Gary Howard

Gary Lee Howard, 82, passed away on October 1, 2025, in Medford, Oregon. Born on August 15, 1943, in Reno, Nevada, Gary lived a life defined by passion, determination, and an unrelenting drive to master every endeavor he pursued.

Gary's journey began with service to his country. During the Vietnam War, he served aboard the USS Hornet CVS-12—also known as "The Gray Ghost"—as an aviation storekeeper, achieving the rank of E-4. He earned a Good Conduct Medal in 1963 and was training to represent the U.S. Navy as a swimmer in the Summer Olympics before transferring to the U.S. Naval Reserve upon completing active duty.

After leaving the Navy in 1964, Gary launched a remarkable career in the automotive industry. Starting as an auto mechanic, he quickly rose through the ranks to become Shop Foreman at a major dealership in Santa Rosa, California. His natural leadership and technical acumen led him to roles as Service Manager and eventually General Service Manager at several Northern California dealerships. His early success allowed him to retire before the age of 40—a testament to his ambition and work ethic.

Retirement for Gary was merely a new chapter. In the 1980s, he purchased an auto body repair facility in Sonoma County that flourished under his guidance, expanding into three locations along with an auto glass company. In the early 2000s, he moved to Oregon and opened a machine shop that became renowned for building Flathead engines. His expertise earned him recognition as one of the top builders of these engines in the country—a craft he continued until his health no longer permitted.

Gary's life was rich with adventure and achievement beyond his professional pursuits. A gifted athlete from a young age, he was featured in a Reno newspaper at just five years old for diving off a high dive. In high school, he excelled as a champion diver and pole vaulter and competed in various track and field events.

His love of motorsports ignited in the 1960s when he raced modified hardtops at Vallejo Speedway. He later competed with sprint cars in the Northern Auto Racing Club (NARC) throughout the 1970s. In the 1990s, Gary became a successful team owner in USAC Silver Crown and midget racing circuits. Many of his drivers went on to achieve fame in NASCAR—another arena Gary followed passionately throughout his life.

Gary also had a deep love for aviation. After soloing a tail-dragger with only five hours of flight training at Schellville Airport, he went on to earn both IFR and twin-engine ratings. During the 1980s and '90s, he owned and piloted two vintage warbirds—a 1943 AT-6 and a North American T-28 Trojan—frequently flying them at airshows across Northern California. His favorite aircraft was a Beechcraft Baron, which allowed him and his beloved wife Michele to travel extensively.

Never one to limit himself, Gary also became a certified master diver and earned a captain's license to pursue his love of boating. He enjoyed fishing trips, golfing outings, trap shooting and skeet shooting competitions. A lifelong fan of NASCAR and the San Francisco 49ers, he recently embraced fandom for the Oregon Ducks with equal enthusiasm.

Gary believed that "no" simply meant it would take a little longer—a philosophy that defined how he approached life. He refused mediocrity in any form; whether it was mastering an engine build or exploring new hobbies, Gary gave everything his all. His presence was magnetic—funny, engaging, unique—and those who knew him will remember how his zest for life was truly infectious.

Gary is survived by his wife of 65 years, Michele Howard; daughter Nancy Iannios and son-in-law Aris Iannios; son Gary A. Howard (also known as Sparky) and daughter-in-law Catherine Howard; granddaughters Rachel Cameron, Daniela Gesualdo, Maxine Howard, and Amalia Iannios; and great-grandchildren Chloe Cameron-Marzioli, Zak Cameron-Marzioli, Ona Gesualdo, Liet Gesualdo, and Arcus Gesualdo.

He was preceded in death by his father James L. Howard; mother Fern Howard; half-brother Phil Howard; and grandson Ebian Gesualdo.

A private memorial of Gary's extraordinary life will be held with family on October 30.

May Gary Lee Howard's memory continue to inspire all who knew him to live boldly, love deeply, and never settle for less than extraordinary.

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