Rich Gega
It is with deep sadness and sorrow that our family announces the passing of Timothy Lyle Gega, who left us on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the age of 72. Born on February 14, 1953, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Tim held his island roots close to his heart, embracing his heritage as a guiding thread woven throughout his life. At age 16, Tim began working early morning jobs to save money to buy his first car—a 1957 Chevy.
In 2000, Tim moved from Fort Bragg, CA to Santa Rosa, California, where he found a true sense of home. As a car enthusiast, he would bring his son, Richard, to every car show, some of his favorites included Peggy Sue, Concours d'Elegance, Ledson Castle, and the SF International Auto Show. Passionate about giving back, he supported homeless outreach, animal adoption, and local events that raised money and awareness for the Polly Klaas Foundation—always working to uplift the community he loved. He was a gifted carpenter and a perfectionist in his craft.
Tim eventually started his own company remodeling homes and workplaces. Some of his accomplishments include Mendocino College, Mendocino Superior Court Building, and “Roar”, one of the tallest wooden rollercoasters built in the late 90’s at Six Flags Marine World, to name a few. His creativity and entrepreneurial spirit drove him to constantly dream up new ideas and build things from the ground up.
Although Tim was deeply skilled in his trade, his greatest passion was writing. A published author of several books he wrote over his lifetime, including “Timotheus”, the first ever “Emotional Dictionary”. He found meaning and purpose in sharing stories that aimed to help and inspire others to understand the human mind to better communicate emotions. Writing became a core part of who he was and helping people was always his greatest achievement in life.
Tim is survived by his son, Richard; his ex-wife, Cyndie; his brother, William; sisters Rebecca and Angelique; his stepbrother, Kurtis; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Gega; his mother, Doris Strickland; and his stepfather, Benjamin Strickland. Tim will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He will be honored in accordance with his final wish—his ashes will be spread in the seas of Hawaii, where his journey began.
In 2000, Tim moved from Fort Bragg, CA to Santa Rosa, California, where he found a true sense of home. As a car enthusiast, he would bring his son, Richard, to every car show, some of his favorites included Peggy Sue, Concours d'Elegance, Ledson Castle, and the SF International Auto Show. Passionate about giving back, he supported homeless outreach, animal adoption, and local events that raised money and awareness for the Polly Klaas Foundation—always working to uplift the community he loved. He was a gifted carpenter and a perfectionist in his craft.
Tim eventually started his own company remodeling homes and workplaces. Some of his accomplishments include Mendocino College, Mendocino Superior Court Building, and “Roar”, one of the tallest wooden rollercoasters built in the late 90’s at Six Flags Marine World, to name a few. His creativity and entrepreneurial spirit drove him to constantly dream up new ideas and build things from the ground up.
Although Tim was deeply skilled in his trade, his greatest passion was writing. A published author of several books he wrote over his lifetime, including “Timotheus”, the first ever “Emotional Dictionary”. He found meaning and purpose in sharing stories that aimed to help and inspire others to understand the human mind to better communicate emotions. Writing became a core part of who he was and helping people was always his greatest achievement in life.
Tim is survived by his son, Richard; his ex-wife, Cyndie; his brother, William; sisters Rebecca and Angelique; his stepbrother, Kurtis; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Gega; his mother, Doris Strickland; and his stepfather, Benjamin Strickland. Tim will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He will be honored in accordance with his final wish—his ashes will be spread in the seas of Hawaii, where his journey began.
