In Memory Of

Gary Morgan Wheeler

7/23/1952 - 8/14/2016

Details

Service Date

08/27/2016

Service Time

10:00 AM

Service Location

Bunker's Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona

location_on Service Location

About Gary Morgan Wheeler

Gary Morgan Wheeler…

…was a strong, kind and wise man who in his gentleness was larger than life and touched the hearts of all he met in a special way.

He began working as a copper miner after moving to Globe, Arizona in 1970 where he met and married the love of his life Nikki Latendresse, a cute, young waitress. Next month would have marked their forty fifth wedding anniversary.

A year passed and the newlyweds welcomed a son Dan followed by the birth of little brother Chris five years later. Over the next fifteen years, they lived throughout the Southwest and finally settled in the Valley of the Sun where after the purchase of some land in Apache Junction, Sun West Mobile Modular was born and remains the family’s business.

Gary’s most well-known hobby was Pool and he belonged to several leagues such as BCA and APA. For many years he played about four nights a week, so recently he and Nikki joined a couples league because after all, what wife wouldn’t want to spend evenings with her husband after working with him all day every day? Gary was a team captain for many years and his son Dan had also been playing league with him for about 10 years (so naturally his wife Candace joined too!) Gary also bowled a few seasons with the family.

During Gary’s rich life his hobbies were not limited to indoor sports for he had a spirit that longed to be outdoors and spent as much free time as possible with friends and family while he pursued passions such as fishing, duning, boating, deep sea fishing and photography.

In his 64 years Gary made many friends, all who probably think they were his best. His presence will be missed, but his essence will stay in the hearts of those whose lives he touched in his special, gentle way.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Gary was born July 23 rd 1952 in Los Angeles, California. His sister Frieda, and brothers Ronny and Skip preceded in Gary’s passing. He is survived by his wife Nikki Wheeler, and sons Chris, Dan and daughter-in-law Candace. Gary was cremated and his wishes were to have his ashes spread over Roosevelt Lake, one of his favorite fishing spots near Globe, AZ where much of his family’s reunions, holiday outings, weekend getaways and cherished memories were created over the last forty fun filled years.

Honoring Your Loved Ones

Condolences

20 comments

Penny Petersen

ago

What a Beautiful story. I’m sure going to miss you Uncle Gary. You were a big part of my life and I’ll always remember and cherish the last story you told me of my Dad making you that Butter, peanut butter and jelly sandwhich that was not to your standards because the butter was on the bottom and it was suppose to be on top. So my Dad flipped the sandwhich over and said “there! Now it’s on top!” Thanks for a great memory and now you can go reminisce with him, Ronny and Frieda. I love you forever! My love to you Nikki, Danny and Christopher.

Bob & Gloria Robertson

ago

We are Candace’s grandparents and when we met Gary we liked him instantly. Our great grandchildren loved him dearly – Bethany’s kids that Candace n Dan babysit.

Arlene

ago

Hi I’m Gary nice Arlene in the best times of my life when I was little Gary will always invite the family out to the lake to have a good time to Camp,fish and go tubing. The last memory that me and my fiance had with Gary is going up to the sand dunes New Year’s Eve 2016.

Dorothy Ownsby

ago

He will be missed and never forgotten. Thus is very touching and very well said if his life, passion, and hobbies. I will never forget the times we all had together,and now he is are our angel. God always takes the best.

susie

ago

Gary. you was one of the best big bothers.missing you.

Jordan Robertson

ago

Gary was one of the kindest people I have ever met & he carried himself in a way I haven’t seen in very many people. He will be missed and we will never let his pressence be without anytime we gather.

Ann-Marie Arguello

ago

My dear sweet uncle Garry was one of the BEST persons on earth. The most loving father, uncle, brother,family, and friend. My most memorable memories are of My fun loving uncle. From planning vacations, fishing, boating, camping, eating out, cooking in, making home made ice cream, BBQs, shopping, Christmas gatherings, playing pool and going to the movies theater to watch Lord of the Rings. You name… He planned it… We did it. There was never a dull moment in his life, our life with him, and in our hearts. I love you deeply and will miss you severely!!!!!

Naomi Valles

ago

Some of my earliest memories include you Uncle Gary. My sister and I learned to water ski tube and camp from the yearly summer trips to Az. All the late night craw dad hunts at Lake Roosevelt, and conversations about life are deeply missed. Your pride in my sister and I achievements and encouragement during our failures have taught us how to cope with life’s ups and downs. I’m so proud to have all the memories I do. Rest in heavenly peace Uncle Gary.

John Sanchez

ago

I’ve thought of Gary often and what a nice man he is, I played APA years ago, and had the opportunity to spend time with Gary, and I’m proud to say he was a friend. I remember he, without hesitation donated money to help my son Jack go to Minnesota to play in the junior nationals, his love for the game and generosity was apparent. What a bright smile he has ,he’ll be missed by many. Gods speed Gary

Allen Cornell

ago

I’m glad I was able to meet Gary, definitely one of the nicest men I ever met! RIP Gary!

Kitty scott

ago

I am one of Gary’s niece’s , and one of my fondest memories is when I got to visit for the summer when I was 16 Gary and aunt Nicky took me bowling for the first time.it really was quite an experience I’ll never forget how are they both laughed ,when I threw my first ball and my fingers got stuck and almost pulled me down the lane. And even when they tryed to see if I was alright they couldn’t control there laughter I was even laughing at my self . Just that one moment with all of us laughing was memorable .I won’t forgot the last thang he said to me he boy will be boys let your boys play and get dirty and yeah there gonna get hurt from time to time but that’s boys . Don’t let them bary them selfs in them dang video games that what all these kids are doing now days and don’t know the value of hard work. Gary was old school and believed in hard work that if you didn’t like something or wanted to change it only you can can do it nobody can do it for you. I love you uncle Gary and you will forever be missed. And some of mine and your conversation really did stick and will never be forgotten. ..

Nadine Summers

ago

im so sorry about Gary Mike work for Gary 5 years unti we moved out of state.He was a great friend to us and my son William.Gary you will be missed.WE has some fun times with gary when he took his whole crew to California. We had a blast.My condolences go out to Nikkie,Dan.Chris,and candence.Love you from Mike and Nadine Summers

Angele Cantrell

ago

Gary is my brother in law. I can not separate their giving heart one from the other. Because of them I was strong. I always knew that I would be able to achieve my hopes and dreams as they had my back. They threw me a life line. I reached for it and pulled myself up. Many trials I had to hurdle. But for them I would not have accomplished my journey. I may have taken it for granted because I knew that I was in their hearts. Gary Nicole I love you. So grateful of your love and everlasting friendship.

Craig Loram

ago

Our hearts are broken. We lost a great and gentleman, even though Diane can not be there on Saturday to celebrate his life, please know that we are there in spirit. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Gods speed Gary

Kim Korstad

ago

My heart is broken. I am glad that I had the opportunity of meeting & spending time with Gary & Nikki. I met Gary playing APA Pool. Gary was always friendly, helpful and someone to look up to. I became close with Gary & Nikki and love them both, it always made my day to see the Wheeler family. Gary taught me some things in pool and I admired his determination to get through things and always being cheerful. We lost a wonderful gentleman and heaven has gained a terrific angel. Gary will be truly missed and the Wheeler family are in my prayers.

Jeffery Moe

ago

I met Gary playing Pool and he was very kind man always willing to teach & coach anyone who asked. He was also a great sportsman. I will miss him. He was my first Captain in the APA Pool League.

Jeremy Zastrow

ago

My heartfelt condolences go out to your family. I will surely miss the presence of a truly loveable and kind person. I played pool with Gary for several years. He was always a pleasure to shoot with, and helped me get started in the pool community. There were some good times at the Las Vegas tournaments over the years and I’ll never forget my trip to the Glamis sand dunes with him.

Carolle Davis

ago

I will miss you so much Gary. You have been more than a brother in law to me, you were a brother, a friend, a playmate, you encouraged me, and guided me. I’m where I am because of you Nicky and Angie. There will be such a void in my life now . Gary have fun in heaven with all of our loved ones. Keep Ivan in line, you were always his favorite also. Love you and miss you. See you in heaven dear brother.

Loretta Wilson

ago

Gary you were a great brother-in-law. Loved the times that Skip and I did get together with Niki and you. I remember the time that Skip was trying to ask me to marry him and he was taking to long so you spoke up and asked me for him. Lol Gary you will be missed very much. Niki, Dan, Candence,and Christopher my heart goes out to you all. Gary be sure and tell all of the loved ones in the family who has preceded you into Heaven hi for us and that we love and miss them. RIP Gary.

Nadia

ago

I’m deeply sorry for your loss. It’s my hope that you can draw comfort and strength from Jehovah God’s promises in the Bible. At Revelation 21: 3, 4 and John 5: 28, 29 He promises that there will soon be a time when there will be no more pain, sickness, or death, and we will see the loved ones we have lost again. Please accept my deepest condolences.