Published: May 20, 2008 02:45 pm            

Gary Stephen Stites

Gary Stites passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at the age of 70.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, San Rafael, Calif. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in memory of Gary Stites to the Marin Humane Society, 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato, CA 94949.

Born in Stillwater on Sept. 21, 1937, he was the middle child of five to Chester and Ethel Stites. He joined the U.S. Army after high school and served two tours in Vietnam, where he earned a Bronze Star. While stationed in Germany during the late 1950s, he met his wife and companion of 51 years, Karin Stites.

The family moved to San Francisco, Calif., in 1971. Following 21 years of service in the military, he formed his own trucking service in 1977 and drove long hauls throughout the U.S. until eventually retiring in 2002.

With his traveling days behind him, he loved spending time at home with his six grandchildren, Ryan, Kyle, Clifford, Brandon, Rocio and Brisa. He also took great pleasure in growing tomatoes, going to baseball games, watching British comedies and especially walking his dog, Lexi. He was best known for his good-natured spirit and for his kindness to those he encountered along the road of life.

He is survived by his three children, Stephen, Sonja and Michael; his sister, Linda Goodner; and his brother, Zane Stites.

His family and friends will miss him dearly and will always cherish those fond memories of him.

        

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