Gary Eugene Kinghorn

Gary Eugene Kinghorn was born on July 20, 1940, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Arthur and Wava Ruth Kinghorn. He grew up alongside his siblings Bill, Donald, Kathy, and Janice, and carried a strong sense of family throughout his life.

Gary proudly served over 20 years in the United States Navy, retiring with the rank of Chief after a distinguished career that included service during the Vietnam War and operations in support of SeaLab 1. Throughout his naval career, he was stationed in California, Japan, Bermuda, and Diego Garcia, among other locations. He remained deeply proud of his service, often sharing stories from those years with his family. After retiring from the Navy, he made San Diego his home. In his civilian life, Gary worked at Home Depot, where he formed some of his closest friendships.

Gary was first married to Sakiko, with whom he shared his early years in San Diego. During this time, he also shared his home with two beloved dogs, Lady and Chibi. After Sakiko’s passing, his neighbor Antonina lovingly offered care, companionship, and home-cooked meals during a difficult season. Their friendship grew into a deep love, and they were married on July 7, 1988. Gary and Antonina shared nearly 29 years together before her passing in March 2017, a loss Gary carried with quiet strength.

Through Antonina, Gary gained seven stepchildren—Alex, Nida, Johnny, Ludy, Merle, Emelda, and Junior—whom he loved as his own. He played an active role in raising and caring for his 20 grandchildren, and one of his greatest joys was spending time with them.

Gary found joy in woodworking. He helped refurbish parade rifles for the local NJROTC program and created many handmade pieces for his family that will be cherished for generations. He loved nature and the ocean, often going for a walk on the Imperial Beach Pier, visiting the J Street Marina to look at the boats, and traveling to national parks. He especially enjoyed taking his grandchildren on trips in his RV. Over the years, he visited California, Oregon, Minnesota, Arizona, Nevada, Canada, and Alaska, always valuing time spent with family and exploring new places. His trips to Minnesota were especially meaningful, as they allowed him to reconnect with his siblings. Another one of Gary’s favorite pastimes was sitting out in the garage in his rocking chair. He enjoyed getting some fresh air, checking the weather, and watching the people and cars go by.

In his later years, Gary continued to live in San Diego, where he treasured time with his stepchildren and grandchildren, remaining closely connected to the family he loved so deeply.

Gary Eugene Kinghorn will be remembered for his devotion to family, his proud service to his country, his kindness, his sense of humor, and the quiet, steady love he showed throughout his life. His legacy lives on through the stories he told and the memories and wisdom he shared with all who knew him.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.