Our dear father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and friend passed away on August 1, 2020 with his daughters by his side. He was born February 17, 1940 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Wayne and Helen Staker. He is reunited in death with his son, Steven Gary Staker, and his wife, Shanni Elton Staker. He spoke of both of them often, and missed them greatly.
His greatest joy in life was being a grandfather, and he was an amazing one. He attended every sporting event, every graduation, and every birthday. He was always there for the big moments, and the little ones. On his last day, he still brought up the time he took Marshall to Heber to see Bart the bear, ride horses, and go fishing. One of Sarah’s favorite memories was grandpa allowing her to have ice cream for breakfast. His only question was, “sprinkles or no sprinkles?” Riley remembers him picking her up from school on Wednesdays, and taking her to Chuck-a-Rama. His grandchildren were golden in his eyes, and he made sure that they always knew it. He was the best grandfather they could have asked for, and never missed an opportunity to spend time with them.
He had several lifelong friends whom he spent time with golfing, shooting, and going to lunch with until the very end. He often reminded us about his friend Gary Curtis. They were born in the same hospital two days apart. They went through school together, and always stayed in touch. He always referred to his brother, Paul, as his best friend. He had quite a few lifelong friends. In February of this year, we celebrated his 80th birthday, where we invited his siblings and their spouses. They sat around the table talking and laughing for hours. They spoke of their parents with such love and respect, and how they were so blessed to have been raised by them.
He was a talented trap and skeet shooter, and in one competition, hit 99 out of 100 clay pigeons. He golfed weekly, and enjoyed it immensely. He would proudly tell people, that he was the best shooter in his group, and the worst golfer. He loved the Utah Jazz, and went to many games.
He is survived by his daughters, Michelle Staker, Angela Staker Serzen (Roger), grandchildren, Marshall Serzen (Macy), Sarah Gibbs (Christopher), and Riley Staker, great-grandchildren, Norman and Ellis Serzen, and his siblings Paul Staker (Lawna), Sue Meyer (Rod), and Scott Staker (Robin)
A private funeral service will be held for the family.
Angie, Shellie and all your loved ones, Both Sally and especially me are so saddened to learn of your fathers passing. Words fail me, but know that he was loved by us both. I wish I could say something more comforting but I seem to have something in my eyes now.
I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the family. Gary was one of a kind and I have many fond memories of him while shooting and golfing over the last 25 years. I appreciated his sense of humor greatly and always looked forward to his wit and charm. He will be missed by all that knew him.
I was so sad to read of Gary‘s passing. I truly thought he had many years left to enjoy! He was such a good friend to my mother Gloria Wuckert as they sat together in the dining room and lived next door at Cedarwood at Sandy. He watched over her with care, always making sure she had black olives at lunch! He was really torn up when mom passed away. What a sweet man he is. Sending kind thoughts of comfort and condolences to Gary’s family.
Dearest Staker Family,
I was very sorry to hear about the loss of Gary. I always enjoyed the visits over at Doris' house with him. They were always fun chats. My thoughts are with you all
Connie Gilbert
Gary was my friend at Cedarwood. We played games together. Sometimes when he didn't have enough quarters I would loan a couple to him. He always remembered to pay me back the very next time he saw me. We would often visit and joke when things were slow. I can still hear his laugh. He liked dice and 21. We couldn't get him to play Bingo because it wasn't a man's game. He saw to it that people in wheelchairs would get home OK. He is missed.
I am so grateful to have know Gary. I thank you, his family, for choosing Cedarwood to be his home for these last couple of years. I'll just say a couple of things about Gary rather than going on and on about what a wonderful and lovable person he was, because that you have had your life times to already know. I am so sorry for your loss.
Did he tell you that every morning, rain or shine, at breakfast in the dining room, he led his table mates in the song "Good Morning to You"? Sometimes in our morning exercise classes he would do the same. And he usually wanted to tell a joke as well!
I will always remember his example of friendship. He made friends at Cedarwood easily and was a devoted, attentive and steadfast friend. And tender-hearted. When I came back to work last year after being off for a week and a half after losing my father, Gary and I approached each other in the hallway and with tears in his eyes he gave me a wonderful, big hug. There was no need for him to say anything - the hug said everything.
Thanks again. I miss him.
Love, Teresa Jarvie
Paul and Lawna, while I don't remember Gary very much, I have many fond memories of your family. So, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you. Sandra
Angie and shelly I was thinking of my brother and your Father and missing him more today than any other day which I did not think was possible not a day goes buy I don't miss going shooting, or just talking to him on the phone. He was truly my best friend we never had time when we were younger to do many things together but when I retired we became very close I miss our trips to Wendover we talk about many things on the ride to and from we talked about when we were growing up when we were kids even though Gary was 11 years older he would take me pheasant hunting, deer hunting. When I was in high school he helped me get a job at granite meats after school. After when I was newly married I went back to work their we had a lot of good times together I Loved and miss him very much.
