Gary Walter Dickson

1948 – 2026

Gary Walter Dickson, 77, of Laguna Niguel, CA passed away on January 14, 2026.

Gary was born in Oakland, CA on September 27, 1948, and grew up in Hayward, CA with his father and mother, Alfred and Esther, two sisters, Sandy and Debbie, and his brother Jeff. Gary was devoted to his family and spoke with his mother and two sisters daily. Gary was also very close to his cousin Cathy who was like a third sister to him. Gary has two sons, Matthew and Jeremy, three stepdaughters, Michelle, Jennifer, and Madison, and three grandchildren, Gavin, Kylie, and Aiden. He very much enjoyed spending time with his family.

Gary valued his independence, and at 17 enlisted in the marines. He served three years, including thirteen months in Vietnam for which he received a purple heart and honorable discharge.

As an entrepreneur, he built two businesses, which sold wholesale irrigation supplies.

Gary enjoyed simple pleasures like the 49ers, his daily 3 mile walk, golfing, bowling, dining at restaurants, and listening to music. He particularly enjoyed Motown and the blues. Most of all he loved spending time with this wife Mara, listening to the blues and playing Yahtzee. He also loved spending afternoons at Dana Point Harbor with his beloved dog, Wally.

Gary will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, in memory of Gary Walter Dickson, please make donations to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, T2T.org.