Gary Joseph DeMilt

Gary Joseph DeMilt, 67, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2024, at his daughter’s home in Northern Utah, after a courageous battle with ALS disease, eager to reunite with his late son.

Gary was born on February 19, 1957, in Nyack, NY, to Herbert and Mary DeMilt. He grew up in Goshen, NY, and graduated from Goshen Central High School in 1975, where he played on the soccer team. He went on to pursue a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Management at Cobleskill SUNY, where he also applied for and was awarded a paid internship at Yellowstone National Park through the Young Adult Conservation Corps program, an experience that deeply influenced his life. Gary’s passion for fishing and wildlife, with a special love of bighorn sheep, was evident throughout his life.

Gary was a proud volunteer of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah and thoroughly enjoyed his role and experience. His name can be found on a commemorative brick at The Olympic Legacy Plaza.

He was also a devoted football fan, following both professional and college teams. In his final days, Gary took great joy in watching two of his grandsons play on competitive teams.

Gary’s personal journey took him across the country. After his time at Yellowstone, he married Tamara Sorensen Turner in 1980 (later divorced), and together they had three children: Kassandra, Brianna, and Clinton. While raising children, they resided in New Mexico, northern California and Utah.

Gary then spent a few years in Arizona before settling in the Santa Barbara, California area, where he lived for the last 17 years. There, Gary worked for Dunn-Edwards Paint and formed lasting friendships with colleagues and friends, finding joy in the local wineries and the beauty of the California coast.

Gary’s family was his greatest pride. He leaves behind two daughters and nine beloved grandchildren, whom he enjoyed visiting and always remembered with birthday cards.

Gary is survived by his daughters Kassandra Namba and Brianna Zwahlen; his grandchildren: Dakota, Oakley, Ryden, Taylor and Luna Namba; Mason, Sophia, Connor and Ryker Zwahlen; his sisters Debbie(Bob) Nichols, and Donna DeMilt; four nephews; and many cherished friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his uncle Joe(Pat) Gonsior, and his son, Clinton.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a private fund in his honor. Collections will go toward a memorial marker at Yellowstone National Park, in his name. Please contact his daughters to contribute.