Obituary of Gary Van Scofield

Gary Scofield passed away peacefully, March 17, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family. Gary was born August 16, 1951 to Garold (Gary) and Myrtle Scofield at Fort Ord, Monterey.  The family lived in Santa Cruz where Gary attended local schools, graduating from Watsonville High School in 1969.  Soon after, he enlisted with the U.S. Army and served his country in Vietnam. Following his discharge from the Army, Gary moved to Milford, New Hampshire where he welcomed the birth of his son, Tyson (with mother, Alice) 

Gary worked as a machinist for many years.  In 1986, he moved back to Santa Cruz where he reunited with the love of his life, Gail Carhart. His career spanned over 30 years making lifelong and cherished friendships at Good Earth Tea as well as Oxford Technologies in Scotts Valley where Gary worked as a scientific glass blower for several years. He later helped his wife with their family business, Carhart Rental, until the couple began enjoying their retirement in 1999.

Gary and his son Tyson shared a special bond over their love for all of Boston’s sports teams. His other passion was golf, and he will be missed by his golf buddies throughout the county and beyond. Gary was especially looking forward to restoring and driving his 1959 Sunbeam Alpine- a gift to Gary from nephew Glenn and his sons. Gary and Gail's mutual love of waterskiing is how they originally met at New Hogan Reservoir, California, forty-nine years ago.

Gary and Gail treasured spending time at their homes in Clearlake and southwest Colorado. He held very special memories of the Carhart family gatherings and many hunting trips they enjoyed.

Gary had recently attended the Congregational Church of Soquel and was blessed by the many prayers offered for him by the church family throughout his illness.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Gail Carhart-Scofield; his son Tyson (Maya) and grandsons Masson and Maverick; his mother Myrtle (Andy) Kristalyn of Hermiston, Oregon; his brother Mark (Kathy) Scofield, kids Adam and Cassey; his loving nephew Glenn (Rose) Bryan, and sons, Kyle, Cody and Cole. Gary’s special great-nephew, Cole who had his own miraculous heart surgeries and helped to inspire Gary with great joy from the first day he was born; and his ever faithful cats of eleven years. Gary was preceded in death by his father Garold, his brother Mike and his beloved in-laws John and Jean Carhart.

Friends and family will gather at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday March 24, 2018, to say farewell to Gary and wish him peace on his next journey. A reception will follow the private burial at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial donations in Gary’s name can be made to his favorite causes including: Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.