Gary Van Diest

Gary Van Diest, 77, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026. He leaves a legacy of love, integrity, and devotion to his company, family, and friends.

Born on March 19, 1948, Gary grew up in Paramount with his brother, Brad, and his lifelong friend, Don Hansen, whom he shared many years of golf, boating, and endless antics. In 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Janet, beginning a 57-year marriage centered on love and family.

Gary proudly led Van Diest Bros., Inc., the family pipeline construction company founded by his grandfather in 1932. Sons, Scott and Brett continue that legacy.

He devoted many years to Scouting and youth sports, receiving honors from the Boy Scouts of America as Scoutmaster of the Year and the PTA Honorary Service Award. He also coached Little League and soccer. A true sports fan, Gary loved all sports. His favorite role was Papa to his granddaughters, who were his pride and joy.

To know Gary was to know kindness. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome and respected with his smile and firm handshake. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by everyone who knew him as the greatest guy.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Janet; his sons and daughters-in-law, Scott and Jennifer, and Brett and Jennifer; his granddaughters, Madison, Peyton, and Mia; his brother, Bradley; his nephew, Brian, and niece, Heather Shernaman, and family; his cousin Linda Hansen; his goddaughter, Kam Hansen; and many cherished family members and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association at heart.org and the American Lung Association at Lung.org in loving memory of Gary.