Gary J. Toy
Gary J. Toy
Gary J. Toy, 86, a resident of Quail Creek for nearly 25 years, passed away on Jan. 10, 2026, after a short battle with cancer. Born on Oct. 5, 1939, in Manhattan, Kan., he was raised on a farm and that resilience and work ethic continued with him throughout his life. He attended Kansas State University, earning an electrical engineering degree. He married Nancy Landon in 1968, and they welcomed a baby boy, Brian, in 1973.
Through a college ROTC program, Gary joined the United States Air Force and saw active duty in Vietnam. He spent 26 years as a pilot in the Air Force and achieved the prestigious rank of Colonel. After retiring from the Air Force, the family moved to Renton, Wash., where Gary worked at Boeing as an engineer. After civilian retirement in 2001, Gary and Nancy built their dream home in Quail Creek, Ariz. Here they made many amazing friends and lived a full life golfing, traveling, and socializing.
Gary’s love of golf was apparent to all who knew him. Many of his close friends were also his golf buddies and there were many low-wage bets and shenanigans throughout the years.
Gary was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Nancy. He is survived by his son, Brian Toy (Angie); his grandsons, Landon and Parker Toy; and all three of his siblings, Phyllis (Bob d.) Hansen, Milton (Louise) Toy, and Nancy (John) Fontana; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. It was Gary’s wish that his friends and family celebrate his life with a non-formal gathering to eat, drink, and remember. We will celebrate Gary at his home in Quail Creek at a future date.