Gary Lyman Fawson, son of Nina May Sweat and Joshua Lyman Fawson, was born May 26,1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gary was happily married to Janet Lynn Pack for 50 years and they have 5 children — "all boys except four” — and 26 grandchildren. He was the Owner/Operator of Gary’s Fruit Stand from 1969 through 1971. He was the Founder/Owner of the Grantsville Gazette. He established The Village mobile home park and Grantsville Self-Storage. Gary and Janet raised their children in Ukiah, California, where they lived for 26 years before retiring in Grantsville, Utah. While in California, Gary worked in advertising for the Ukiah Daily Journal and created a real estate magazine for Lake and Mendocino Counties. Gary’s love of gardening and all things green led him toward becoming a Tooele County Master Gardener for the past 15 years, serving as President and board member. He served 9 years on the Grantsville City Planning Commission, serving twice as Chairman. Gary was chairman of the Grantsville City Tree Board and has been instrumental in helping the city to achieve and maintain Tree City USA status every year since 2004. He also served as a board member on the Utah Community Forest Council, earning the President’s Award for his dedication and service. In conjunction with the city, and with the help of Tri-City Nursery in Kaysville and fellow Tree Board Members, Gary has helped the citizens of Grantsville in planting and caring for approximately 1500 trees through the city’s tree campaign program. Gary was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in many callings including High Councilman, Seminary Teacher, Bishop’s Counselor and Bishop. He was an Eagle Scout, BYU Graduate, and served a two-year mission in Hawaii. After a long battle with cancer, Gary passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Arlo and his sister Doris. He is survived by his wife, Janet; his siblings: Sharleen May (Marlo), DeLoy Fawson, and Linda Mondragon (Junior); his children: Emily Flake (Curtis), Andrea Smith (Jim), Richard Fawson (Elizabeth), Julia Hathaway (J.), and Christine Hill (Ross). Gary will be remembered for his hardworking hands, passionate spirit, and loving heart. The oasis in the desert he created will continue to be a blessing to all.
A viewing will be held Sunday, October 4, 2020 from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 5, 2020 at 10:00 am with a viewing prior, beginning at 9:00 am. Services will be held at the Grantsville Stake Center, 550 E. Durfee St., Grantsville, Utah.
The family has arranged for an online option to view the funeral services live. Click on the ZOOM link below at the beginning of the funeral service to view online:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88571307603
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Oct 12, 2020
Fonnell Reagan
Stumbled into this online. Phil and I are so sad! Before the pandemic close down we were planning a visit. So sad we didn't make it. Fond memories fill us. Gary was our dearest friend and he will be greatly missed. Not a better person could you have for a friend. Fawson family, we love you and hope you are all okay. Big hugs from the Reagan's
Oct 12, 2020
Melissa Larsen
When we first moved in, Gary brought some tree starts and a "stick". He told me if I put the "stick" in the ground and gave it enough water, it would grow. I have the most beautiful tiny tree in my yard from that "stick". It grows slowly, but it grows. Every time I look at that little tree I remember the seriousness and the faith in his voice as he explained that with love and faith (and a little water) the stick would become a tree. We will greatly miss Gary.
Oct 5, 2020
Raymond Elfors
Gary with his wonderful companion Janet have been such great hero's to so many. Many of us have spent 12 years going to school, playing together at recess, scouting, working hard at track, and other school and church activities together. We spent years together at BYU with Janet and Gary. They hosted several of our class reunions at their beautiful estate in Grantsville. Gary will be greatly missed for this life but fondly remembered. May God continue to bless Janet and their family.
Oct 4, 2020
Tom Colwell
What a wonderful man. I have such great memories of Gary, always kind, full of wisdom, and an example of what it means to be an honorable husband and father, especially to me as an impressionable high school young man many years ago. My heart goes out to the Fawson family in your time of loss.
Oct 3, 2020
Jeffery Fawson
As a child, my parents and grandparents used to travel to Ukiah to see them and have some special times with them! The best vacation any one could ask for!
Sep 30, 2020
Gary & Margaret Goff
We will never forget Garys loving heart and his compassion that he had for our family him and Janet were always there to help us whenever our family was in need he helped us through some real tough times in our life our hearts are broken and we send our love to Janet and her family you will be missed greatly Gary
Sep 30, 2020
Tara Burnett Cottle
Great Uncle you are! we'll miss your amazing presence but you'll be alive in our hearts, til we meet again. much love to you, your wife, children and family
Sep 30, 2020
Bill Lamb
We are sad to hear of Gary passing away. We remember all the good times we had in Ukiah with you Janet and Gary. We want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bill & Kathy Lamb
Sep 30, 2020
Carolyn Lemmon
So sorry went to school with him. We were very good friends. My name is Jimmy Lemmon, father's name was Nelson Lemmon, you may remember us. May God bless you all.
Sep 30, 2020
Anonymous
Sending our love. Gary was so dear to us.Love, Rex and Pat Hayes
Sep 29, 2020
Jim and Karla Craig
Our thoughts and prayer are with you and your family.Jim and Karla Craig
Sep 29, 2020
Ric Amestoy
Entering a new and beautiful garden path, that will bring great joy and eternal happiness..Ric Amestoy
Sep 29, 2020
Anonymous
With love from the May family,Sharleen, Mark & Susan, Richard & Marla, Stacey & Teresa
Sep 29, 2020
Larry and Sandi Denning
We are so sorry for your loss Rich. We are praying for you and your family and sending our deepest sympathies.Larry and Sandi Denning
Sep 29, 2020
Deseret Family Dentistry
Gary was a wonderful man, we are so grateful we had the pleasure of knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this timeDeseret Family Dentistry
Sep 29, 2020
(John boy) Linbarger
I only knew Gary when I was a child but his attention to detail, his ability to build anything with his hands and always a smile even when I was a pain. I still use his build anything attitude today.(John boy) Linbarger
Sep 29, 2020
Scott & Tanya Dickey
Rich and family,So sorry for your lossScott & Tanya Dickey
Sep 29, 2020
Cindy Beaver Groverman (and family)
Thank you for being a part of my life. The world is better because of you.Cindy Beaver Groverman (and family)
Sep 29, 2020
Lorina Bishop & Aubrey Peatross
Janet, please accept our condolences at this difficult time. Gary will be missed. If you need us please don't hesitate to call. Lorina & Aubrey (Insurance Network).Lorina Bishop & Aubrey Peatross