Gary Roland Ricks passed away on September 7th at the age of 89. He often remarked that God had granted him a long life so he could “get some important things right” before passing into the eternal realm. Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie Christian Ricks; six of his eight children; 26 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. 

Born on August 13, 1937, in Stockton, California, Gary was the fifth of six children born to Ezra Adams Ricks and Mary Venice Johnson. He married the love of his youth, Florence Viola Myrtle Christie (“Chris”), on August 20, 1957, in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their 60-year marriage was filled with devotion and partnership until Chris’s passing on April 26, 2018, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Together they raised a family of eight children: Gary Roland, Jr. (who passed at age 41)(Wendi), Dwight Johnson (Marianne), Blake Cameron, Rochelle Christie (Scott), Meredith Venice, Brigham Joel (Melanie), Benjamin Adams (who passed at 14 months), and Reyna Leigh (Seth).

A gifted scholar, Gary completed high school at just 16 years old and graduated with honors from Brigham Young University in 1959, pausing his studies for a year of active duty as an Army Reservist. He then earned his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law in 1963. Gary began his legal career in San Francisco before making Santa Barbara his home and the center of his distinguished 40-year law practice. As a civil trial attorney, he tried major cases and built a reputation for integrity and excellence.

Gary also served his community with vigor and compassion. He was elected to both the Santa Barbara School Board and the Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees, serving as president of both. Deeply committed to civic and charitable causes, Gary contributed his time and leadership to numerous boards and earned distinctions such as the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts and the Harris Award from Rotary International.

Gary’s life was deeply anchored in his faith. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he accepted numerous callings, including serving as a Mission Leader with his wife Chris. Together, they presided over missions in New England and later in New Delhi, India — ministering to members across India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Later, they served as senior missionaries in the West Indies, overseeing church growth in Guyana and Suriname. After decades of service, they settled in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where they remained active in temple service and family life.

Following Chris’s passing, Gary found companionship again. Guided by faith, he met and married Rebecca Lee Butler in 2019 in the Chicago Temple. Together, they embraced life in Naples, Florida, enjoying sunsets, temple service in Fort Lauderdale, and a vibrant community until Rebecca’s passing in February 2023.

Not long after, Gary moved to the Salt Lake City area to be near family. There, he met Bonnie Christian, a widow with a large and loving family of her own. Gary and Bonnie married on July 2, 2024, and enjoyed a joyous and devoted partnership until Gary’s peaceful passing in 2026.

Gary’s life was a testament to enduring faith, continual growth, devoted service, and unconditional love. His legacy lives on through his large and loving family and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.