Gary Lawrence Bjork, 57, of Placerville CA, passed away August 29, 2010 at Marshall Hospital, after a valiant struggle, from complications of liver disease. He was born on November 1, 1952 at McClellan AFB near Sacramento; CA. Gary was the son of the late John and Arlene Bjork. Following graduation from La Sierra High School in 1970, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1971 at the peak of the Vietnam War and served for 6 years on one of the first nuclear powered submarines.
Gary left the service in 1977 and soon after met his first wife Penny Thompson. They parted ways shortly after Gary’s son Christopher was born in 1978. Gary met Barbara Thomas, while they were both working at Rancho Saco Power Plant, and soon they were married. Together they raised Christopher and Barbara’s sons David and Dennis with a love of the outdoors and spent many days rock crawling on the trails of the California the Sierra Nevada Mountains. After Barbara passed away in 1999, Gary met and married his current wife, Lucinda Rearick.
Lucinda and Gary began their adventure together with a Grand Renaissance wedding in 2004 that was enjoyed by all. They shared many adventures, the love of the great outdoors and being Grandparents to their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren during their time together.
Gary was proud to work with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, culminating in his career choice of Nuclear Operator at the Ranch Saco power plant. This is the origin of his nickname, Nightlight. After the nuclear power plant closed, he continued on with the local power utility in a “dream job” as a Senior Electrician in the Fresh Pond office which services all the hydro powerhouses in and around the Rubicon/Crystal Springs basin.
Gary was very proud of his efforts related to Toyota Land Cruiser Association (TLCA). He recalled purchasing his first Land Cruiser, an FJ55, in 1979 and helping form a TLCA Chapter as a charter member of “Toys on the Rocks” in Placerville, CA. He later purchased his trail rig FJ40, which saw many TLCA events, and later a classic FJ45, FJ62 and FJ Cruiser. Most TLCA members across the United States and abroad knew Gary for his years as Managing Editor for Toyota Trails Magazine or later when he founded the Land Cruiser Mailing List. The LCML is credited with thousands of connections between folks around the world that have the Cruiser addiction and is even credited with a few marriages! His presence in the “Cruiser Family” will be greatly missed all over the world.
Gary is survived by his wife Lucinda, his son & spouse Christopher & Cynthia Bjork , step sons & spouses: David & Terri Thomas, Dennis & Michele Thomas, Danny & Liz Jordan and Ray & Michelle Jordan, step daughters Sharon Marcella Goodwin and Karen Farnsworth, brothers Steaven Bjork and David & Alisa Cumbra, sisters Charla & Lewis Winningham and Tracy Beauchamp and many extended grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews all of which loved him and appreciated his work ethic (although he rarely completely finished any project!) and humorous nature.
A celebration of Gary’s life and memorial in his honor will be held on September 12, 2010.
2:30 PM Land cruiser/Rock Crawlers Procession will leave from the Mtn. Democrat parking lot.
3:00 PM Interment at Westwood Hills Memorial Park, 2720 Cold Springs Rd, Placerville, CA
4:00 PM Memorial Service and Reception, Veterans Hall at E.D. County Fairgrounds.
Those who wish to remember Gary in a special way may make a contribution in his memory to his favorite charity: Rubicon Trail Foundation c/o El Dorado Community foundation PO Box 1388 Placerville CA 95667. You may send condolences and sign a guestbook at www.chapelofthepinesfunerals.com. Arrangements by Chapel of the Pines Funeral Home, Placerville.
Over and out “NightLight”!
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