Gary Richard Vowles

On Thursday, November 27, 2025, Gary Richard Vowles of Gardnerville, Nevada, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away at the age of 82 after complications following surgery. Born in San Luis Obispo, California on April 19, 1943, and raised in San Carlos, California. Gary attended grammar and middle school in San Carlos, and graduated from Carlmont High School in 1961. He pursued higher education at the College of San Mateo and San Francisco State. Gary was preceded in death by his father Richard Vowles, his mother Lucielle Vowles, and his brother Steven Vowles.

He is survived by his devoted wife of sixty-one years, Claire Vowles and their three daughters, Sharon Hole and husband Tim Hole, Sarah Norman and husband Phillip Norman, Brianna Vowles; sister Karen Vowles Bruck; Sister-in-Law Kathy Vowles; grandchildren Nicholas Hole, Dakota Vowles, Mikael Hole, Kaytlin Castro, Kai Castro, Khloe Castro, and Kade Castro; great grandchildren Lyndsey Hole, Kylee Hole, Madyson Vowles and Brooklynn Vowles; nephew Derek Vowles, niece Melanie Jerdon and cousins Donna Cobb and Linda Vowles.

Gary was a retired business owner, having owned and operated a thriving feed and farm supply enterprise in Gardnerville--Eastern Sierra Feed. Prior to opening the feed store, Gary and his wife Claire raised lambs on a beautiful ranch in Coleville, California. Yosemite was just four hours away from the ranch, and the family enjoyed many vacations there with family and friends, making lifelong memories. Gary was a music fan as well, enjoying a wide variety of forms—often crediting his father Richard for introducing him to musical artists of all genres. He also enjoyed traveling—especially trips to their casa in Mexico.

Gary was a force of nature—tall, handsome, quick-witted, intelligent and articulate, but more importantly a man of spiritual strength, integrity and honor. He was a devoted member of the Gardnerville, Nevada Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and his faith was unwavering.

We are all better for having known and loved this extraordinary man.