Gary James Arnold
January 28, 1941 ~ June 15, 2025
Born in:
Atchison, Kansas
Resided in:
Fremont, California
Gary Arnold, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away in his sleep on June 15, 2025, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease, at the age of 84. He was born in Atchison, Kansas to Minerva & Samuel Arnold. He grew up on a farm with his siblings Sam and Kathie and at the age of 12, the family moved to California. As a young man, he picked fruit in the fields of the East Bay and was active in multiple sports before graduating from Washington High School in Fremont. Gary met the love of his life, Carol, as a sophomore at San Jose State University, and after a whirlwind 6-month courtship, they were married in Santa Clara on June 25, 1961.
Gary and Carol were married for almost 64 years, living in the same house in Fremont for the past 57. They raised two wonderful sons, Michael & David, whom Gary was incredibly proud of. Gary and Carol were always seen together in the stands at the boys’ many sporting events, school assemblies, and band recitals. Gary particularly loved coaching the boys’ baseball teams at Mission San Jose Little League, where he was voted Manager of the Year an incredible five times in 10 years of coaching. The family owned a ski boat that was the basis for many wonderful family vacations in the Delta, and each year, they took an annual trip to Clear Lake in Northern California. Gary would get the family up early to capitalize on the glassy water and would then patiently drive the boat all day long.
Professionally, Gary was a self-driven entrepreneur who founded and managed two different small businesses. He obtained his broker’s license at the surprisingly young age of 21 and founded Master Key Real Estate soon thereafter. He led Master Key for 19 years before eventually founding Appraisals Unlimited with his longtime friend, Steve Cooper. Throughout his career, Gary regularly invested in local residential real estate properties throughout the East Bay. He retired at age 60 and continued to manage his rental portfolio for several more years. After retirement, he often joyfully talked about how much he enjoyed Sunday nights because he didn’t have to plan for the work week ahead. He unfortunately was diagnosed with heart disease at this time, but he benefitted from six stents that allowed him to maximize his retirement years.
Throughout the years, Gary and Carol did almost everything together as best friends. They went on several cruises to different parts of the world but loved nothing more than spending time with their six grandchildren – Jessica, Amanda (Matt Sulek), Mackenzie (Noah Walker), Gregory, Julia, and Ryan. Just like with their own children, Gary and Carol could always be seen supporting their beloved grandkids whenever possible. Just prior to Gary’s passing, they were blessed with their first great-grandchild, Kennedy Anne Walker.
Gary was passionate about golf and made it a regular part of his retirement life. He was a member at Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton for 36 years and enjoyed playing with his buddies in the Bandits group. Gary and Carol developed great friendships at Castlewood and went on many trips together with their member friends. But, Gary’s favorite golf adventure was his annual golf trip with Mike, Dave, and a few select friends. Over the years, they took over 25 outings to Palm Springs, Myrtle Beach, Mesquite, and Phoenix. He also had the opportunity to play in Ireland when on a trip with the Santa Clara University Booster Club. Gary is the only member of the family to ever have a hole-in-one.
Gary was a role model to all in his life. He lived with kindness at the center of everything he did. He was warm and thoughtful, always knowing when to lighten a moment with a joke or offer strength in quiet ways when you needed it most. Even in the face of his Parkinson’s diagnosis, he carried himself with incredible perseverance and grace and never lost his sense of humor or his deep love for the people around him.
Gary is survived by his wife Carol, sons Mike (Valerie) and Dave (Cecelia), his six grandchildren, sister Kathie Perry, sister-in-law Gail Jessen, nephews Jimmy and Gregory Perry, Aaron Jessen, Wendell Arnold and niece Jeanine Jessen Grundman. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Sam.
Gary’s ashes will be scattered in the ocean off Moss Landing Estuary in Monterey Bay. No official services will be held. A memorial luncheon will be held for family and friends. Donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org) in Gary’s name would be appreciated.
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I was Davids’ high school basketball coach many years ago and got to Mike and their parents during that time. I remember Gary fondly and always admired him. I believe Gary and I have much in common. My condolences to the Arnold family.
Sincerely,
Shannon McMahon