Gary Louis Borda

July 1, 1947 – November 29, 2024

Gary Borda was born on July 1, 1947, in Bakersfield, California. Looking to escape the heat of the Central Valley, Gary’s parents decided to move their family to the Central Coast, settling in Arroyo Grande, CA, shortly before Gary began his freshman year at Arroyo Grande High School, where he graduated in 1965. 

Gary graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and went on to become an insurance agent at Allstate Insurance for over 40 years, where he built an amazing book of business with many loyal clients. If a client was unable to make a premium payment, Gary would often pay it on their behalf and let them pay him back whenever they could.  That was the kind of man he was, and why he was loved by so many.

In 1972, Gary married his beautiful wife Chris at Mission San Luis Obispo, and later had two children, Mark and Jennifer, who were lucky enough to have him as their devoted father.  They gave Gary his greatest pride and joy – his four grandchildren:  Brandon, Emma, Ava, and Mia. He was game to participate in any activity they asked, no matter how exhausted he was. Gary was the perfect Grandpa, exuding pure and unconditional love to his grandkids, which they returned to him beyond measure.

Gary was a dedicated parishioner of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Arroyo Grande, where he had volunteered by loading deliveries to local food banks until his bad knee no longer allowed.  He loved going on fishing trips with his buddies, monthly bunco games with friends, and spending as much time as possible with his family.  He was an avid dog lover, and they were a huge part of his life.

He always wanted to be a good golfer, but Gary realized that was just never in the cards for him, so he gave up on that elusive goal several years ago. And as his friends know, he never looked quite right in any type of hat, but that never stopped him from wearing them. Gary had no problem laughing at himself, one of his many endearing qualities.

Many have described Gary with the same adjectives:  warm, gentle, loving, kind and caring, to name just a few. He had an ever-present smile on his face, and he was always willing to help others. Gary was truly one of a kind and will be missed by so many. There is no doubt God is proud of his work here on Earth.

Gary is survived by his wife of 52 years, Chris, his son Mark (Gaby) Borda of Stevenson Ranch, California, his daughter Jennifer (Jarrod) Gnau of Grinnell, Iowa and his brother Ronald (Betsy) Borda of Jamestown, CA.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brandon and Mia Borda, and Emma and Ava Gnau. Gary has numerous nieces and nephews, all who adored him.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Patrick's Church in Arroyo Grande, CA on Friday, December 20, 2024 at 1pm.  A reception will follow at the Portuguese Hall of Arroyo Grande.

Donations in honor of Gary can be made to St. Jude’s, Woods Humane Society or the American Cancer Society.