Gary was born in St. Joseph, MO on August 20, 1939; the only child to Henry and Lavern Botkin. He is survived by his large blended family to include his wife and love of his life, Jean Botkin, eight children, fifteen grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. He spent the majority of his life in Southern California where he made a career out of truck driving and his photography business. He spent his retirement years in Las Vegas, NV.
Gary’s 81 years were filled with love and happiness. He brought joy to the many lives he touched. His quick wit and silly banter will be greatly missed and remembered with fondness. Gary filled his time with numerous tinkering projects - there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or make better. He took great pride in his immaculate garden, passion for his practice of Kung Fu and Tai Chi, and his self-taught fluent Spanish. There wasn’t a buffet he went to that he didn’t love. Gary and his wife traveled around the world together, frequently went on camping trips with family, and traveled several times to their favorite vacation spot, Hawai’i.
Gary lived a long life filled with beautiful memories. The family will hold a celebration of life at a later date. More information to follow.
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