Gary Raymond Dahl
December 19, 1949 – May 21, 2022
Gary Raymond Dahl, 72, of Mesa, AZ, passed away at home on May 21, 2022.
Born December 19, 1949 in Paterson, NJ, he grew up in Deerfield Beach, Florida along with his sister Beverly. In 1975, with his wife Denise, they travelled across the country to settle in Arizona and have resided in Mesa for 47 years. Denise and Gary travelled and camped regularly. He worked at Brown and Brown Chevrolet as a major collision auto body repair specialist for over 30 years and made many friends and memories.
Gary was a devoted husband for 48 years and someone his family, friends, and co-workers could always count on. He enjoyed working on and fixing up older cars, hunting, fishing and attending and watching Nascar races. There wasn’t a project that he was afraid to tackle. Whenever you saw him, there would be a smile on his face and a great story to be shared. Gary was truly a special man.
Gary is predeceased by his parents, Ray and Christine Dahl. He is survived by his loving wife, Denise (Hanley), his sister, Beverly Blomquist (Dahl) of Bailey, Colorado as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. To honor Gary’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. The family invites your to express your condolences and share your memories below.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arizona Humane Society in Gary’s name.
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Uncle Gary, I am so thankful for our relationship and the time that we spent together throughout the years. You have always been there for me, Colleen, Anthony, and Lily. I loved that you always looked for ways to teach and mentor the people around you.
I think what I will miss most are the times we would talk, and you would tell me different stories. Even though I knew you for my whole life, it seemed like there was always a new and crazier story of what you did with your friends or with Denise. Top that with you being one of the most talented and creative people I will ever know. It seemed like you were always working on the next project; Dirt bike, bronco, drifter, truck, concrete job the list was endless. I loved that about you.
Lastly, I have always admired the way you and Aunt Denise have cared for and loved each other. The evidence of a person’s faith is reflected by their deeds and actions, and no one can deny that you have devoted your life to caring for your family throughout the years. No words can express the love I have for you and how much you will be missed. Love Tony
Gary,
I’m so honored to be your little sister, even though having a little sister has its drawbacks.
Momma always told me when I was born you called me princess.
You always treated me that way, except, of course, when you teased me incessantly, but that was part of the fun.
You have always been my role model of how to treat a woman, and I have countless stories to remember of your life and our lives together.
I love you with a forever love, and can’t wait to be with you again in heaven.
Peace, my BroBro,
Obili.
The best brother in law a family ever had! Gary was the kindest most decent man we ever knew. Godspeed brother until we are reunited again in heaven! Love you. Tim and Tammy
Gary, Gary, Gary…I had the pleasure of working with you for many years and socializing with you and your lovely wife Denise. You will be greatly missed by so many. RIP…your friend Debbie Bradfield
Gary, It’s tough to say good bye to such a good friend. Phyllis and I will always remember the many dinners we had together. You added a new chapter in my life by such activities as 4 wheeling in the desert, scouting elk on the rim, and watching NASCAR with you. You were always there if I needed advice on any subject and spent time helping with my cars’ problems. You were always involved in a project at home or helping others solve their problems/projects. It was indeed an honor to know you and spend time with you. You will be greatly missed by Phyllis and I. We had a special kind of love.
I’m expressing my sorrow to the family over the loss of Gary, a wonderful husband, uncle, brother and friend. My heart is with you Denise my friend forever. Much love, Ruthie ❤️
Gary, I am truly blessed to have shared so many good memories, all the years of working together. I use working loosely. all the trips wether it was camping ,fishing, the dunes or were ever we ended up. we had a blast. my whole family is truly better off because of you and Denise. heaven has a new ring leader. (inside joke) but we have lost a great man temporarily. rest in peace buddy
Denise, we are so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. We will remember his love of life and kindness towards everyone he met. Our prayers are with you.
Tom and Laura
T h e Goomb was a friend like no other,we were truly brothers,Gary and I .Both Diane and I myself loved you dearlyy and you will be missed .Much love Bruce & Diane
Gary,
Neighbors by chance, and a friendship that lasted almost 40yrs. Poker games and Christmas Eve parties that always got a little out of hand, but made us laugh until it hurt. Casino trips where we hoped for a hand pay, but usually it was only the ATM handing us any money. You always had a great story to tell and we had so many fun times together.
You will be missed more than you know.
Dear Denise. This so breaks my heart. Gary and you brought so much joy and laughter to our lives. The Gary’s were brothers in spirit and humor. I toasted to them tonight because thats what I believe they were doing as they met up. Please except my condolences. Love to you.
Denise, I am so very sorry for your loss! Gary was such a joy-filled person. You have my sincere condolences. I am praying that God helps you through the terrible sorrow!
Carol Sellers
Gary was such a dear man. Always with a friendly smile and a caring heart. His love for Denise was just beyond boundaries. Gary will truly be missed. Gary was a class act. Thank you for the privilege of knowing you. RIP dear Gary. Barbara Colemere
Papa Gary,
I always loved spending time with you and aunt Denise. Some of my favorite things to do with you were fishing, scorpion hunting, and riding in the bronco. You’ve have always loved me like a grandson, and you will always have a special place in my heart. I love you so much and will miss you. See you in heaven. Love Anthony!
I have known Gary for a few years. I had the pleasure of first caring for his dad Ray, and his mom Christine. He will be missed by many. But I know he is in heaven with his mom and dad.
It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Tim and I are going to miss your smile, your infectious laugh, your sense of humor, and the stories. We had such fun hanging out, playing cards and silly Games on Christmas Eve. You will be missed by many. 💔
Riding down road in a 56 Ford Gary’ going to fast i don’t know what for laughing at everything could it be because we got his mom’s car and we’re footloose fancy-free Rattlesnake hitchhiking in the middle of the dirt road Gary said let’s pick him up i say oh no laughing at everything so we put in a bucket in the back seat here we go Whoa-ho we just turned sixteen we got no worries just dreams Gary is fishtaiiling from side to side we’re laughing so hard there’s tears in our eyes now we’re on two wheels now we’re sliding on the door oh me oh my Whoa-ho we just turned sixteen we got no worries just dreams well i push Gary out of that top door that rattler too close that’s for sure then Gary pulled out justin time for a high five now that’s what it’s all above Whoa-ho we just turned sixteen we got no worries just dreams I have ALLways had your Gary and Know you allway had mine i know when i see you a gain in heaven you’ll have long hair and snow white wings and we’ll be best friends forevermore LOVE YOU Gary
To our dear Gary
No words can express how you will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing you
What an amazing brother-in-law. Always giving us the biggest smile, the biggest hugs, and many memories that we will cherish forever! Your love for Denise is like no other.
Until we meet again
Mike and Cheryl
Denise, we’re sending you our love and hugs.
Gary was truly one of the best ever. Always fun and taught me so much that has helped make me who I am today. I’ll always be so grateful for his friendship and you both always made Kari and I feel like your little brother and sister. The love you two shared was something so enviable and wonderful to experience. I’ll miss him so much but absolutely will never forget all the great times we shared and lessons he taught me.
We love you both and always will!!!
Dearest Gary, the love of my life for 48 beautiful years. Thank you for sending me that drink at the High Tide Bar in Deerfield Beach, Florida. November, 1973.
It was the beginning of the most beautiful Love imaginable. We looked into each others eyes, it was truly magical. Our hearts connected at that very moment. We were inseparable from that day on.
We loved hanging out on the beach, our favorite place. I remember when you found a hunk of pumice stone in the sand and carved a sailboat for me. (very impressive sweetheart). Then another visit to the beach, just sitting there talking, enjoying the sound of the waves and a nice breeze, You were placing seashells on my toes like they were my toenails…you made me laugh so hard! You actually had me at the pumice creation!
A month or so later, your dad, was given 2 tickets to Super Bowl 8. He planned on taking you. You told him that you couldn’t go without me. Your dad just happened to come up with a ticket for me. My dad was so jealous. He said “she doesn’t even like football, take me!” Yeah, whatever dad! (lol)
The game was fun because I was with YOU sweetheart…SURPRISE!!! You asked me to marry you at the airport on our way home. Oh, by the way, the Dolphins won over the Vikings.
We got married February 15th, 1974
We took a month vacation. We traveled out west camping and having such fun along the way. We drove through Colorado visiting some of Gary’s friends. We stayed in a haunted house. One night was enough, right honey? Off to Arizona to check things out. We decided that Mesa, Arizona would be the place to live. Back to Florida. One year later, in 1975 we moved to Arizona with $350.00. We didn’t have a lot. Whatever we didn’t have, WE built! It was fun and exciting. It was all out of the LOVE we had!
So much more to OUR life, which will carry me through ALL of the memories of you and me forever and ever!
I Love you so much Gary, I miss you so, so much!
You are in the hands of God now and someday I will meet you at the beach in heaven.
Your Loving Wife,
Denise (Neesi)
To my family and our friends:
From the bottom of my heart, I thank my wonderful family and friends who have gone above and beyond helping me cope with the loss of my dear Gary. I also want to thank Anthem Hospice for the amazing tender care that they gave to all of us for Gary.
Sincere Love,
Denise
You were one of a kind! I loved the way you always made my family feel welcome at home when we traveled to see you and Denise We did so many crazy fun things together. I loved the way you loved Your wife. You both had a beautiful marriage and I know how much she loved you. Until we meet again!
I worked with Gary for 8 and a half years and was never a dull moment. We always had fun and Gary always was there to lend a helping hand. We did lots of outings, camping,atv and utv rides, hunt and fish trips. He will be missed till we all meet again
Denise I am sorry for your loss.
I only met Gary once but the stores my brother told me over the years .I feel like I new Gary personally. Gary was a good friend he was all ways three for Terry.This quote reminds me of there friendship.
The family I came from,
The family I made,
The family I chose,
You and Gary were the family Terry chose. God bless you. love Aleia Mauk Gunn
Denise, I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing! He was such a dear man and I know how much he will be missed, this is such heartbreaking news. I remember being at your house for a Stapley party and he was telling the story about the scorpion being under his pillow when he stuck his hand under it!! Big time sting!! I think of you both every time I drive up to Pine and I pass by your place. Love and miss you! RIP Gary!
What do you say after a 40 plus years of friendship !!!??? Too many memories.! I’ ll see you in the next one Gar. Love ya bud.
Gary Our Happy Smiling Friend, Thank you and Denise for all the great memories and fun times at the New Years parties, playing cards and get-togethers. We will miss you.
Your kind spirit will never be forgotten. RIP🤍
Gary was the greatest!! I’m sure those gates in heaven flung open and Mama your dad and amber were waiting for you gone from our sight but will live forever in our hearts RIP Gary I will check on Denise everyday
I first met Gary in the late 60s when he came to Arizona to check it out. He drove an old VW micro bus he named WONDER DOG. He worked with me at Mesa Muffler and he was living in his bus, so I invited him to come stay at my house with me and my family. He left to go back to Florida after a few months or a year, I don’t really remember. Next time I saw him he had came back to Arizona with his bride Denise. We remained friends for all these years. Sorry we didn’t stay closer to each other brother but we’ll see each other again. You will be missed by all who knew you as the greatest guy and friend a person could have.