Obituary of Garry Michael Ambagis

On 7/29/2016 our beloved son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, Garry Michael Ambagis, entered into eternal life, at the age of 61. Garry was born on Sept. 22, 1954, in Pirmasens, Germany, to his loving parents, Steve and Ruth Ambagis. He was raised an Army Brat and traveled the world with his family. In 1968, Garry's father retired from the US Army, making Sacramento their permanent home. He graduated from EGHS in 1972, where he played for the EG Herd football team. Like his father, he was a sports fanatic who never missed or did not record every sporting event on TV. After HS, Garry enlisted in the US Army, where he graduated at the top of his class as a computer systems operator. He requested and was granted a transfer to the Presidio in Monterey, due to missing his family. In 1976, he married Suzanne Betzler and they were blessed with 4 children, Mark Ambagis, Tina Rouse (Joe), Courtney Dalton (Shane) and Luke Ambagis (Crystal). Garry loved his children deeply, and was proud of them each and every day. When Gary honorably discharged from the US Army, he found his life's love in tile setting. His first employer told Garry's parents that he would be a "genius" in the trade... and that he was. He obtained his construction license and ran a successful business for many years. In 2004, looking for a new adventure in life, he relocated to Phoenix, AZ, where he reunited with numerous cousins. It was there he met Deborah Winckler. After a whirlwind romance, they were married on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2005. Garry's family now included, three step children, Carl Winckler, Christina Raines (Stephan) and Carrie Winckler, as well as, two grandchildren. Garry truly felt that he had found his soulmate in Debbie and they enjoyed many years of happiness together. In November of 2012 they decided to move back to California. Once again, Garry missed his family and Debbie wholeheartedly supported his decision. They purchased a "Fixer Upper" Victorian home in Gridley, CA. With Garry's expertise in construction, they began the process of refurbishing their beautiful home. In March 2013, Garry was diagnosed with throat cancer. He fought this battle with God and his family by his side. He was declared cancer free in January 2014. When Garry loved you, he loved you deeply and would graciously give the shirt off his back or his last dollar in his pocket. More than anything, his love for his mother was unmeasurable. He cherished each moment with her, as she did him. Everyone who knew him was drawn to him like magnets, because of his charismatic, witty sense of humor and love for people and life itself. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Ambagis, his mother, Ruth Ambagis and her companion, Tom Amlin, his siblings, Danny Ambagis (Dianne), Elaine Gee (Paul), Michael Ambagis and Heidi Lovitt, three step-children, and six grandchildren, as well as his very large extended family. He is preceded by his father, Steve Daniel Ambagis in 1997. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, August 5, 2016, at The Bride Church, 655 Colusa Road in Yuba City. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Cancer Society . Although we grieve your loss, we are comforted and blessed that you are now resting pain free, in God's loving arms. And you, Dad and God are no doubt having a heavenly party with the angels. We will always miss you and you will live in our hearts until we meet again. RIP. -