Gary Dennis Root

Gary Dennis Root, a Springville, Calif., native, passed away peacefully Jan. 13, 2013.

Gary was born Dec. 29, 1947, and attended local schools.  He graduated from Porterville High School with the class of  1966.

After high school Gary joined the U.S. Army and subsequently served in Vietnam. There he was seriously injured and he returned to Springville where he resided throughout his life.

For the past 37 years Gary spent his summers in his beloved Montana, enjoying his lake front home and the moose, bear and other wildlife that would wander through his yard.

In Springville he was a familiar sight with his service dog, Evelyn, as he visited with friends and family.  Gary was fiercely independent and he made a productive, satisfying life for himself in spite of his disability.

Gary was predeceased by his father, Allan O. Root, his mother, Stella P. Root, as well as his sister, Jackie Root Combemale.

He is survived by his brother, David Root, of Hayden Lake, Idaho;  his sisters, Gwen Cole of Springville, Lynette Scott of Porterville Calif., and Lillian Stewart of Oklahoma.  He is also survived by his ex-wife Barbara Ruiz; his step children, Debbie Maisch and Russell Silvas, as well as his lifelong friend, Frank Arcure, of Porterville Calif.  Gary leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, extended family members and a legion of friends who will miss him greatly.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Gary on Saturday, Jan. 26, at 2 p.m. at the Nuckols Ranch in Porterville. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) in Oceanside, Calif.