Gary Trow Leipzig

Gary Trow Leipzig
July 30, 1954 - April 2, 2025
     Gary was born at Mather AFB, California to Franklin and Viola Leipzig. Gary was the youngest of their four children and the only son. His siblings were sisters Peggy, Kathy, and  Mary. Gary’s father was a Major in the Air Force with assignments at Mather AFB and in Japan, South Carolina and then back to Rancho Cordova where Gary’s father retired and where Gary attended Cordova High School, doing well in both academics and in athletics (track team). 
     After graduating from high school, Gary attended American River College studying Political Science in hopes of pursuing a law degree. Gary then decided to put college aside and join the Air Force and use the GI Bill to finish his college classes. His first assignment after basic training and tech school was to go overseas to Sembach AB, Germany working in the Communications Squadron. Soon after arriving at Sembach, he was notified of his acceptance to the Air Force Academy. During that same time, he met his future wife, Ginny. In May 1976, he and Ginny married, and he decided to forego attending the academy. In 1978 Gary was assigned stateside to Altus AFB, Oklahoma.
     While at Altus, his sons, Jeff and Mike, were born. In 1981, after serving his six-year enlistment, Gary was honorably discharged from the service and moved his family back to California. His first job after discharge was for American Mailing and Graphics selling mailing machines. In 1982 Gary changed careers and applied with the Department of Corrections for a Corrections Officer position and was accepted. After graduating from the Corrections Academy, Gary was assigned to Folsom Prison, serving 22 years at both Old and New Folsom. After retiring, he had a short-term career in real estate.
     Gary enjoyed 4-wheel drive trips in his Jeep, camping, fishing, and taking his pontoon boat out on Folsom Lake and at the campground lakes in the El Dorado National Forest. When tent camping became a bit more of a challenge in later years, he and Ginny decided it was time for much more comfort and took in the outdoor adventures in their motor home. He had a long-time desire to restore his 1940 Buick, aka, ”the Tank”. Gary had a major passion for his love for dogs and always had a household with many friendly K-9s under the roof. He also acquired a love of cooking and was always trying out new recipes with Ginny being the “taste tester.” He also had an affinity for Spam and used it whenever he could in his recipes that he posted on Face Book. He enjoyed John Wayne and Clint Eastwood movies along with any western and war movies. When it came to sports, his all-time favorites were the Green Bay Packers, San Francisco Giants, and NASCAR races. Most of all, Gary cherished his family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them. Whether for Easter dinner or 4th of July or Thanksgiving or Christmas or just sitting around talking, Gary was smart and quick witted and always had a story or two to tell and some jokes thrown in for good measure. It was always good times for him as well as for those with him.
     Gary leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Ginny; his son Mike and daughter-in-law, Kayla; son Jeff and daughter-in-law, Erica; grandsons Dillon and Ryan; sister Peggy and brother-in-law Bob (aka, the brother he never had); nephew David and niece Katie and their daughters, Holly and Abby; nephew Mike; brother-in-law, James and sister-in- law, Roanne and their daughters, Connor and Caitlin; longtime friends, Ruben and Cathy Silva.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 16 at 1:00pm at Price Funeral Chapel, with a service to follow at 2:00pm. 
6335 Sunrise Blvd., Citrus Heights 95610. Reception to follow at 8086 Garryanna Drive Citrus Heights 95610-0554

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