Gary Edmund Mordock

Gary Edmund Mordock, 89, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, attorney, and servant of his faith and community, passed away on August 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of a family he spent his life building.

Gary was born in Los Angeles, California on March 21, 1937, to Donald and Maxine Mordock, who had left Nebraska for greater opportunity on the west coast. He grew up in Burbank and then Beverly Hills alongside his brother, Tracy, later graduating from Beverly Hills High School in 1955.

From an early age, Gary developed a curiosity, work ethic, and sense of adventure that would define the rest of his life. He went on to attend Stanford University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in history and political science, and later served his country as a Captain in US Army Intelligence. He then earned a juris doctorate from the UC Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall), laying the foundation for a legal career that would span more than 60 years.

It was during this time of his life that Gary met Kathryn Louise Dalton, and the two quickly fell in love. They married in 1964 and were sealed for eternity in the Los Angeles Temple, beginning a marriage that would span 62 remarkable years. Together, they built a home filled with faith and unconditional love, raising four children: Tina, Craig, Geoff, and Jeremy.

Gary began his legal career at Getz, Aikens, Manning & Murphy before forming a law firm with his father-in-law, John C. Dalton III until John's passing in 1978. Gary went on to become a founding partner of Ackerman, Mordock & Bowen, where he practiced law with distinction for the remainder of his career, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike across more than six decades in the profession. He dedicated thousands of hours in pro bono work to those who needed it most, which he continued until the final days of his life.

Faith was the cornerstone of Gary's life. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gary served in many capacities throughout the years, including as Bishop of the Anaheim Sixth Ward and as a High Councilor in the Anaheim and Anaheim East Stakes. He and Kathryn retired in 2001 to answer a call to preside over the Colorado Denver North Mission, guiding and mentoring more than 450 young missionaries with the same patience and care he gave his own family. In his later years, Gary served as a Sealer in the San Diego and Newport Beach Temples, continuing his lifelong commitment to binding families together for eternity.

Gary's heart for service extended well beyond his church. For more than 35 years, he was an active member of the Rotary Club of Fullerton South, including a term as its president, embodying its motto of "Service Above Self" in everything he did. He dedicated more than three decades to Scouting, shaping the character of young men in his community, and volunteered at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), where he offered quiet support and encouragement to new families during some of their most vulnerable moments.

Gary lived and loved a full life. He was a lifelong and devoted Stanford sports fan. He also loved to surf (in his early years) and snow ski, tackling the most challenging slopes. He was an avid reader, a proud and patriotic American with a deep love for his country, and a man who gave generously of his time and expertise to help others in need, asking nothing in return. But above every other love in his life, Gary loved his family most of all. And he made sure they always knew it.

Gary and Kathy made their home over the years in Orange, Villa Park, San Juan Capistrano, San Elijo Hills, and most recently San Clemente, California. They cherished their time with family, friends, and the enduring warmth that Gary carried with him wherever he went.

Gary is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kathryn Louise Mordock; his daughter Tina Ash (husband Tearon), and her children, Talia and Dane Johnson; his son Craig, and his children, Jenna Lattin (husband Chandler) and their children Tommy and June, Kate Lockhart (husband Jared), Alyssa, James, Kyle, and Wayo; his son Geoff (wife Elizabeth), and their children, Gigi and Violetta; and his son Jeremy (wife Jennifer), and their children, Jacob, Audrey, and Isaac. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Maxine Mordock; his brother, Tracy; his son-in-law Kameron Johnson and his father-in-law and law partner, John.

A funeral service celebrating Gary's life will be held on September 1, 2026 at 10 am at the San Clemente Stake Center (310 Avenida Vista Montana, San Clemente, CA). A viewing will be held from 9:00 – 9:45 am prior to the funeral service. Interment will be at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana at 1:30 pm.