Gary M. Waters, MD

8 June 41 –12 December 25

Gary Miles Waters, MD born on 8 June 41 to Dr Gregory and Annabelle Waters in Hugo Oklahoma. He passed away on 12 December 25 at age 84 in Fresno, California.

When Gary was in Jr. high school the family moved from the ranch to Hinsdale, Illinois. Gary graduated from Hinsdale High school then off to Purdue, University for a degree in Engineering. Then off to the University of Illinois for a medical degree, followed by internship at Cook County hospital, Chicago, Illinois. He then served in the United States Air Force at Davis Monthan, AFB, Tucson, Arizona Where he met his future wife, Captain Bonnie.

Gary returned to surgical residency at Presbyterian – Saint Luke's Hospital in Chicago and Bonnie went to Viet Nam as a flight nurse.

Following general surgery residency, Gary changed his focus and completed residency in Ophthalmology at USC Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angles, CA.

The family returned to Tucson, AZ where son, Greg was born. Then back to California where Gary joined the Eye Medical Center of Fresno and stayed for more than 40 years. Gary was a member of many medical organizations including The Fresno-Madera Medical Society and American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Gary's service and volunteer organizations were numerous: Civil Air Patrol(major), Sheriff's Air Squadron (Fresno), LIGA, Doctors without Borders, former member Fresno Elks Club, member China Peak National ski patrol, Fresno – Clovis Amateur radio club, active as Red Cross swim instructor, member of several flying organizations and was a certified flight and instrument instructor. Gary was a faithful member of New Covenant Community Church, Fresno, CA

Gary is survived by wife Bonnie and Son, Greg. Brother, Leslie of San Jose and sister Constance of Fresno, CA. Also survived by bonus daughter, Melissa Day and her family of Lancaster, CA and many extended family members.

The family of Gary Waters, MD wish to thank the staff and administration of the Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens Health Care Center for the kind hands on care they provided for Gary, during the past 13 months of his decline. They treated him like family and we are grateful. They were helpful to Bonnie as she navigated this new journey. Thank you.

We also wish to Thank Dr. Greg Copeland and his staff at Vitas Health Care Hospice. They went above and beyond their scope of practice to give end of life a new meaning. The constant attention given by Dr. Copeland, nurses and social worker made this transition easier for our family. Thank you.

Donations in Gary's memory may be made to: New Covenant Community Church 1744 E Nees Ave Fresno, CA 93720 or Vitas Healthcare Hospice 7485 N. Palm Ave Fresno, CA 93711.

Celebration of Life Service date will be announced when confirmed.