Obituary for Gary Frank Bentley
Gary Frank Bentley was born on December 17, 1946 in Carbondale, Illinois to Jeanette and Frank Bentley. Gary spent his early years in Kansas, growing up as a preacher’s kid. When his father became a Chaplain in the Army, life changed. The family moved to Texas, then Indiana and then on to Washington. Gary attended Queen Anne High School in Seattle, graduating in 1964. Later that same year he went to live in Germany when his father was transferred there.
In Germany, he worked as an apprentice learning to repair cars. He enjoyed his work as a mechanic and decided to get his Associates Degree at Los Angeles Trade Tech.
Before settling into a career, the Lord had a special mission for Gary. In the late 60’s, Gary went to Berkley and helped start the evangelical movement called the “Christian World Liberation Front”. He was a frequent speaker at the Sproul Plaza at the University. He also traveled the country speaking in churches and at other college campuses. Many people came to know the Lord through Gary’s work.
In 1971, Gary attended the Jesus Christ Light and Power House in Westwood, California. He continued to speak in different churches as he attended seminary.
In 1971, Gary met Karen and her infant son Aaron. Gary always said he fell in love with Aaron first, Karen second. They married in 1973, and soon their other son Jared was born.
Gary began doing Special Effects in the Motion Picture Industry, working his way up to Coordinator and Forman. He worked on such films as Jaws 2, An Officer & a Gentleman, Star Trek: the Wrath of Khan, Seven, Alien: Resurrection, and Jerry Maguire. In 1988, he was nominated for an Emmy, for his work on television’s “Beauty and the Beast.”
For 5 years, he taught a special effects class at the Academy of Art Institute in San Francisco.
His work in special effects caught the attention of the armed forces, and he was hired to do explosives and pyrotechnics for the Army and Marine Corps training exercises. His work helped prepare thousands of soldiers for battle.
However, these long extended periods out in the desert took their toll on Gary’s health. In 2012, at the request of his family, Gary finally retired from the world of special effects.
Gary never strayed far from his faith, often witnessing to others on movie sets, and many times, he was asked to lead Bible studies and guest sermons at various churches throughout Sothern California. In retirement, he had plans on continuing this ministry, and also to launch a Christian film studio.
Unfortunately, Gary never really recovered from those years of long hours, hard work, and harsh conditions. And on the early morning of Monday, July 7th, the Lord decided that it was time, and he took Gary to be at home with Him.
He is survived by his wife, Karen, his sons Aaron and Jared, and his sister Carol.