Gary Bruce Barnes

Gary Bruce Barnes passed away December 28, 2011, in Los Angeles, CA, at the age of 54. Gary had been recently discharged from USC Medical Center where, for the previous 3 months, he had fought a very hard, life threatening battle against a MRSA infection in his lungs. He passed quietly and peacefully at the physical rehab to which he had been discharged. His heart, his body, just gave out.

Gary was born May 15, 1957, in Santa Monica, California, moving to La Canada in 1963. He graduated from La Canada High School’s class of 1975. Gary was a kind, gentle, and loving soul, born too sensitive to the life surrounding him, and ever trying to escape. He loved his family, his childhood Daleridge buddies, hiking and fishing in the mountains, lovely ladies with big brown eyes, and the simple life. His life’s greatest adventure was traveling to the home village of his friend, Olga, deep, deep in the mountains of Mexico. He was the first Caucasian many of the villagers had ever seen, so they built a float on wheels, placed him upon it and threw him a parade! He would have been so happy to stay there forever.

He was preceded in death by our Mother, Anne Barnes in 2004. He was a devoted son to her, sharing in the responsibilities of maintaining their home in La Canada. He is survived by his Father and Stepmother, Bruce and Mary Barnes in Missouri. Surviving him also, are his two sisters and their families; Nancy and Michael Jennings in Tacoma, WA; and Carole Leonard in Jacksonville, Florida. He was a loving and very fun uncle to: Jordan, Trevor and Chelsea Jennings; Becky Leonard Sorenson and Matthew Leonard.

No services will be held. Memorial donations can be sent to The Salvation Army in his name. The Salvation Army sustained him many times when we were not able. All donations will be distributed to the Salvation Army in the area from which they came. Condolences may be sent online to Nancy at LaSoleil5@aol.com, or 1732 N. Prospect St. Tacoma, WA 98406.

RIP Gary

We all loved you

(I hope Mom and Walt met you at the gates!)