Lew Gary

Devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, community leader and humble servant of Christ. Lew Gary was born July 1, 1928 in Wheaton, Illinois, where his mother and grandmother raised him. He graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder where he joined the R.O.T.C. He was an ensign in the Navy and assigned to San Diego during the Korean War. He served three years in the Pacific, during which time he was baptized Catholic in Sasebo, Japan. At the end of the war, Lew joined the Naval Reserves and completed 20 years of service in the Navy. He became a Master Gardener, served 2-years as President of the University of California Master Gardener Association and volunteered more than four thousand hours staffing the hotline answering questions about gardening and pest management. Lew devoted his life and time to helping others, in particular the poor and under-privileged. He received the Mathew 25 Award from the Diocese of San Diego in recognition of his compassionate service to the poor. Lew was an active member of San Rafael’s St. Vincent DePaul conference and was very involved in helping the homeless during the winter rotational shelter at San Rafael Parish from its inception. Lew was active in the Rancho Bernardo Community as President of the Community Council in the 1990’s. He helped to establish the Maintenance Assessment District with the City of San Diego to assure the oversight and beautification of Rancho Bernardo as it developed. City Councilman Mark Kersey proclaimed February 8, 2018 Lewis Gary Day in recognition of his service to the community in the City of San Diego’s Fifth District. Lew is survived by his loving wife, Joanna McClure, brother Jude, son Stewart, daughter Cecilia, grandchildren and many others who have been touched by his kindness and selflessness. He passed into eternal life at home on May 3, 2018. Funeral mass was held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, May 9th at San Rafael Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Lew’s memory to Holy Innocence Children’s Hospital, 12463 Rancho Bernardo Rd., #501, San Diego, CA. 92128, or to Father Joe’s Villages, 3350 E. Street, San Diego, CA. 92102.