Gary Dean Kimmel

Gary, 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Salinas, CA on August 10, 2021, surrounded in love by his children Karen and Scott.

Born June 25, 1937 to Edwin and Lorna (Morden) Kimmel, Gary was the oldest of three children. He grew up in Watsonville, CA, and graduated from UC Berkeley in 1959. He had aspirations of becoming a doctor; however, when he discovered that the sight of blood made him sick, he switched his major to business, and later earning an MBA degree from Santa Clara University. This turned out to be a wise decision, as he enjoyed a very successful career in finance, culminating in the position of Vice President and CFO of ARGOSystems in Sunnyvale until his retirement in 1992.

Gary was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1960 and served as a Sergeant in Braconne, France, where daughters Kathy and Karen were born. His son Scott was born shortly following the end of his service and return to California.

Gary married the love of his life, Jeri (Winters) in 1975, completing his family with the addition of Jeri's daughter Barbara. Gary and Jeri were avid travelers, including such destinations as Africa, Australia, China, Pakistan, Peru, and Israel. Their combined love of service to others, photography, and world travel resulted in many exotic and fulfilling adventures until her death in 2014.

In his later adult life, he developed a passion for singing, joining both a barbershop quartet and a choral group which gave him the opportunity to sing in both Madison Square Garden and The Vatican. Gary also became an avid runner, culminating in his finishing the Big Sur International marathon at age 50.

Gary is survived by his daughter Karen (Camille), son Scott (Colleen), stepdaughter Barbara (Joe) Desira, son-in-law Lance Palmer, sister Pamela (Marty) Westfall, along with seven grandchildren and many close friends. He was predeceased by his wife Jeri, daughter Kathy, and sister Janice.

A celebration of life will be held at his home in Salinas at 4pm on Saturday, September 18th, 2021.

Published in The Pajaronian · September 2, 2021