Gary submitted his life to the leadership of Jesus Christ in 1972 while serving in the U.S. Navy. Though he had attended church as a child, he said that he had a lot to learn! He was immediately discipled by a few sailors aboard his ship. After his enlistment, he stayed involved with the larger military ministry for several years and then finished an accounting degree at San Diego State University.

After college graduation, Gary married Donna Mae and they went on staff with The Navigators campus ministries. They raised their four children during the next 19 years and discipled students at Oregon State University and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

After that, God led Gary to retire from collegiate ministry and move from California to Washington State where Donna Mae grew up. In 1999 they became members of Faith Church and in 2004 Gary was asked to be Faith’s Associate Pastor. In 2010 God led him to retire from pastoring and focus on residential and commercial real estate investing and brokering. In July of 2023 Gary was invited back onto Navigator Staff, focused on helping local churches develop disciple making ministries.

Gary has had the privilege of serving several terms on the Elder Board. He has enjoyed the rewarding experience of being an Elder at Faith.