Gary Lee Saenz passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on March 16, 2022, at the age of 66. He was the most loving and caring husband, father, brother, and friend. Known for his free spirit, happy and carefree nature, he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Gary was born in Portland, Oregon on August 9, 1955 to David Saenz and Virginia Bowen. He was raised in Kingsville, Texas, and later moved and graduated from Galena Park High School in Houston, Texas. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1975 - 1979 as an Aerospace Ground Equipment Mechanic. He was stationed in California, Guam and Okinawa, Japan.
Gary worked and traveled as a young man doing various jobs while exploring the country. He worked for Shell Oil Company for 17 years as an offshore Electrician. He was a beloved and dedicated employee who always sparked laughter among his peers. He was known for his inclusive and generous personality involving all who met him; he never met a stranger. He will always be remembered for his compassion and empathy to others. Outside of work, Gary had an infinite passion for life, learning, and adventure. He was an avid reader, movie, and history buff. He cherished staying active and being outdoors fishing, running, playing tennis, riding his bike, traveling, and going to the beach.
Gary was a wonderful husband and father who took care of his wife and children with great love. On his time off, he would spend time helping others using his jack-of-all-trade technical skills, learning new recipes in the kitchen, and working on his yard and garden.
He is preceded in death by his father, David Cantu Saenz, mother, Virginia Ruth Bowen, and brothers, David Clifford Saenz and Joel James Saenz. Survivors include his loving wife of 29 years, Cynthia Mae Saenz; children, Lee Gary (Hannah) Saenz, Kristian Nicole Saenz, Amanda Blakely Saenz, Justin Hartley Saenz; brothers and sister, Michael Anthony Saenz, Herbert Rice (Sylvia), Gilbert Diaz, and Raquel Yvette (John) Sanchez; mom, Dora Saenz; grandchild, Remy London Saenz; mother-in-law; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; cousins; numerous nieces and nephews; all his friends at Shell Oil; and many other close friends.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home on Sunday, March 27th, 2022 at 4:30pm with an evening service to start at 7pm. Funeral services will be held the following day on Monday, March 28th at 9:00am at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made to Semper Fi & America’s Fund, an organization Gary felt strongly about.
Semper Fi & America’s Fund
Mail Donations to:
825 College Boulevard
Suite 102, PMB 609
Oceanside CA 92057
Donate online at:
https://thefund.org/
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemoryGardensFuneralHome.com for the Saenz family.
