Gary Boyd Denfeld Obituary (1961

Gary was born in Bakersfield CA on May 25, 1961, to Gilbert and Charlene Denfeld. Gary joined big sisters Sharon and Linda, and brother Gil. When he was 7, the family moved to Bend, Oregon. Gary played baseball his entire youth and was a catcher. He met Peggy Green in Bend, briefly living in Southern California and Eugene before marrying on July 15th. In 1993, after settling in Hillsboro, Gary and Peggy welcomed their first child Tracy, followed by Ryan in 1996. Gary was a skilled salesman, starting his career in the car industry, where he worked as a salesman, and then finance manager for Royal Moore and Kuni BMW. In his later years he moved to Costco where he sold electronics. Over the years he gained accolades for sales and customer service. Gary never met a stranger. He was friendly and could talk to anyone. He continually gave suggestions to Costco for what products his store needed and was about the most confident person you met. Gary was a very involved dad, introducing Tracy to movies and sushi, and Ryan to his love of baseball and all other sports. Gary cheered on his kids during their youth of sports, including Tracy's softball, soccer, and dance, and Ryan's baseball and wrestling. He was a kid at heart and did all the toy Christmas shopping. He loved going to Toys R Us even more than the kids, and eagerly supported their toy favorites, whether it was getting the latest Bratz doll, Hot Wheels, or Bionicles. Gary had many interests. He was the family's go-to for IT. He was an avid golfer and photographer, with a special love of the Southwest, framing many photos he took during his trips. Gary was a staunch supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles football team and the Los Angeles Angels baseball team. He loved astronomy and music, often making family members mixed tapes, CD's and thumb drives full of his favorites. With a penchant for fun, Gary did not take life too seriously, making time for laughter with his kids and wife. As Tracy and Ryan grew up and moved out of the house, Gary took on a strong role in his nieces' lives, supporting them at softball games and regular visits. Photos from the past decade will show his niece Allie playing beauty shop as Gary patiently got his hair styled. Maddie was a favorite partner to attend movies with. Gary was diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Degeneration (FTD) in January 2021. In the years leading up to his passing, his family made clear their love for him and were able to say their goodbyes. The battle was short but difficult. He passed away at Holi Senior Living on December 22nd, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Gary is survived by his wife Peggy, and children Tracy and Ryan. Before his diagnosis he expressed how proud he was of his daughter Tracy, who is a teacher in Portugal, and his son Ryan, a firefighter living in Beaverton. Included in his surviving family are siblings Sharon Baker and Gilbert Denfeld, as well as numerous extended family. Gary will be deeply missed by both his family and all who knew him. In Lieu of flowers the family asks for donations in Gary's memory to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (click here) or OHSU Foundation (click here) (select funds, other, OHSU Layton Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Center.) Both of these organizations are researching the cure for FTD.