Thank you for sharing all your love and support for Traci, Natalie and Scot during this difficult time. Traci appreciates your willingness to help with meals.
You can sign up directly on the calendar in MealTrain: sign up here.
If you would like to send a gift card, please give one from Trader Joe's or Vons.
Thank you for loving and supporting Traci, Natalie and Scot. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gary's favorite causes. Please indicate "In Memory of Gary Higa" when donating.
International Ministries International Ministries works cross-culturally to invite people to become disciples of Jesus Christ. Melanie Baggao, is a friend of the family serving in Lebanon.
For donations to Melanie Baggao: click here. Select "Global Servant support" Select "Melanie Baggao"
PATH's mission is to end homelessness for individuals, families, and communities by building affordable housing and providing supportive services throughout California.
RECORDING OF GARY'S SERVICE For those who wish to view the recorded service: click here.
LUNCHEON
The family invites you to lunch after the memorial service. To assist with the planning, please RSVP by filling out the Google form: click here.
COVID SAFETY
Guests are required to wear masks indoors. If you are unable to wear a mask or if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please attend virtually.
PARKING
Parking is limited. We encourage carpooling (the LA Metro Lake Station is approximately 0.35 miles away) or ride sharing if possible. The parking lot can be accessed on Maple Way (off of East Maple St.).
We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate Gary's life. Collecting your stories, photos, and videos will be a tremendous blessing to Traci, Natalie, Scot, Gary's mom, and siblings. We will use your memories to create physical memory books. Please see the Events on the right to view up-to-date Memorial... see moreWe created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate Gary's life. Collecting your stories, photos, and videos will be a tremendous blessing to Traci, Natalie, Scot, Gary's mom, and siblings. We will use your memories to create physical memory books. Please see the Events on the right to view up-to-date Memorial Service info, in-lieu-of-flowers Donation Links, and Meal Train sign ups.
We invite you to lunch after the memorial service. To assist with the planning, please RSVP by clicking this link : https://forms.gle/6CGCGZGPVAqu6zaEA
First, I must say I have one little regret-that I never got to personally pray with Gary. I did not know of his prayer warrior status, though I am not surprised to learn it! I'm sorry that I missed out on that. Now when I pray for you and your family,... moreFirst, I must say I have one little regret-that I never got to personally pray with Gary. I did not know of his prayer warrior status, though I am not surprised to learn it! I'm sorry that I missed out on that. Now when I pray for you and your family, Gary, I can't help but imagine you listening in, and it is comforting.
My first memory is of you recording a video message for Traci's bridal shower, I think it was. I was so impressed with you from that very moment. I believe Traci's friends were asking you questions off camera, and you answered them so wonderfully. You looked straight into the camera, making direct eye contact, and you spoke straight from the heart, honestly, genuinely, without any affect, but with ease, assuredness, and care. I knew this man was a winner, and was so happy for Traci. Genuine, through and through.
A second memory, which left a deep impression, was when many of us were together at a hospital waiting room. A woman next to us unexpectedly began yelling very agitatedly. My instinct was fear and aversion. Look away and ignore, and maybe she won't escalate although she seems unstable. But Gary, you just turned to her looked her in the eye and calmly answered her question spoke to her in a normal way. And the woman was satisfied, and calmed down. How amazing. You made her feel seen and heard as a person and that was what was needed.
These 2 memories epitomize who you are Gary. Our family holidays, reunions, and gatherings eating turkey, cranberry sauce, and playing recycle will never be the same without you. I love you and I'll miss you, but am grateful for knowing you, a real soul whisperer. less
I had the pleasure of knowing Uncle Gary, as he was one of the sweetest people I have ever known. He was a very compassionate and caring uncle to me. I remember when playing a family game called 'Recycle,' he and I were on the same team and would cheat... moreI had the pleasure of knowing Uncle Gary, as he was one of the sweetest people I have ever known. He was a very compassionate and caring uncle to me. I remember when playing a family game called 'Recycle,' he and I were on the same team and would cheat and work together to make sure we would win and still think about that memory today. I admire his love, humbleness, and strength and it hurts to know he won't be in our lives anymore. I love you Uncle Gary and you will be very much missed.
Love,
Ryan Salcido less
There is no one memory to share about Gary. It’s mostly his quiet demeanor, giving nature, and that he had an open ear that reminds us about him. He was always willing to listen and genuinely cared about what you had to say. I smile when I think of... moreThere is no one memory to share about Gary. It’s mostly his quiet demeanor, giving nature, and that he had an open ear that reminds us about him. He was always willing to listen and genuinely cared about what you had to say. I smile when I think of the images of him being “goofy” for the kids, whether it was acting things out for our Recycle games or making silly faces for our never ending family pictures. A couple things that put a smile on my face when I think of things he liked were dried fruit and warm pie. He was the master turkey carver for Mom too. Like I mentioned before, he was perfect for Traci, an amazing father to Natalie and Scot, and he will truly be missed.
We love you Gary.
Uncle Gary was an amazing uncle to Ryan and I. Very easy going guy and great to converse with. When I was younger, Uncle Gary would share his passion of cars with me. He would play hot wheels (car toys) with me and help me set up tracks to roll my hot... moreUncle Gary was an amazing uncle to Ryan and I. Very easy going guy and great to converse with. When I was younger, Uncle Gary would share his passion of cars with me. He would play hot wheels (car toys) with me and help me set up tracks to roll my hot wheels around and would tell me all about NASCAR racing. Rest easy Uncle Gary. You will be missed.
Love,
Evan less
It was an honor and a joy to serve alongside Gary on the Prayer Team at Epic Church. I've been greatly blessed by his prayers and support over the years. His kind spirit, steadfast countenance, and smile will greatly be missed this side of heaven.... moreIt was an honor and a joy to serve alongside Gary on the Prayer Team at Epic Church. I've been greatly blessed by his prayers and support over the years. His kind spirit, steadfast countenance, and smile will greatly be missed this side of heaven.
Some pictures of the family when I had the chance to camp with all of you and Pangs with Fiona in 2013. :) less
Gary and his family have been our neighbor's for many years. When I would be driving to and from home, if Gary was outside, he would go out of his way to wave to me as I drove by. It always made me smile and feel a little bit "special". I miss... moreGary and his family have been our neighbor's for many years. When I would be driving to and from home, if Gary was outside, he would go out of his way to wave to me as I drove by. It always made me smile and feel a little bit "special". I miss that and will miss his big smile. Also, we would like thank the Higa family for loving and taking care of Percy. less
When I was about 3.5, I was always jealous that my newborn sister got to accompany my parents to Uncle Gary and Auntie Traci's wedding instead of me. Perhaps 3.5-year-old me knew that I would be missing out on getting to meet the beloved Uncle Gary! I... moreWhen I was about 3.5, I was always jealous that my newborn sister got to accompany my parents to Uncle Gary and Auntie Traci's wedding instead of me. Perhaps 3.5-year-old me knew that I would be missing out on getting to meet the beloved Uncle Gary! I really got to know Uncle Gary throughout my time in college.
Uncle Gary, you showed me nothing but kindness, warmth, love, and care. I will always cherish our Thanksgiving memories and visiting you, Auntie Traci, Natalie, Scot, Percy, and Coffee at your doorstep. Although I will miss seeing your big smile whenever I'm in LA, I am grateful for the time we spent together and look forward to many years of love and relationships with Auntie Traci, Natalie, and Scot. I love you so much, Uncle Gary. I hope you're enjoying your favorite ice cream :) Love always, Riki less
I met Gary at Evergreen South Coast almost 25 years ago. He was a true servant of the Lord. Always willing to help, always willing to listen. You could always count on Gary to pray for you, and when he said he would, you knew you were covered. Thank you,... moreI met Gary at Evergreen South Coast almost 25 years ago. He was a true servant of the Lord. Always willing to help, always willing to listen. You could always count on Gary to pray for you, and when he said he would, you knew you were covered. Thank you, Gary for being an example of a humble , God fearing child of God. less
Gary was one of the first people I met when I first attended ESC Church (later Epic) as a new college graduate. I remember first shaking his hand, and man, it was like solid rock! If you have ever been prayed for by Gary, it truly was blessing in... moreGary was one of the first people I met when I first attended ESC Church (later Epic) as a new college graduate. I remember first shaking his hand, and man, it was like solid rock! If you have ever been prayed for by Gary, it truly was blessing in action! It was also a window into his heart and genuine character. I remember one occasion where I went to receive prayer, asking for wisdom for my upcoming marriage. When I close my eyes, I can still hear his calm and steady voice, and his hand on my shoulder--it felt like the Spirit moved through him to me .
Gary, thank you for your friendship and prayers over the years. Thank you for showing us Godly faithfulness and character. Our hearts mourn now, but at the same time rejoice knowing that we will meet again, together with our Lord in Heaven.
And, I can't wait to shake that solid rock hand of yours again!
Our deepest condolences to Traci, Natalie, Scott and family. We send our love and prayers to you, and hope to visit you all sometime soon. :)
Gary, we will deeply miss you. May God bless your spirit. less
Gary’s eyes sparkled. His smile spread ear to ear. He shifted his weight. A couple times he blushed. Although generally mellow, Gary couldn’t contain his excitement about Traci, the woman he was falling in love with.
I had the honor of getting to... moreGary’s eyes sparkled. His smile spread ear to ear. He shifted his weight. A couple times he blushed. Although generally mellow, Gary couldn’t contain his excitement about Traci, the woman he was falling in love with.
I had the honor of getting to know Gary at a healing ministry at Evergreen and then working beside him at Epic Church. He was a kind, sweet, and humble man, strong in prayer and serving the Lord. He loved his family deeply. And Gary will be greatly missed.
Traci, Natalie, and Scott,
I send my love and heartfelt sympathy,
Audrey (Powers) San Pedro less
James and I had the honor of knowing Gary through our church days at ESC and Epic. While many of our memories are of Gary walking alongside us in prayer, always non-judgmental, and full of grace, these pictures of him also highlight his fun side and... moreJames and I had the honor of knowing Gary through our church days at ESC and Epic. While many of our memories are of Gary walking alongside us in prayer, always non-judgmental, and full of grace, these pictures of him also highlight his fun side and sense of humor. We used to always joke that Gary was the Harrison Ford Asian doppelganger and once you see that, you cannot unsee it. He would laugh with us about that. We can still hear his laugh. less
I have known and loved Gary since he and Traci started dating (21 years).
I was rooting for him as Traci's partner, and was thrilled when she finally said yes! I have loved him from afar, and then was able to meet him up close. He and I shared the same... moreI have known and loved Gary since he and Traci started dating (21 years).
I was rooting for him as Traci's partner, and was thrilled when she finally said yes! I have loved him from afar, and then was able to meet him up close. He and I shared the same heart for prayer, emotional healing, and deep quiet connection to God. I loved his gentleness, his easy humor, his captivating smile, created by God's deep rivers running through his life.
I loved how he loved Traci, Natalie and Scot. There is no replacing you, Gary. You will be remembered as a man of great gentleness and honor. A truly good man, a man of God in the best sense. I will miss you. Julie less
I don't remember how it started, but Gary and I would always greet each other with a loud and enthusiastic "CUUUZZZZZ!" - short for "cousin" - and a big hug. To me, that funny greeting represents the bond we had, and I know I was so... moreI don't remember how it started, but Gary and I would always greet each other with a loud and enthusiastic "CUUUZZZZZ!" - short for "cousin" - and a big hug. To me, that funny greeting represents the bond we had, and I know I was so incredibly blessed to have it. Gary made me a part of his real family even though we weren't related by blood. He was that type of person - is that type of person - who brings people straight into his warm and loving heart and makes them a better person just by knowing him. I know that when the Lord calls me home, Gary will be one of the first to welcome me with the same "CUUUUZZZ!" and hug he gave me in this life. Knowing who he is and how deeply and completely he adored Traci, Natalie, and Scot, I know his love and his life lives on in them. less
Uncle Gary was always so kind to my family and me. I'll always remember my first Thanksgiving away from home and he made me feel welcomed like we had known each other for so long! He also cooked the delicious turkey. I will miss him very much.
My connection to Gary started before he and Traci started dating and even before I met him. We share the same birthday. And it wasn’t until later that I found out that his sister was Lori. She and I were in Inochi, a performing arts group at Plymouth... moreMy connection to Gary started before he and Traci started dating and even before I met him. We share the same birthday. And it wasn’t until later that I found out that his sister was Lori. She and I were in Inochi, a performing arts group at Plymouth Congregational Church in Montebello. I also knew his cousin, Cheri because we had grown up playing on the same Jetts basketball team and going to Schurr High School. So it was a nice surprise to discover all these connections when Gary and Traci started dating. We may not have spent a lot of time together since we only saw each other at family gatherings during the holidays but I think we both shared the same level of fondness for playing games like Recycle (maybe he liked them more than I do). I have a memory of him acting out a person who appeared to be older and maybe using a walker. I can’t remember who the person was supposed to be but I think it was someone who had Walker in his name like Walker, Texas Ranger. The one thing that I do remember clearly about Gary was how genuinely friendly he was and how he always greeted you with his wonderful smile. I will always think of him on our birthday :)
Thank you everyone for the tremendous amount of support and love you have shown our family. I was wondering if any of you have any memories of anything Gary told you about Natalie or Scot if you would share them so that they will have something tangible... moreThank you everyone for the tremendous amount of support and love you have shown our family. I was wondering if any of you have any memories of anything Gary told you about Natalie or Scot if you would share them so that they will have something tangible to hold on to. Thank you! <3 less
We will always remember Gary as someone who was kind, gentle, and genuine. Gary's gentle smile reflected the assurance of his faith in Jesus. We were always blessed by Gary's prayers as he was such a Prayer Warrior. We are rejoicing now, as we can... moreWe will always remember Gary as someone who was kind, gentle, and genuine. Gary's gentle smile reflected the assurance of his faith in Jesus. We were always blessed by Gary's prayers as he was such a Prayer Warrior. We are rejoicing now, as we can imagine Gary casting many of his crowns before the feet of our Lord Jesus.
Until we meet again...
Stacy and Joaquim
"...and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,..." 1 Peter 1:4 less