Gary William Janka

Sensei Gary Janka passed away from Parkinson’s MSA. He leaves his wife Jill, 3 sons-Bill, David and Freddy, a brother Les and sister Linda. Born in Riverside California, raised in Fontana. He was a U.S. Marine veteran, and champion of civil rights. Among many, many other interests and devotions, Sensei Koan was a long-time resident at ZCLA, served as Co-President of the Board of Directors, and as head of the Angulimala Prison Project. He was also, famously, a lover and nurturer of trees, and planted 650 of them in the ZCLA Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles and throughout Santa Barbara, especially Honda Valley Park. Prior to becoming a full-time Zen priest, Sensei Koan had a full career as a management and organizational consultant, and held a Ph.D. In Human & Organizational Behavior from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

We have begun his 49 days of observances for his passing . A celebration of life will be announced in mid December.

The family would like to share their appreciation of Vista Del Monte Summer House staff, and VNA Hospice.