Gary Eugene Moore, 82

Gary Moore passed away peacefully at his home in Gig Harbor, WA, on March 25, 2026, at the age of 82.

Born on July 12, 1943, in Norfolk, Virginia, Gary was the son of Albert and Virginia Moore. He grew up with his siblings – Carolyn, Barbara, and Alan – in a Navy family that moved frequently, living in places including San Diego, CA; Astoria, OR; North Chicago, IL; Newport, RI; and Lakewood, CA.

Gary developed an early love of exploration and the outdoors. He cherished memories of building sandcastles, playing kick-the-can, and racing with neighborhood friends – an enthusiasm for running that stayed with him throughout his life. At eight, he took on his first job as a paperboy, and as a Cub Scout he enjoyed learning practical skills like building fires and cooking outdoors.

Gary enjoyed playing rugby, tennis, football, basketball, and baseball, and played offense on his football team. He graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1961 from Lakewood High School and began his college education at Dartmouth College, where he studied political science.

During the mid-1960s, he stepped away from his studies to work for North American Aviation, contributing to the development of the Saturn V rocket’s S-II stage for the Apollo missions. He helped coordinate manufacturing and testing schedules for the space program – work he remained proud of throughout his life.

He also spent extended periods in Europe during these years, including eight months in Munich, Germany – experiences that deepened his interest in history and international affairs. While there, he immersed himself in classical literature and music and developed a lasting love of self-directed learning.

Returning to his formal education, Gary earned a BA in European History (1969) and a MA in International Relations (1973) from the University of Southern California.

In the early 1970s, Gary held a variety of roles that reflected both his intellectual curiosity and his practical talents. He worked as a production assistant in USC’s Cinema Department, taught History of Western Civilization at El Camino College, and later moved to Utah, where he joined the University of Utah in several administrative and technical positions.

Gary eventually found his professional home at the University of Utah, where he worked for about 30 years in the Department of Space Planning and Management, ultimately serving as its director. In this role, he helped shape the growth and organization of the campus, always bringing analytical rigor and thoughtful planning to a complex environment. Throughout his career, he was a strong advocate for preserving open green space on campus.

Though his professional life was marked by many accomplishments, Gary’s first priority was always his family. After the birth of his daughter Tasha, he moved from California to Utah in 1972 to be with his family. After his first marriage ended, he met Patti at a University of Utah Medical Center summer picnic on August 24, 1974. They married and built a life together, raising their children Tristan and Sadie, along with Tasha, in Salt Lake City. Gary was a devoted husband and father who encouraged and celebrated his children. He remained close to his parents and siblings, visiting and corresponding frequently throughout his life. He was an attentive listener – always curious about others’ interests and supportive of their endeavors.

From 1988 to 1989, Gary and his family spent a memorable year living in Kingston near Lewes, England – an experience that nourished his lifelong love of travel, nature, history, and cultural exploration.

In the late 1980s, Gary embarked on a years-long, independent research project, immersing himself in scientific papers on the mechanisms of aging and degenerative illness. Years later, he published a synopsis of his research in a medical journal, a testament to his deep curiosity and intellectual persistence.

Gary and Patti made their home in Salt Lake City for many years before relocating to Gig Harbor in 2013, where they enjoyed the beauty and tranquility of the Pacific Northwest.

Gary is remembered for his intelligence, curiosity, quiet dedication, and deep appreciation for both the natural world and the broader world beyond it.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Patti Moore of Gig Harbor, WA; his children, Natasha Lloyd (Mike) of Park City, UT; Tristan Moore (Julie) and Sadie Stanton (Jake), both of Salt Lake City, UT; his grandchildren, Aspen, Arthur, and Rio; his brother, Alan Moore of Laguna Niguel, CA; and his sister, Carolyn Redding (Bill) of San Clemente, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert E. Moore and Virginia Haraldson Moore, and his sister, Barbara Mulgrave.

A graveside service will be held on March 31, 2026, at 12:00 pm at Artondale Cemetery in Gig Harbor, WA. The family would like to express their gratitude to Cottesmore of Life Care and Puget Sound Home Health & Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care.