Gary Coleman Sutton

The boy from the valley, brother to Patti and Bill, and adoptive son of Millie (a teacher) and Walter (a newsman). He gravitated to Sunset Beach early in his childhood, where he found his cousin Pru, the sea, and the girl down the road - Nancy - who would become his sweetheart, his wife, and our mother. And there would begin the life of the Navy Machinist’s Mate, who would train all over the country, and tour the world aboard nuclear submarines - the USS Sculpin in the ‘60s, and the USS Omaha in the ‘80s.

As a civilian, he balanced the books, mixed a few drinks (consuming a few along the way), but would always return to his machines. He never met one he couldn’t fix. No job was too dirty, no night too long. If it could be hammered out on a piano, he’d give it a whirl. The Entertainer, if you were lucky. Watcher of westerns and war movies, and a charmer to the last.

He gave much of his time on Earth to the Navy, and our country, which gave him purpose. Some tried to pin a labels on him – son, or brother, or husband, or father – but it was Chief that suited him best. At home on the sea, and in the warm tropic air of Honolulu (“don’t fence me in”). We were often a family without him, but never more so than with him.

In the final score of his life, he warmly welcomed the discovery of his birth sisters, Verna and Jenny. In his retirement, he returned to Huntington Beach, where he cared for my mother in her final years; living proof that a person can always be better, if only you’ll let them. Generous, compassionate, and calm. We’ll miss you, Dad.

Gary is survived by his brother Bill, son David, daughter and son-in-law Linda and Marc, grandsons Nicholas, Christopher and Harrison.

A Celebration of Gary's life will occur in early March; date, time, and location to be determined.

Arrangements under the direction of Westminster Memorial Park Mortuary (714) 893-2421.