Gary Stefan

Welcome to Gary's memorial.

This memorial has been started for all to share memories and stories from Gary’s life.

Gary Anthony Stefan, 84, of Tucson, Arizona passed away peacefully on July 25, 2023.  His beloved wife, Dorthi P. Woodward, was by his side. He was a cherished father, grandfather, husband, uncle, and friend who will be dearly missed.

Gary was born on September 23, 1938, in Schenectady, New York to Anthony Rudolf Stefan and Gladys (Slingerland) Stefan.  He had one brother, Alan Stefan, who was predeceased.  He had a love of the outdoors, especially hunting.  During his teens, it was common for Gary to head out into the woods after school with his dog and hunt until nightfall. As a young adult, he learned to play the clarinet and developed an appreciation for classical and big-band music. He graduated from Nott Terrace High School in 1956 and attended college at Ohio State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1960, followed by a master’s degree at Albany State College in 1965.

Gary and Dorthi met while working at Santa Rita High School in Tucson where Gary was a guidance counselor and Dorthi was a dean. It proved to be an enduring and nurturing marriage; they were seldom separated for nearly 50 years.  When he and Dorthi retired from Tucson Unified School District in 1996 they moved to Metlakatla, Alaska to work in the local school district and enjoy Alaska's natural beauty.  In 2001, they fully retired, moved back to Tucson, and spent summers on Lake George in the Adirondack region of New York State.

Gary enjoyed the outdoors throughout his life and spent his early years exploring the many lakes and ponds of the Adirondacks.  He loved small boats and had an affinity for small outboard motors.  His early years were punctuated by his parents building a cottage on Lake George where he spent the summers over many decades.  Gary later moved to Arizona and continued his passion for exploring the outdoors by expanding his collection of motorized vehicles, including off-road vehicles, trucks, dirt bikes, and of course road bikes. A common theme in his selection of vehicles was performance, usually achieved with a large engine. He was known for his fondness of proper maintenance, and all his boats, motorcycles, and automobiles seem to last forever.

In his personal and professional life, Gary was known as a kind person with high ethical standards, a quick wit that we frequently enjoyed, and an interest in creating lasting value.  He was happiest following his passions - hunting with his friends in a classical conservative style, and spending time outdoors.  If not drawn for turkey, deer, or elk during hunting season, he and his friends would go “spotting” for game in the Arizona wilderness.  Another passion of Gary’s for a time was long-distance running.  Gary also ran a few marathons and the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim 20.6-mile trail race.  Upon finishing, he simply said with his signature dry delivery, "I'm never doing that again.”

Gary is survived by his wife, Dorthi Woodward, the mother of his children, Alix (Richards) Stefan, his two sons and their families Ryan Stefan (Tonya Stefan) of Carlsbad, California and Paul Stefan (Kirsten Stefan) of Portland, Oregon. He was grandfather to Brandon Stefan (36; Cassi Stefan), Ethan Stefan (21); Eric Stefan (22); Luke Stefan (20); and Kate Stefan (10) and great-grandfather to Henry Stefan (5) and Ellie Stefan (2).  His family will remember his honesty, intellect, and stories of growing up in the Adirondacks, where the family cottage continues to thrive.  We are eternally grateful for these gifts. A celebration of life will be held by the family at a future date.  To honor Gary, please consider spending some time outdoors with your friends and family or raising a martini to toast to his great life.