Gary F. Bierma passed away February 19, 2015.
He was born in Redlands, California July 18, 1956 to Helen and Howard Bierma and attended Franklin Elementary, Clement Jr. High and Redlands High School, graduating in 1974. He went on to take classes at Valley College in San Bernardino where he took art classes, mostly ceramics, and earned 120 units without graduating. During that 10 year period his motto was "a day without touching clay was wasted." Several years later Gary took classes in Interior Design and was 1 class shy of earning his certificate, deciding that having a desk job would not suit his desire for a hands-on approach to the building trades. He did earn a certificate in Building Maintenance from UCR years later.
Gary worked for Lazy Boy, Cole Plumbing, Rich Arnott Plumbing, and City of Redlands where he was Building Maintenance Supervisor, retiring after 22 years of service.
Gary married his childhood sweetheart, Laura Pound, in 1981 and had their only child, Joseph, in 1986.
In all things, Gary was an artist and master craftsman. He took pride in everything he created, from gourmet meals for his family and friends to the garage and studio he build for his own pleasure, to offices and other public places he remodeled for the City of Redlands, to work he did on the side for friends. Gary led with his heart, believing in leading by example rather than promoting himself. He took great pleasure in music, movies, books about the history of the west, camping, canoeing, kayaking, exploring the 20 Lakes Basin, Mono Basin, and the Sierra Nevada. He loved photography and taking photos.
Gary gave with his heart and could be very entertaining. He was generous, kind, compassionate and wise. He will be missed.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Laura; son Joseph; sister Suzanne Summers; brother Jack Bierma; 7 nephews; 4 nieces; and several great nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Howard Bierma and his oldest brother Robert Bierma.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to UCLA Tiverton House.
A celebration of his life will be held at his home in Yucaipa, 35240 Acacia Ave., on March 7, 2015 from 11 am to 2 pm. Please come bearing stories and remembrances.