Gerald Paul Hoag–loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many–passed away in the comfort of his home on May 6th, 2023 at the age of 63. Gerald, or Gary as he was known to most, was the oldest son born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan to Vernon and Sally Hoag
Gary graduated from Grayling High School in 1978 and then enlisted in the US Air Force In 1983. That same year he met and married Abbie and became stepdad to her son, Steven (whom he later adopted). Enlistment in the Air Force afforded Gary the opportunity to see the world with his new wife and young son. The family spent 4 years in England, growing by one when daughter Nicole joined them. They relocated to Travis AFB in California in 1987 and the next year welcomed their youngest daughter Sarah. Gary was very proud of his military service at Travis as an Aerospace Ground Equipment Mechanic until he was honorably discharged in July of 1989. His connection to the Armed Service community continued for several years while he worked for Naval contractor Lear Siegler.
Gary enjoyed helping others solve their home improvement problems, which is why he was a natural fit at Orchard Supply and Hardware doing seasonal help and eventually working there full time. In 1997, he was recruited as a School Bus Driver for the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School district. This job he would say was so rewarding because of all the students he met during his 26 years of service. He said that no matter how someone's day was going, he could always greet them with that big smile of his.
Gary supported all of his kids in their extracurricular activities, whether cheering on the sidelines, driving out to (what seemed like) Timbuktu, or giving you that pep talk that was so desperately needed. He was the go-to man for his wife’s “honey-do” list, the next grand house project, or being the mechanical genius supporting Abbie’s home business helping Moms and babies.
In his down time, Gary enjoyed fellowship with the men's prayer or small group studies, or playing on the men’s softball team. He loved camping, making s’mores, rock hunting, and geocaching. He also loved old movies, was amazing at trivia, and a master at board games. Gary was a Disney fanatic and loved sharing anything Disney with his children. Hailing from the great state of Michigan, he was known to yell a thing or two at the TV rooting on the Detroit Lions, University of Michigan, or the Detroit Tigers.
Gary is survived by his wife Abbie, with whom he was just shy of celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. He is also survived by his son Steven (Stephanie) Hoag and their children Harrison & Lillian in Texas, daughters Nicole and Sarah (Derek) Smith & their daughter Norah in California, brothers Michael (Tracy) Hoag and Richard (Melissa) Hoag & their families in Michigan.
Gary’s warm personality, happy disposition, and helping hand will be missed by all of his friends, family, and people that knew him throughout the years.
His remains will be laid to rest at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers we ask that you do what Gary would do: share his wonderful sense of humor, be there for those that need help when they ask, and always meet someone with a heartfelt smile. Information on a Celebration of Life will follow.
