Gary passed from this life to his Eternal Home on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at the age of 60 after courageously fighting lymphoma for a year and half.   He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his family and close friends. 

He was born in Turlock, CA on November 19, 1951 and attended Chatom Elementary School.  He graduated from Turlock High School in 1969.  He attended CSU Stanislaus, and received his Bachelor of Science Degree from UC Davis.  He earned his Doctorate from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1978.

Gary was a loving husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, father-in-law and the best “Pops” ever.  Family was his passion.  He spent a lot of time making memories with his family and friends by having Friday night dinners, taking trips to the coast and wine country, and using funny anecdotes as teaching moments.  He loved playing golf, skiing, cooking the perfect tri-tip, going to sporting events, and telling “cow” stories.  His trademark was humor, wit, and a great attitude. 

Gary loved the Lord and studying God’s word.  He was also passionate about attending worship services at Monte Vista Chapel.   

Gary has been a veterinarian at Lander Veterinary Clinic for 33 years specializing in food producing livestock.  Over the years he has donated his time during the Stanislaus County Fair as the doctor on call.  He also volunteered his time as a 4-H and FFA advisor to teach his human clients while serving his animal patients.  Gary served on the Stanislaus County Fair Animal Health Advisory Committee, was a director for six years, and vice chair of the Reproduction Community for the board of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners.  He hosted international vet students, as well as students from U.S. veterinary schools, and gave over 100 hours annually the past 30 years as a volunteer for vet services doing health exams on replacement heifers.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Daley.  He is survived by his wife, Nancy Daley; his mom, Ozella Daley; his children, Derek Daley (Carolyn) and Dawn Garrett (David); his stepchildren, Kaci Kuykendall (Dustin) and Craig Sims; his sister, Jan Brown (Steve); and granddaughter, Jayden Garrett (and two more grandchildren on the way); as well as his niece, nephews, and great-niece and nephews. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Turlock Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd. Turlock, CA. A Viewing will be held on Monday, November 12, 2012 at Turlock Funeral Home from 5-7pm.   Celebration of Life service will be held at Monte Vista Chapel in Turlock on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the Bill and Elsie Ahlem Cancer Endowment, Hospice of Emanuel,  Jessica’s House at Emanuel Medical Center, 825 Delbon Avenue, Turlock, CA 95382, or Turlock Christian School FFA Program.

Condolences and special remembrances may be posed to Gary’s CaringBridge website at www.caringbridge.org/visit/garydaley.