Gary Lee Gebhardt

Gary Lee Gebhardt, 80, of Sandy, Utah, passed from this life peacefully at his home on July 30, 2026, with his wife and best friend Joan who lovingly providing constant care during his decline. He provided a comfortable life for his family and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a man who earnestly sought ways to help others with little fanfare or recognition.

Gary was born June 18, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to William Jr. Gebhardt and his wife Louise Viola Wellington. He was raised by his foster parents Murray V. and Joan GebhardtMcCarter and spent his early life on Fenway Avenue in Salt Lake. When the opportunity presented itself, 5-year-old Gary would quietly escape from the cul-de-sac and peddle his tricycle at top speed down the middle of 12th east. He learned quickly that a policeman would pick him up and take him for an icecream cone before returning him home. I believe mom and the policeman soon became acquainted on a first name basis.

He grew up in a gang of post-war children his own age. He delighted in having the fastest tricycle, bicycle and later on the “coolest” car. He attended East High School where he was a star performer in track and field and cross-country; he graduated in 1965 and promptly joined the Utah National Guard, spent time at Ft. Lewis Washington, specialized in maintaining wheeled vehicles, and received an honorable discharge July 1971.

A mutual friend invited Gary to a barbeque where, not by chance, Joan was also expected to attend. One thing led to another and the two were married September 29, 1979. Together they raised two daughters and a son – Jenny Lynn, Amy Louise, and Eric Matthew.

In 1974, Gary began a career with the Union Pacific Railroad as a brakeman and switchman in the Salt Lake yard. In 1987 he served as a conductor on Amtrak for approximately two years. He then took and passed the test to become a locomotive engineer and served the railroad in that capacity for approximately fifteen years, expertly negotiating some of the most challenging routes in the western United States. He retired in 2005.

Gary’s natural ability in working with cars payed off when he sold one of the vintage autos he rebuilt to provide a down payment on a home for Joan. He took pride in designing a workshop in the adjoining garage of his current home; equipping it with automotive tools and woodworking machinery. There he, Eric and his brother Shaun spent countless hours rebuilding collectable cars. He was passionate about having quality cars and trucks for personal use, which he kept well maintained. Building and repairing things with his own hands was an enjoyable pass time—unless he could be with his grandchildren. He supported them in all their activities and special events including spending time with a bag full of nickels at the local arcade. He supported Joan in beautifully landscaping their home and growing a backyard vegetable garden which provided for their family table. Of note was his love for his little dogs. Seldom was he seen without one or another sitting next to him, on his lap, or resting beside him especially as his health began to fail.

Gary is survived by his wife, Joan Beckstrom of Lake Shore, his son Eric Gebhardt, daughter Jenny Lynn (Doug) Malmborg and their five children—Braydon, Kyle, Jocelynn, Matthew, and Jaxson; Son-in-law Chris (Amy Louise-deceased) Thayer and their three children—MacKenzie, Landen and Austin(Kailey) and their son Grayson; and a brother Larry Gebhardt Thorum. In addition, he is survived by his brother Kim McCarter and sister Lyn McCarter. Gary was preceded in death by his brother Ronald Gebhardt Thorum, a sister Alauna (Lonnie) Gebhardt Hyland, a brother Shaun McCarter, and four parents.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 10:00 am at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy. Additional information is available on the Larkin Mortuary website, where friends and family are welcome to leave condolences for the family.

Many thanks are extended to the nurses and care givers of Inspiration Home Health and Hospice who provided compassionate care and support for Gary, Joan and her family.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Gary’s name to any organization researching cures and treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s would be most appropriate and appreciated.