Gary Stone
Our sweet and charming father, Gary Eugene Stone of Provo, Utah, devoted husband, family man, and pioneering figure in Utah County Condominium Developments died peacefully on May 21, 2025. He was 89.
Born on October 6, 1935 in Ogden, Utah, Gary lived by his credo, “If not you, who? If not now, when?” and turned his life’s experiences into opportunities at every turn. Gary created success through determination, integrity, quiet strength, and intuitiveness in business and relationships. He was dearly loved and will be intensely missed by all who knew him.
Gary had largely supported himself since he was eight years old. He would see his birth father around town, but never knew him. Gary was determined to be the excellent, present, providing, and supportive father that he ultimately was. He was entirely self-made, and though college wasn’t available for him, he was quick to learn from all the lessons life afforded him. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy Reserves for nearly ten years, de-enlisting for two years in the middle of his military service to serve his God in the “Northern California States Mission” after discovering, and embracing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Upon returning from his mission and visiting his Stake President, Richard Sterling Summerhays, he discovered his life-long love: President Summerhay’s daughter, Joyce. Away from his Real Estate ventures, Gary was most at home as husband and supporter of Joyce and her creative and business ventures. He was passionate about cheering on the BYU Cougars, was a creative problem solver, and a safe mooring to many in life’s rough seas.
Gary cherished his family deeply. His eyes first met his beloved wife, Joyce Summerhays, as she was conducting the Stake choir in Pasadena, CA in 1961, beginning a lifelong partnership. This past March marked their 62nd year of marriage. Gary was a proud father to Richard “Bruce” Stone (1966-2018), “Brad”ford Garen Stone, Esq., Robert “Scott” Stone, Shawna “Michelle” Ackerman, “Kimberly” Dawn Stone Dewey, Esq, LaNola Kathleen Stone, and Dr. “Allyson” Heather Noelle Stone, MD …as well as 26 cherished grandchildren—Kelsey, Shea, Ashlyn, Eryn, Taran (Mother: Shawna Stoffers Stone); Christine, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Victoria, “Charlie” Katherine, Alexandra (Mother: Marie Allred Stone); Alexander, Nathan, Brandon, Jackson and Abigail (Mother: Melinda Clegg Stone); Andrew, Avery, Talon, Jaxon (Father: Bryan Ackerman); Gianna, Stone, Jules (Father: CAPT John T. Dewey, USCG); Felix (Mother: LaNola Stone); Maia, and Cora (Mother: Dr. Allyson Stone, MD); he was their ever encouraging “Granddaddy.” Gary could turn any ordinary dinner or occasion into a memorable moment with his famed chef hats (or hats of all types), humor, and mementos of the day. Granddaddy (Gary) and Nana (Joyce), were also blessed with 14 Great grandchildren; Brooklyn, Regan (2016-2016), Ethan, Logan, Eli, Ivy Sue, Watson, Cohen, Leighton, Devin, Milo, Sophie, James, and Oliver.
Gary was an incredibly hard worker and born entrepreneur who developed several successful ventures in California that supported his growing family. After their family was complete, Joyce and Gary moved their home to Utah so Joyce could pursue and earn her doctoral degree at Brigham Young University. It was at this time Gary sold his businesses in California and began his career in the Real Estate industry, becoming a highly-accomplished broker and developer. Gary was the keystone in transforming the Provo-Orem university housing market by invigorating and developing reasonably priced, much-needed, high-density starter homes and student housing projects in a neighborhood friendly way. Known in the Real Estate Industry for his honesty, prowess and win-win attitude, Gary created, served on and advised many Home Owner Association Boards. His knowledge, insights and advice were sought after by many colleagues in the real estate industry and he had a unique knack for combining professional and personal life, developing long lasting friendships with vendors, colleagues, business partners, and clients.
Blessed with health and tenacity, Gary was active and enjoyed his work throughout most of his life. Sadly, over his last six months Gary lived through a series of health complications and although he faced every challenge with remarkable courage and relentless optimism, his heart finally relented. His Real Estate Broker’s license was still active when he passed.
Gary was the oldest son of Marion Ruth Kadau Noble Stone Gulia of Gleneden Beach, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his mother, his beloved son, Bruce, and his great granddaughter Regan; and his younger siblings Marlene Yvonne Lappin Mendenhall of Oregon, Harold William Stone of Arizona, and Judith Anne Stone of Oregon.
Gary’s leaves behind an enduring legacy of resoluteness, accountability, duty, and love.
Though he has set sail beyond our horizon, his tenacious spirit continues to guide every life he touched with the hope to live courageously and to create one’s own luck by looking for opportunities in obstacles, and walking hand in hand with their God.
Gary’s Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 6th, at 10:00 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Grandview 15th Ward, 1122 Grand Avenue, Provo, Utah. A Viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:00 to 9:45 am. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
Remembrances may be shared below.