Gary P. Garrard

Gary P. Garrard, 75, died unexpectedly on May 24, 2022 in Newport Beach, California. He was born January 5, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Phillip H. Garrard and Margaret “Tess” Garrard. Gary’s family relocated to Southern California in 1956. Gary attended Mater Dei and Costa Mesa High School and graduated in 1965. After graduating, Gary worked full time at Southern California Edison and received his AA at Orange Coast College. Shortly after that, Gary was drafted into the United States Army to serve in the Vietnam War. As soon as he returned from war, he married his high school sweetheart, Rachel (Jurney) Garrard in 1968. They settled in Huntington Beach, California, where they raised their two daughters, Jill and Holly. Gary continued working at Southern California Edison, while putting himself through college in the evenings. Gary earned his B.S. in Business Administration at Long Beach. Gary retired in 1997 as a financial analyst from Southern California Edison. After his long career at Southern California Edison, he went on to enjoy a second career as the steam engineer of The Disneyland Railroad. Gary’s four grandchildren spent many years riding his train, following him around, and visiting him regularly at Disneyland.

Throughout the 70’s and 80’s, Gary was a loyal member of South Shore Yacht Club, where he raced sailboats in Southern California. His favorite regatta was always the Newport to Ensenada (N2E) Yacht Race. Gary spent his free time windsurfing and bodysurfing as well. In addition to his love of the ocean and sailing, he was very interested in vintage cars, sports cars, steam engines, and locomotives. He always enjoyed camping and taking long road trips with his family. Most of all, Gary loved to talk and tell stories. Like Walt Disney said in Saving Mr. Banks, “That’s what storytellers do. We restore order with imagination. We instill hope again and again.”

Gary was predeceased by his younger brother, Danny Garrard, and both of his parents. He is survived by his wife, Rachel (Jurney) Garrard; they were married for 53 years. Gary is also survived by his eldest daughter Jill Richards, son-in-law Scott Richards, and his two grandsons Jackson “Jax” and Evan. He is also survived by his youngest daughter, Holly Garrard and his two granddaughters, Viviana and Lyla. Gary also leaves behind four sisters, Nancy, Peggy, Amy, and Sally and many nieces and nephews.

A private celebration of life will be held on August 7, 2022 for family and close friends. Those who wish to remember Gary in a special way can make donations to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD), an organization that was close to Gary’s heart and his family. Go to secure.madd.org for secure link.