Obituary of Gary Elger Weiss

Gary Elger Weiss passed away December 31, 2023 at the age of 77 after a brief battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Carol, a son Michael (Kate) of Montana, a daughter Madeline Bird (Loren) of Chico, a brother Bob Weiss of Idaho, and grandkids Ian, Chloe, Emily and Eric. He also leaves a sister-in-law Carrie in Colorado and three Chico sisters-in-law Jane Nachand, Nancy Hardy and Linda Edmond, as well as his Aunt Ruth Vengley in Rio Vista and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Gary was predeceased by his father Edgar Weiss, his mother June (Vengley) Salmon, his stepdad Roy Salmon, his brother David Weiss and his sister-in-law Gayle Weiss.

Gary was raised in Isleton, CA and graduated from Rio Vista High School. He served four years in the US Navy during the Vietnam conflict as an electrician aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga. After the service Gary took some law enforcement classes at Delta College but then spent most of his time working in the automotive industry. Early on he was a Nascar member and crew chief for his brother Bob, and worked at several automotive shops in the Stockton area. In 1981 Gary moved to Chico to work in the parts department at North Valley Volkswagen. Later Gary managed the Valley Battery Supply store, worked for George’s Pest Control for several years, and then returned to the automotive field working at Riebe’s Auto Parts until he retired in 2008.

Gary enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and playing pinochle with family and friends. On weekends he loved taking motorcycle rides with his good friend Mike. Gary liked watching all kinds of movies but especially Clint Eastwood and John Wayne. In the last couple of years Gary enjoyed going with Carol to her bowling leagues, cheering her on and chatting with friends. At least once a week you could find Gary and Carol enjoying breakfast at his favorite restaurant Cozy Diner, and Gary always shared with people how much he loved his Farmer Brothers coffee.

Our deepest thanks to the caring doctors, nurses and staff from Enloe Primary Care, Enloe Hospital and the Infusion center, and especially Enloe Hospice who gave Gary such wonderful care. Per his wishes there will be no services. Final arrangements are being handled by Brusie Funeral Home (www.brusiefh.com).