Gary Edwin Wakefield

Gary Edwin Wakefield was born in Newport Beach, CA, on December 15, 1967, to parents Edwin “Ted” Wakefield and Patricia Jean Wakefield. He was a welcome addition to the family, perfectly rounding out the bunch with his big sister Jennifer. Gary was a happy child who was always willing to lend a hand around the house and quickly grew a love for learning. All of his teachers said he was a delight, never giving them any issues. Those who knew him knew he had an exceptional memory and a knack for memorizing facts. He was especially fond of studying maps.

Originally living in Southern California, his mother, an accountant for HDR Engineering, and father decided to make the move to the quiet town, Cameron Park, after her work had asked for volunteers. There, Gary and his sister Jennifer made endless happy memories, often finding themselves at Sam's Town, a popular local hangout for teenagers and adults alike. They would visit the candy shop and arcade, and people-watch the countless tourists from the buses who'd stopped on their way to Tahoe.

After high school, Gary would go on to be a dedicated worker at HDR for thirty years, dutifully sorting the mail. Always with a smile on his face, his supervisors never failed to compliment his attitude and work ethic. He took pride in the work he did and how well he did it. Gary loved the social company events and continually found himself looking forward to the next picnic, holiday party, or barbecue. He had a particular passion for the annual cancer walks, as his mother had passed from an aggressive cancer in 2004.

Staying true to his SoCal roots, Gary was a massive fan of the LA Rams, LA Lakers, and USC Trojans. If a game was on, he was watching it. He collected all types of sports cards and books, with a strong penchant for the statistics.

Gary is survived by his sister, Jennifer Caris; brother-in-law, Roger; and niece, Stephanie. He will be remembered for his beautiful eyes, crooked grin, and perfect curls. Gary loved people, and he loved life. A true gentle soul, he made an impact on every person he met.

A celebration of life will be held at 10577 Coloma Rd, Rancho Cordova, CA, from 12 to 2 p.m. on September 5, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

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