Gary "G" Banks Obituary (1947

1947 - 2014 Gary passed away suddenly on November 5, 2014 at his home and farm in Beaver, UT. He was with the love of his life and wife Alison when he passed away. He was born to Gale and Lola Banks in Milford, UT on March 9, 1947 and spent his younger years protecting (and sometimes torturing) his three little sisters, Sue, Shauna, and Gina. After graduating from Milford High School, Gary followed his father in working briefly for the Union Pacific Railroad before proudly serving his country in the United States Marine Corps. A decorated Marine, he served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968, before returning home with a purple heart. Upon returning to civilian life, Gary earned a BS and an MBA at the University of Utah and married Diane Hall, his first wife and lifelong friend. In the coming years, Gary lovingly raised his three sons, Justin, Bryan, and Jeffrey. As he had done in the Marines, Gary went above and beyond the call of duty with his sons, giving them endless attention and providing them with every opportunity to pursue their dreams. In work, he used his creativity, optimism, and tenacity to build a successful banking, real estate development, and all-around deal-making career. After raising his sons, Gary met his soul mate, and current wife Alison, with whom he has spent the last ten years exploring the world, hunting, fishing, and relaxing at the Banks Family cabin in the Beaver Mountains. Gary is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Alison, and his three boys, Justin (Jamie Booth), Bryan (Natalie Shutt) and Jeffrey (Cara Rosato) and grandchildren, Miles, Eliana and Asher, as well as his three sisters, Sue (Tom McCarthy), Shauna (Allan Mayer), and Gina (Doug Applegate). He also leaves behind Alison's sons, and friends, Matt Rider (Allie Woodward), Nate Rider (Lacie Black) and grandchildren Daxton and Maddison with another grandchild on the way. Gary was the happiest in life when he was exploring, learning, or creating, whether in his backyard or exploring the world. He embraced life's inevitable roadblocks as invitations to forge a different path. Gary will be missed by many. Instead of sending flowers, please honor his life by taking a walk, reading a book, learning something new, or building something special. A graveside service to celebrate his life will be held Monday, November 10 at 2 pm at the Milford Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.