Gary was the primary person responsible - other than the Lord and me of course - for setting the path of my career, and even influencing my family life with the firm merger to Pasadena in 1986.  He brought me up from an ignorant and unqualified 19 year old pencil drafter at $3.50/hour to a licensed architect in 8 years, including working vacations between quarters away at Cal Poly SLO.    I continued with Gary until he and Carl Gaede closed the Pasadena office in 1993.   My growth was in part through the people he selected for employees and partners.  I am currently the second-gen owner of a firm 350 miles away from Pasadena to which I was introduced through Carl's work with the Nazarene church.  If Gary heard this, I think he would avoid taking any credit, and simply recite Proverbs 16:9, "The mind of  man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps."

As the staff increased, many, but not all, were believers, from several different churches - Foursquare of course, but also Baptist, Presbyterian, Nazarene, etc.  We did projects for many, including (John MacArthur's) Grace Community Church.  We shared a common belief in the Essentials, having most importantly, unity in Christ, starting with Gary. 

I cannot recall regretting a minute of working with and for Gary.  He was consistent, faithful to the people under his leadership as well as his clients, vendors, and engineering consultants.  He was a model of integrity in business, excellence in design and professionalism, and a pleasure to be around personally.   The Lord's gain in taking him home is our temporary loss, and I look forward to seeing Gary again.