Dr. Colonel Gary Richard Rockwood

Dr. Colonel Gary Richard Rockwood, 76, of Surprise, Arizona, peacefully passed away on January 15, 2020. He was born on September 10, 1943, and grew up in Seattle, Washington. After graduating high school, Gary enlisted in the Army, attended college and graduated from Officer’s Candidate School. Gary married Betty Jane “B.J.” Davis in 1966. They had three children together. They divorced in 1986. Gary met his soulmate Patricia “Tish” Pruett and they married in 1987. They enjoyed 30 years of shenanigans and travel before Tish died in 2017. Gary was also preceded in death by his mother Evelyn Ehlers. Gary’s 30 years of service in the U.S. Army took him all over the world, from Seattle, Washington to California, Okinawa, Indiana, Germany, Hawaii, Korea, D.C., and Japan. He began his military career serving two tours in Vietnam, during which time he was awarded the bronze star for heroism. Gary retired from the Army as Full Colonel in Hawaii. His second career was in the Hawaii tourism industry as Director of Human Resources with the Prince Hotels on Oahu, then with The Mauna Kea & Hapuna Beach Resorts on the Big Island. During this time, he also received his Ph.D. in Business Management from USC. Gary was an avid runner, fulfilling his dream of participating in (and finishing!) the Honolulu Marathon. He also enjoyed swimming and playing racquetball; however, golfing was a favorite activity for him. Gary was a kind and gentle soul who cherished his 4-legged buddies and knew no strangers. He had a knack for making friends anywhere and everywhere with his easy laid-back personality, twinkling blue eyes, and contagious chuckle. He was a mentor, a confidante, a true friend. He modeled service above self, the essence of the “Aloha Spirit”, and the importance of people & communities working together. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. Gary left this world a better place. Gary’s surviving family includes his parents Richard and Hazel Rockwood; his children Kimberley Rockwood, Gary Rockwood Jr (wife Kim), Mark Rockwood (wife Holly); his grandchildren Amanda, Georgia, Gary III, Audrey; his great-grandchildren Makenzi, Lauren, Noelle; step-children Myki Williamson, Michael “Chael” Pruett (wife Lee), Ashlie O’Reilly (husband Bill); step-grandchildren Lucy, Charlie, Amelia, Finn, Connor, Cameron; brother Dennis (wife Sharon); sister Cindy (husband Rich); step-sisters Patty and Roberta; brothers & sisters-in-law; aunties & uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews; his devoted caregiver Preston and many dear friends. We all miss him very much. A private memorial celebrating his life will be held at a later date in Hawaii. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate in honor of Veterans and/or to your local animal shelter and/or to Hospice of the Valley in Peoria, AZ.