Gary Peter Glud

Gary Glud passed away on December 30, 2024 with his wife by his side after receiving treatment for lymphoma at the Jacobs Medical Center at UCSD Health. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and Papa who was an integral member of the Imperial Valley community. His loss will be felt by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Born in Calexico to Paul and Edith Glud, Gary attended Calexico public schools and graduated in 1969. From there, he went to Imperial Valley College, where he met Jane Greer. In 1971 after Gary finished his associate degree, they got married and headed off to Cal Poly Pomona, where Gary earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting. They then returned to the Valley, settling in El Centro. They had two daughters, Denise and Heather.

Accounting was Gary’s calling. He considered himself a “numbers doctor,” someone who could help people with their financial lives. After working in a few finance positions he joined Hutchinson and Bloodgood as a partner in 1982 and worked there for more than 40 years. Accounting also fed Gary’s social nature as he worked with clients from all over the Valley. He cultivated long-standing relationships with both clients and colleagues.

Gary also took his financial skills into the community through his engagement with many organizations. Most prominently, he was an active member for decades in the El Centro Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club, and E Clampus Vitus. He served in leadership positions in all three organizations. He was also an active member of First United Methodist Church in El Centro, serving on committees and as a trustee. People appreciated not only his skill, but also his sense of humor and willingness to share his gifts.

When he wasn’t working with clients or in community organizations, Gary spent time with family and friends. As a “girl dad” twice over, he was happy to support his daughters in their pursuits as they grew up. He became an honorary girl scout, coached softball, and attended dozens of performances and games. He enjoyed taking the family out on camping trips, pointing the RV in a direction and going where the road took them. His devotion to his family continued as a Papa. He was always happy to babysit his grandkids when they were younger, and take them out on fun outings, whether to a reindeer ride or miniature golfing. Just this past summer, he proudly watched his granddaughter perform a lead role in a community theater production, and played a round of golf with his grandson (many golf balls were claimed by the water).

Gary was also something of an adventurer. One of his favorite pastimes was offroading in the desert, a passion he shared with friends and family. He also enjoyed fishing, including ocean fishing and fishing in Alaska; he even tried ice fishing in Minnesota. He parachuted from an airplane, white water rafted, and went on a safari in Africa. Most importantly, he did all of these things with family and friends. His adventures always came with people to share them with.

Gary leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Jane; his daughters Denise (Mike) Odello and Heather (Pam Holmberg) Glud; his grandchildren Jennie and Wesley; and his siblings Virginia Wait, Joan (Tom) Welsh, and Don Glud. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Edith Glud.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church of El Centro on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 10:30 am. A reception will follow at 12:00 at the Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse.