Gordon Keith Varo's Obituary
Gordon Keith Varo was born on August 12, 1926 in Leavenworth, Washington to Frank and Anna Varo. He was the youngest of three boys. His father worked for the Forest Service and Gordon gained an appreciation for the outdoors. He was also a hard worker, and took several jobs in his youth to help out the family after his father’s death. During World War II he left high school to join the Navy. He served for two years until the end of the war. Upon discharge from the service, he enrolled at the University of Oregon in Eugene where he met and fell in love with Beverly Ann Brown. They married on December 19, 1948. After graduation they moved to San Diego to start a family, and had two daughters, Analee and Nancy. They purchased a home in Allied Gardens in 1955 where Gordon lived for over 60 years. He made many friendships with his neighbors throughout the years. Gordon worked for 30 years for the San Diego County Assessor’s Office. As Chief of the Business Division, he is credited with having made several important reforms. Gordon enjoyed his bowling nights, lunch group, gardening, playing cards, reading and sharing his knowledge of wine. He and Beverly loved traveling in his early retirement. Gordon attended Palisades Presbyterian Church faithfully for over 60 years. He and Beverly served as deacons, and Gordon also served as an elder. Above all, he was a family man who cherished his wife and daughters.After Beverly’s death, Gordon visited Analee and her husband Terry regularly in Santa Rosa, California and then in Nashville, Tennessee. He looked forward to spending time with them. They enjoyed outings, especially to wineries, and took several vacations together.Gordon was delighted to have three grandchildren from Nancy and her husband Robert. Jared, Andrew, and Rachel were very special to him and he played an important role in their lives. Nancy brought the children to their grandparent’s house for weekly play dates with “Grammie and Pop.” Growing up, the children had a very meaningful bond with Gordon that continued through their adulthood.Gordon was a giving man who generously supported his church and many charities. He was always ready to lend a hand to help a neighbor or give his time to someone in need. He shared his good fortune with his family by contributing money for family vacations, house projects, and his grandchildren’s college. Gordon had a keen wit and a great sense of humor. He touched many lives, and in turn, was blessed with many friends, young and old. Gordon will always be remembered for his kindness, caring, generosity and love of family.He is survived by his daughters Analee Pinnegar (husband Terry), Nancy Grano (husband Robert), and his grandchildren Jared (wife Samantha), Andrew (wife Sigournee), and Rachel.
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