SAN DIEGO – Gary A. Wells, 68, passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2022, at 7:40 a.m. at a San Diego hospital. He was born April 21, 1954, in Alliance, Nebraska, the son of Samuel Murdock Wells and Joan Elizabeth Kirk Wells.

Gary graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree, Summa Cum Laude, in 1976, whereupon he entered the United States Navy and was stationed on the USS Kitty Hawk Aircraft Carrier. His duties included being Officer of the Bridge, serving as the ship’s Navigator and Communications Officer. Gary completed his service with the Navy as a Lieutenant in 1980. He secured a position at the County of San Diego as an Administrative Analyst in 1984. After an introduction by his sister, Josephine Hope Wells, Gary married Laura Stephanie Flanders, of Albany, New York, on November 26, 1988, and they resided in San Diego. Gary earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from San Diego State University in 1990. Gary and Stephanie had four children together from 1990 to 1998: Lauren Joan Wells, Ashley Eleana Wells, Alexander Steven Wells, and Kathryn Leigh Wells, all of whom reside in San Diego County.

Gary was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family to the best of his ability. His family meant more to him than anything, something he often mentioned. He was intensely proud of all his children and supported them in every way possible. Gary was also passionate about golf, tennis, bike-riding, barbeques, camping, horse racing, football and recently, Fantasy Football. He was also very interested in investing/financial planning, which has been a lifelong passion of his. He was always very well informed on current events and a great conversationalist. You could always rely on him to make you laugh. He was optimistic and full of life, always fun to be around, always ready to play games, or take a day trip with the family. He also treated his family to nice trips to Hawaii, the Redwood Forest, the US National Parks, Las Vegas, and neighboring states.

Gary retired from the County of San Diego, after a 33-year career, most recently as a Health Planning and Program Coordinator for the Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Services, in March 2018. Highlights of his career included: In 1998, Gary was recognized for his work on the first County managed competition for a new correctional health services program for juveniles. He was recognized by Polinsky Children’s Center for leadership in procuring the Children’s Healthcare Contract; he led the Grants Management Unit at Emergency Medical Services; and he developed the County’s Hospital Preparedness Program. He received a Project of the Year award for his work in consolidating Primary Care Services into County Medical Services, and two National Association of Counties awards. Upon his retirement, Gary also received a commendation by the County’s Public Health Officer and Director of Public Health Services, Dr. Wilma Wooten.

Gary was predeceased by his parents, Sam and Joan Wells. Surviving Gary are his wife and four children; two grandchildren, Dawson Michael Hodorowich and Landon Alexander Hodorowich; his brother, David Kirk Wells and wife, Kristi Kay Jordan Wells, of Virginia, their daughter Jennifer Jordan-Quinonez and her three children, Erik, Jordan and Isaac, also of Virginia. Also surviving Gary is his sister, Josephine (Jodie) Hope Wells Langhammer and her husband John Daniel Langhammer, of Missouri. Gary is also survived by his cousins: Cathy Kirk McDanel (Michael) of Arizona; Greg Garred Kirk (Joan) of Washington; Kim Kirk Bailey (Dale) of California, and Sharon Garred Kirk Dolan (Tom), Tom Kirk, Gary Garred Kirk (Joan), Heather Kirk Marro (Mark), and Jim Kirk (Paula), all of Washington state.

Services will be held on Monday, August 29, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Unity Center at 8999 Activity Road, San Diego, CA 92126, followed by a ceremony of Military Honors at the Miramar National Cemetery at 3:30 pm. The Cemetery is located at 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122. A reception is planned at Ballast Point Brewing Company for those attending the services at 9045 Carroll Way, San Diego, CA 92121 at 4:00 pm.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the Wells family at 2576 Dortmund Place, Alpine, CA 91901. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans in Gary’s memory: dav.org/learn-more/about-dav/.

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