Gary Vincent Todoroff, 78, passed away on March 4th, 2025, at his home in Eureka, CA. Gary is survived by his wife JoAnn “Annie” Harding Todoroff; sons Ryan and Nathan; daughter Clara; granddaughter Veronica; sister Sandy; nephews, nieces, in-laws, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Norma Todoroff, his son John Todoroff, and his first wife and mother of his children, Joanne Sharon Todoroff. A Eureka resident for more than 50 years, Gary was born August 15th, 1946, and raised in Portland, Oregon. He graduated from Beaverton High School in 1964 and Antioch College in 1969 with a degree in photochemistry. In between, he spent time in Germany and Sweden as both an exchange student and photography intern, which inspired a zest for adventure and a love for photography. He attended Rutgers University to pursue a graduate degree. He left school to spend months traveling the country before finding a home at The Lighthouse Ranch south of Eureka, where he developed lifelong friendships and a faith that changed his life. Gary took pride in documenting, both in photos and in recorded music, that unique period of history. He married Joanne Thomas, and they raised four children. He taught himself computer programming and established a business working with local hospitals and other industries. He continued to pursue photography as well as other hobbies, particularly RC airplanes, which he enjoyed spending time building and flying with his children. He used every opportunity to make new friends wherever he could. Gary was particularly proud of the time he spent as an official Coast Guard Artist; he embraced being welcomed as an “Honorary Coastie” in his efforts to document the work of those who keep us safe. He also valued his work with Bulembu Ministries, an orphanage and community school in Swaziland, Africa, to which he traveled to serve on many occasions. In his retirement, he focused on his photography, capturing the beauty of the North Coast from land, sea, and air. He had a passion for Arts Alive in Eureka, both presenting and documenting. He is better known for his nature and aerial photography, but his skill was capturing “the moment before the moment” of a candid photo of people being peoplethat was his gift. After the passing of his first wife in 2017, he remarried and embarked on new journeys as an avid hiker and biker on lengthy RV trips, never with a destination further than the next interesting place to visit. This new chapter in his life left him forever grateful. Gary was a dedicated father who will be remembered for his zest for life, deep faith, a spirit for new adventures, and never being bored. A burial service was held March 17th at Oceanside Cemetery. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, July 26, at the Elks Lodge in Eureka, CA.
