Gary Calkins

Birth: July 26, 1946 | Died: December 18, 2022

An accomplished craftsman in restoring classic cars, it is with broken hearts that the family of Gary Calkins announce his sudden passing on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at the age of 76, while working on his canary yellow 1954 convertible Corvette. Gary will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Bonnie; children, Lori (Karl), Kristine, Andria; step-children Lauren (Chris), Rob, and Karyn (Kris); grandchildren, Garet (Kylee), Taylr (Canon), Tarah (Steven), Cody, Caden, Cara, Connor, Cameron, Bryce, Hunter, Nate, Finn, Jade, Becker, Cooper; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Walker, Coen; siblings, Merv (Patty), Wayne (Debbie), Stanley (Caren), Darlene; and numerous other family members and friends. Gary was predeceased by his first wife, Elaine; his parents, Glen and Rita; siblings, Ronnie and Hugo. Born in Canada, Gary came to the U.S. at the age of 5 with his parents and two older brothers. He was part of the Mayfair High School's graduating class of '64 and fondly retold stories of pranks he pulled with his brothers and friends during his school years. Gary married his high school sweetheart Elaine and had three beautiful daughters who he was incredibly proud of. He moved his young family to Anaheim in 1966 where he worked as a carpenter. The family moved to Anaheim Hills in 1977 after Gary became a general contractor starting Calkins Construction. He gained an excellent reputation building custom homes and commercial projects throughout Southern California. Gary was a nationally ranked speedway racer in his early years and later continued his love of speed racing sprint cars, custom flat-track motorcycles and speed boats. He was an active member of the Anaheim Hills Tennis club, enjoyed spending time with his family at their river house... boating, water skiing and jet skiing. He was an avid snow skier, loved building and working on classic cars, his weekly donuts and coffee group and winning endless awards at car shows. Gary spent his last 20 years with his loving and devoted wife Bonnie. Together they enjoyed spending time with their collective children and grandchildren. Their lives were filled with much laughter and love. Gary was larger than life and will be missed by so many who loved him dearly. Burial services will be held on Saturday, January 14th, at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery located at 7845 E Santiago Canyon Rd, Orange, CA 92869. A Celebration of Life will proceed the burial. For details regarding the Celebration of Life please email celebrategaryc@gmail.com