Gary Lee (Homer) Olmstead

Gary Lee (Homer) Olmstead age 73, passed away on August 22, 2024, in Suffolk, UK, after a sudden illness. He was the loving son of Mervin and Lorna Olmstead.

Gary is survived by his six children: Chloe, Ben, Luke, Jake, Rosie, and Poppy Olmstead, as well as four grandchildren: Jack Huggins, Danny Huggins, Curtis Olmstead, and Lucy Olmstead. He is also survived by his first ex-wife, Paula and his second ex-wife, Anne Marie.

Born in Santa Barbara, California and raised in Downey, California, Gary was an amazing surfer and pro golfer. He worked in the Cottage Hospital Physical Therapy Department in Santa Barbara, California in the early 1970s, where he met his first wife, Paula. They had three children; Chloe, Ben and Luke. In the early 1980’s, Gary worked as one of the Pro Golfers at the Ojai Valley Inn in Ojai. Though Gary and Paula eventually divorced, their love and respect for each other endured.

Several years later, Gary married Anne Marie. They had three children; Jake, Rosie and Poppy. They moved to England where Gary owned, managed and cheffed for several pubs.

Gary was a generous and gentle soul with a welcoming nature. He was everybody’s friend. We, his family, reflect on his life with deep love and sorrow. We remember Gary as that amazing athletic surfer and golfer; the loving, funny dad; the kind soul and free spirit with those beautiful blue eyes. “Gary, you were a beautiful man inside and out. It feels so surreal that you are no longer here. You deserved so much love and understanding. Gary, we were proud to call you husband, father and grandfather. Knowing you, living with you, and loving you, has been a great gift. We are better humans for having had you in our lives. Our hearts are hurting, but Gary Lee Olmstead, You, will NEVER be forgotten.”

Rest in peace Beautiful Soul.

Gary’s ashes will be spread at his favorite surf spot in Huntington Beach, the Jetty, and at the Ojai Valley Inn, at the 12th hole where his father, Mervin’s ashes are.