with Gary on many projects at Dey. He was very patient in explaining things and helping find the right solution to any problem.

A few years ago we took a few bike rides together. He was very generous. Gave me a helmet and an old bike pump - I still have both. We explored a quirky little-known spit in Napa called "Edgerly Island". 

Lately, as we lived on the same street, we waved to each other as I headed out for a run and he walking his dog. Our last wave was the day before Labor Day. I already miss them. 

Blessings to his mother. I'm proud to have known him. He had a positive effect on many lives.

My dear Melba
How sad to learn of Gary's passing.  My deepest sympathy is with you.  Please keep love and memories in your life.  I'd love to visit you when you have moved into San Joaquin Gardens.  I'm looking forward to the day when we can share a warm hug.
With my love,
Cindy Odahl

My condolences to Gary's families. I will always carry a good memory of Gary. He was such a nice and caring person. May his soul rest in peace. 
With prayers,

I have worked with Gary over the past 2 years and he has been a wonderful person to work with. My sympathy and thoughts are with his family.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Gary's family and friends for their loss. I worked with Gary for 8 years at Dey Labs and he always had a smile on his face. I remember him being so shy and I use to give him a bad time about being so quiet. He was always willing and ready to help if you had a problem. May he rest in peace.   Rhonda Privett Jones (Napa, CA)

I am so sad to hear of Gary’s passing.  During our time at Dey, we worked together on many projects.  He was one of the most patient, giving, loyal, and dependable people I have ever worked with.   He had an amazing talent for programming, and loved to help others solve problems.
I will always remember Gary Walker, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

My deepest sympathies to Gary's family and friends. I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I worked with Gary for over 10 years at Dey. He was such a nice and friendly guy, always ready and willing to help. We will miss him.

My heart is saddened with the news of Gary's passing. I met Gary back in 1995 at DEY and had the honor of working with him until a few months ago. His mild manner, understanding, & thoughtfulness provided the calm in the storm. I will miss seeing him out walking his dog, the conversations about cycling, and especially his smile that could brighten the day. God Bless my friend and thank you for sharing your life.

I cannot find the proper words to explain the sorrow I feel for the loss of Gary.  I worked closly with Gary for many years and he was the most honest, kind and helpful individual I ever had the priviledge to work with.  I considered him a good friend and co-worker.  God Bless you Gary.  

To the Walker's.  Thank you so much for giving us Gary.  You raised a wonderful person.  My deepest sympathies.

I worked with Gary Walker for over 10 years at Dey and the news this morning saddens my hearth - all my sympathy and all my thoughts are with you in your great sorrow. I pray that Gary's soul finds peace.

My sincere condolences to Gary's family and friends.  Gary had the sweetest soul, was extremely kind and a great listener. We shared many walks with his dog, many movies with popcorn and a fabulous brunch (stories included) last month.  The Walkers raised an incredible son.

My deepest sympathies go out to Gary's family and dearest friends. I have never known a kinder, more gentle, thoughtful and understanding soul than Gary. I send my prayers along with those of all... he will never be gone from our hearts.

I worked with Gary for many years and have nothing, but fond memories of him.  This news saddens my heart.   God bless you Gary.

I am truly saddened by the news of Gary's death. We worked together for many years at Robert Mondavi Winery, and Sutter Home Winery on many interesting projects.  He was an amazing talent in the area of computer programming, a perpetual student of computer technology, and an enthusiast for cycling.  Our projects were always highly challenging, both in detail and in deadlines, but Gary's intense interest and intelligence always made me feel comfortable that we'd complete them together on time.  
We spent many lunches together in the vineyards of the Napa Valley, talking about computing and where our careers and our lives were headed.  Sometimes we'd climb the huge fans that were used for frost protection and just sit and talk about the wine business and the computing industry or some small detail that was intriguing us.  
I will miss him.
Tom Stockwell

OBITUARY

Gary Douglas Walker

28 December, 1952 – 6 September, 2011

Lisle Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services