He loved life and he loved everyone. He'd make friends on every occasion and he was a good man. I had a dream about him about a year ago. He was in heaven playing baseball and he was 3rd base coach. He had a small dog with him who was happy and excited. The dog was jumping up and down. Gary just had a very warm feeling about him and I'm sorry that his life ended too soon. He often spoke of his family, his brother and sister, parents, and his nephews. You were all a joy to him.

Dear Dr. Patricia Quintana Van Horne,

We wanted to say we are so sorry to hear of your husbands passing and our thoughts and prayers are with you, your children and family.
Fran and Mike Catlapp

Gary and I met at the Base Club where he was serving in the Air Guard in April 2004. He was in uniform, just visiting as he was on duty. I had attended my cousin's birthday party for her husband, who happened to be a co-worker of Gary's. Gary was engaging and enthusiastic, especially when my Aunt Valerie talked about going to a Fresno Grizzlies game. So that was out first date, a Grizzlies game with my aunt and her husband. We had a good time, and I gave him my phone number. Later that week he called to go to another game, and from then on we grew our relationship.

People say we were opposites, and in many ways we were. I am an introvert, Gary an extrovert. I am a reader, Gary preferred to wait until the movie was out. He listened to country music, I like rock music. But both of us believed we were fated to be together. I, on one of my trips to the Grotto at Notre Dame, had prayed for a righteous man, a man like St. Joseph. I feel that Gary was placed in my path and I in his. We were engaged in November 2004 (Gary would say the time frame was double because we were older) and married March 19, 2005. As it turns out this is his parents' wedding anniversary as well as the feast day of St. Joseph!

We actually had many things in common. We both liked sports, although I was a spectator and he an athlete. It was great that we could go to games and both enjoy them. We met some great people at the Fresno Grizzlies games, front office people and fellow fans. I think Gary was quite a hit when he outbid himself for a jersey in a silent auction. I also loved that he enjoyed Notre Dame football as much as I did. My friends adored him, and he quickly made friends tailgating. I will not forget when I pointed out Rick Mirer at the Chicago O'Hare baggage claim. Gary went right up to him, introduced himself, and started chatting, even though I don't think Gary knew who Rick was. One of our favorite things was hosting the Notre Dame-Stanford tailgates. We had some amazing times. Once he entered the game wearing his cooking apron stuffed with beers!

Gary was a good father. He loved his children mightily. He was always concerned about their comfort. Do they have enough pillows, blankets, jackets? He demonstrated for them how to live joyfully, and I am so grateful for that example. I pray that I can impart some of his philosophy into their lives, and I will do my best to make him proud of the people they become. 

As I read the cards, letters, and guest book entries, I can see that Gary will be remembered for his kindness and generosity of spirit. I am so thankful to have been married to such a wonderful man. I wish we had more years together, but am glad that we were able to share our lives for the time we had.

We met Gary at Grogg's in 2005. Patricia had brought him to an ND game watch. He became a regular over the years at Notre Dame functions as part of the Central California Club and someone we always looked forward to seeing at these events.

Gary never talked about himself. He was always asking what was new with you.  He had a positive attitude, big heart and even bigger smile. A fun, happy person you wanted to be around. It wasn't a surprise to hear that he was a superb athlete, coach and mentor as was revealed during the wonderful eulogy at OLPH.

We fondly remember how Gary, Patricia & family would have the most elaborate tailgates at Stanford vs ND games. Gary would have countless appetizers, entrees and the equipment to fix all our favorite hot drinks after the game. So much so, that he couldn't go into the stadium, because, he could not pack everything up. He was that selfless that he would miss the game to add comfort to the rest of us.

We will miss Gary very much. He made us all feel special. Our hearts and prayers go out to Patricia, Liliana and Lucas.


Our fondest memory of Gary and Patricia is of a time when we were up at Shaver Lake.  He quickly made friends with everyone on the lake and was in his element.  We were relaxing  on the boat, music playing, Coors light in hand, BBQ on the grill when Gary takes off his cowboy hat and puts it  on Patricia.  Somehow he'd convinced her to listen to country music and enjoy it.  For those of you who know hard rock loving Patricia, that was no easy feat.  Opposites do attract, bring out the best in each other, and Gary and Patricia were proof of it.  
It is still hard to believe that Gary is gone.  We miss hearing him say in that twang he had, "Hey! How's it going?" whenever we saw him , and "Giddy up!" when he was excited and ready to go.  Gary was such a happy force in our lives, lending a helping hand whenever he could and always genuinely wanting to give more than he received.  
Patricia, Lilana and Lucas, he LOVED you all so very much.  He fought his battle with cancer, doing his best to have more time with you.  He was lucky to have you three and you were blessed to have him.  
Gary lived his life to the fullest.  He lived the way we all should hope to live; making friends and sharing joy and laughter with everyone he met.  Both Liliana and Lucas have this special quality, never meeting a stranger.  Gary's friendly personality lives on through his beautiful children whom he cherished.  
We promised Gary that we'd always be here for you three.  He was thankful for that and it brought him comfort.  He didn't want to leave you but it wasn't up to him.  
As promised, we are and always will be here for you.  We love you Patricia, Liliana and Lucas.  We will never forget Gary and will keep his memory alive.

Gary and I met at the gym in 2005. Patricia introduced us, we immediately became friends! I was their personal trainer, we worked out regularly and soon began to hang out outside of the gym too. I was honored to be a guest at their wedding. 
We have great memories with Gary; kids birthday parties, barbecues, swimming, Disneyland, baseball and football! 
Gary and I were undefeated corn-hole game champions! We loved playing that after some good barbecue. 
Gary will be in our heart and memory forever. He was a great friend always ready for a good time! 
We miss you Gary.
Love, 
Anaya Family

Today I light a candle to honor and support my dear friend Valerie Van Horne and her family during this time of sorrow and great loss ❤ I love you my friend and my prayers and heart go out to the entire Van Horne family, may God bless you and give you all strength to gone on and keep Gary's memories alive

Gary was much more than just a friend to me but more like a brother. I met Gary when I moved down to San Luis Obispo to go to college. I met Gary in a class we had together at Cuesta College. It didn't take long for our friendship to grow. We had so much in common with our love of sports, family and very similar personalities. We began to hangout outside of school and it didn't take long before we were hanging out on a daily basis. He brought such joy and laughter to my life. I came from an Italian family that my mom spoiled me with fantastic meals on a daily basis so I never had to cook for myself. This was great in many ways but when I went down to college I realized quickly when it came to preparing meals for myself I was helpless. Gary on the other hand was a fantastic cook. We all know what an artist he was when it came to BBQ'ing. I learned quickly to stay out of his way and let the master do his thing and I can tell you my roommates and I had so many outstanding meals at the hands of Gary. 

Gary was so generous and would give the shirt off his back. My brothers and mom and dad would come visit me in college and they got to meet Gary as well and it didn't take long for them to realize what a high character and genuine person I had become friends with. My family absolutely loved Gary. When they would come visit my mom would have a full 5 course meal prepared and it would be my opportunity to repay Gary for spoiling me and Gary would join us for dinner. 

There are so many stories I can tell about Gary but one of my favorites is when we decided to plan a trip to Oakland Coliseum to attend the George Strait Country festival. At the time we were poor college students so we could only afford basic tickets. We loaded up a big van with about 8 of us and headed from San Luis Obispo to Oakland. When we got there we make our way to our seats and once we got there we were largely disappointed with how far away we were from the stage. Immediately Gary says, there is no way I came this far to watch from here. So Gary looks at us and says see you guys later and begins to make his way down to find a better seat. Gary managed to work his way down the stadium and make it all the way down to the front of the stage. Once security would notice he would move again and find another seat. Gary managed to watch the entire concert in the best seat possible and security never caught up to him. 

I can't express how sad I am to lose my brother. I am full of fantastic memories. Every time I think about Gary it puts a smile on my face. I was very blessed to have had him in my life. To Liliana and Lucas, I want you know what an amazing person your dad was. Everyone he meet he left an unforgettable impression. When we were in college and we went downtown, you would think Gary was the mayor with the amount of people that would stop to talk and say hello to him. 

To Dolores and Richard, you both did an amazing job of raising a fantastic and loving person. 

To Patricia, I am so happy that he found an equally amazing person to marry and share his life with. Thank you for taking such great care of him.

My prayers and deepest condolences go out to his entire family. Only God knows why he called him up so early. Rest in peace brother and I will always love you

Gary was a great friend... Always smiling &  a great listener... Can't believe your gone... He & Greg met golfing many yrs ago & remained great friends.. We Miss you... Greg & I will always stay connected to Patricia & the kiddos... In our hearts forever

I did not know Gary, rest in peace. I did know his wife and I am sorry to hear of the loss to you and your family.

An extra sparkle in Patricia's eyes was my introduction to Gary. He had moved my friend's heart and brought an unexpected spark of joy, and so I liked him even before I met him. And once I did meet him, I liked Gary even more. 

He had a gift for lifefor finding humor and brightness in just about everything. If he didn't find it, he'd make it up and make you laugh at the outrageousness of it all. That's a talent more of us should have; it helps to make the world a happier, kinder place.

I trust that that joyful, humorous spark is going to live on through Liliana and Lucas, whom he and Patricia adored in theory long before they were even born. Never have kids been so wanted or so loved, and Gary's spirit is going to remain through them and with them all of their days.

Baseball, Disney, carne asada, Irish football, swimming pool hijinksall of these and more will always make me think of Gary and of his precious family who meant the world to him.

May memories of the fun and love you shared together always endure. Jack and I wish you peace.

Gary was a great neighbor and very friendly as well as very positive person for more than 6 years. He was always willing to help and had a sincere interest in you. I still can't believe he is gone but will always cherish his friendship.

Mohan Bains & family

Gary was a wonderful neighbor and I often saw him working in the yard on my way to pick up the mail.  I was disheartened to learn of his illness which is the same illness my father had.  My prayers go out to your family in your great loss.

I met Gary at CA Oncology and he quickly became an intricate part of our Monday Morning Club.  Truly a wonderful person with a kind and  loving soul.  His smile would brighten the room and his positive outlook was amazing.  I was truly blessed to have known him even if for such a short time.  Through all of it, he kept that big bright smile and that is how I will remember him always, until we meet again.  My prayers are with the family through this tremendous loss of a truly great man.

Gary was a wonderful neighbor, who was friendly and kind.  He was always a positive person, even when he was battling cancer.  Our hearts go out to his family in your great loss.  He will be greatly missed by you, as well as many others.

Add a memory or condolence to the guest book
Gary was a wonderful neighbor, and we are saddened by his loss.  He was friendly and kind.  Gary was always a positive person, even when he was battling cancer.  Our hearts go out to his family as you mourn your great loss.  He will be greatly missed by you and many others.

I am thankful for the time I was able to know and spend with Gary. The memories I have are all of good times we had amongst many other friends. Being a Bakersfield High Driller is like having 1000 family members and when we lose one it hurts. But at the same time, though its not easy, we need to try and celebrate their life. Thank you Gary for being a part of my life.

Thank You, to everyone for your heartfelt and sincere condolences, they are truly needed and appreciated!!

I feel truly blessed to have known such a wonderful guy like Gary. He had such an infectious smile and a positive outlook on life. I will surely miss Gary and the donuts he would bring to work. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time. 

Rosie Acevedo, Bakersfield

Gary was a great neighbor! I have had a lot of conversations with him in the yard. He was always friendly, warm and ready to strike a conversation. He kept an eye on the neighborhood and was very handy working in the garage and yard. 
His cheerful and happy to go lucky personality is really amazing. I will miss a great neighbor and good friend.

I loved spending the night and Mrs Vanhorne would fix breakfast and sing to us and rock ge ge,silly wonderful memories that are so found in your heart, such a great family.will miss him my heart goes out to the family 
.

ALL OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS TO YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN AND ALL THE FAMILY, JUAN RUIZ & CAROLYN ALLEN

Gary was full of life and loved by all who met him.  He had a contagious smile that would light up a room. He will be greatly missed.  Rest In Peace sweet Gary....Go Irish!

Gary was a great friend. He was always upbeat, and had a smile on his face. I will miss him tremendously. Condolences to his family.

Our hearts are extremely heavy , we can not express how sorry we are .  
Gary was known for many things , his smile was infectious . When he walked through the door the the party began ! His level of energy elevated the mood. He had the gift of engaging others regardless of the topic . Gary was my cousin , he was my youngest brothers age, Robby  & Gary were more than curious.  As Gary  grew into a teen he kept that same spunk , as a young adult his playfulness was still evident. He always had a way of making us laugh and being happy that he was there. 
Gary had a strong kinship with all of his cousins , living  miles apart did not seem to stop the clock. He was always so present when he spoke he was never preoccupied, his attention was 100% on the eye of there person in front of him. 
Gary had a lot of fun in his life , it was finally complete when he met Patricia . He was the happiest when his children were born ,  Liliana & Lucas . 
The week before Gary went in for treatment he & Patricia took a business trip to Anaheim , (business for Dr. Patricia Van Horne) pleasure for the four of them ending up at Disneyland. It was a busy week for them , they managed to make time to drive 20 miles out of their way to  our home for a nice visit.  
During our visit I was able to ask Gary if he had asked Jesus into his heart , he said "YES"! We talked about the power of prayer and how God could cure him . He was extremely optimistic .
Our family had a prayer chain from Southern to Northern California , praying constantly.  For whatever reason God called him up. The saving grace is that he will have eternal peace.  Special thanks to Patricia who gave us that precious time with her , Gary and the kids . Kelly & I are so grateful for that intimate time with your family.
Continued prayers for Patricia , Liliana , Lucas , his parents Uncle Rick , Aunt Dolores , Ricky , Valerie , his nieces and nephews . 
We Love you ,
Kelly , Lisa and boys

Gary was known for many things , his smile was infectious . He brought a lot of joy and laughter to our family .  When he walked through the door the energy level elevated and the party started ! Gary was fun loving with a big heart , he was a compassionate kid who grew up to be an amazing man, always keeping his child within him.  Those who had the privilege of being his friend or family were blessed. 
Gary was able to experience a good life , he finally realized his real goal and that was being a husband and Dad.  He was so good to all of his nephews , nieces and many little cousins ,mine included. 
Gary & Patricia were able to make a memorable trip to Disneyland the week before he went into treatment. Liliana & Lucas were ecstatic ! Gary went out of his way to come and visit us , Thank you Patricia for giving us that priceless time with your family. You knew what his destiny was ,science unfortunately doesn't lie!  While you were here I was able to ask Gary if he had asked Jesus into his heart and he said "YES"! We talked about faith and how Jesus could cure him and how powerful prayer was.  We had prayer chains from Southern to Northern Cal , we will never know why he was called up . The saving grace is that he has eternal peace .  
Patricia you nursed him 24/7 , as the bible says  through sickness & health.  So sorry for you and the kids . 
We Love you ,
Kelly & Lisa

My thoughts and prayers are with your family Nina. Uncle Gary will be missed. I will never forget the time spent with him.  Especially when he took Nathan and I to the batting cages and to the Grizzlies games. These memories I will hold in my heart forever. I love you, Liliana, and Lucas.

I was blessed to have known and worked with Gary.  He was a wonderful co-worker and a good friend.   He came into the classroom each day with a huge smile and willing to do whatever it took to make everyone's day better. He often brought doughnuts for the classroom staff, but I don't believe he ever ate one himself. Gary was especially happy on Fridays, when he was able to go home for the weekends to visit his family in Clovis.  I truly miss him, and there are many students and staff at ABLE that miss him too.

Deepest sympathies to all that loved Gary, from Dana Anderson & CarolAnne

Through the halls of Rosedale Elementary to the baseball fields of Bakersfield High.... you Gary Van Horne blessed my life with your presence.   Your positive character is one that will be remembered and respected by many.  Those who know and love you will be confident that your time on earth was not wasted.  Thank you for your friendship and kindness in our early years.  Prayers to your family as they morn your passing.

My condolences to the family with your loss.I remember playing football, baseball and just hanging with Gary when we were younger.Gary was the kind of guy that everyone wanted to be around and he will truly be missed.R.I.P. Gary we will all be reunited one day so keep the field chalked till we meet again. love Ya Buddy

Our family is sad to hear about the Gary's passing. Gary was fun, engaging, and positive and so much more! Gary, Patricia and family are have been and will remain in my family's hearts, thoughts and prayers.

We met each other on the field, and we became friends off of it. I remember our summers playing baseball in the hot sun. You like me wanting to be the best player we could be.  Vaya Con Dios my friend.

We are with your family and all of Gary's loved ones in spirit during this time of loss. Gary was such a friendly and upbeat person - he will be greatly missed. We will keep you in our prayers!

We are saddened hearing that Gary passed. Our hearts are with Patricia and all of his family. Catherine and Crystal Clear Pool Service staff.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Patricia, and your children as you grieve your loving husband and father.  May it help to know that our hearts' desire is to help you shoulder your sorrow and burden.  May God bring you comfort and peace.  Our deepest sympathies, Cindy Yoder-Brown and family

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Gary R. Van Horne

16 septembre 1967 – 28 novembre 2016

Boice Funeral Home

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