Gary Wayne Schwatken

Gary Schwatken passed away very peacefully in the home and arms of dear friends on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 in Tucson, Arizona.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Gary was one of three children of Henry and Alma Schwatken. In his last days Gary shared wonderful stories of the loving relationship he had with his parents and his warm memories of childhood and beyond. In his teenage years Gary’s family moved to Arizona where Gary found his love for the desert.

Gary was a self proclaimed “gear head,” loving anything to do with fast cars, machines, tools, equipment and the great outdoors. He could do just about anything that he set his mind to. He was a very creative entrepreneur and maintained comforting success through his life. His “baby”, a 1970s Ford Tractor, was very important to him. Any time it needed work, he figured it out on his own.

Living in the desert can sometimes have a bland landscape, but Gary changed that at his home in Avra Valley, Arizona. He planted various unique trees such as Eucalyptus, China Berry, Shoestring, and other various Cacti to create a stunning oasis. He was a lover of all things to do with nature including birds and other animals, rocks, and plants. Nothing stopped Gary when he put his mind to something.

Gary was blessed with three children: Jason, Christine and Brian. He also believed in quality over quantity when it came to friendships and enjoyed close friends of Cindy, Jeff and Gabe. His deep spirituality served his heart with inspiring authors such as Wayne Dyer, Louise Hay, and Eckhart Tolle. A wonderful man has left this physical Earth, but his great energy shall live on.