Gary, our beloved adventurer, dreamer, dancer, gentleman, friend and lover, passed away peacefully in the
early dawn, embraced by love and light, holding hands with his partner in life, Dagma Lacey, and surrounded
by family.
A man of boundless spirit and deep presence, Gary walked through
life with grace - touching hearts, stirring souls, and leaving behind
a legacy painted in bold strokes. He served in the Navy aboard
silent submarines, danced under the lights of Broadway, raised
three sons with steadfast devotion, and fathered a blended family
of eight children and 10 grandchildren who loved him deeply, and
knew him as "PaPa G."
Gary saw the world not as it was, but as it "could" be. He poured
his creativity into murals, award-winning magazines, architecture,
a Cajun restaurant, and the vibrant Pearl Street Mall. His life was
a love letter to beauty, from heirloom tomatoes to joyful Tomato
Festivals to spontaneous twirls on the dance floor.
Reliable to the minute and full of wonder, he gave more than time
- he gave his whole heart. A true gentleman with a discerning eye,
Gary made everyone feel seen. He taught us how to dream with
eyes open, and to live those dreams without apology.
Gary once said, "We became the grandparents we never had." And now, he becomes the ancestor we'll always
honor.
He dreamed it all - and lived it fully. And now, Gary the Adventurer sets off on his next great journey - dancing
among the stars.
Dagma Sharing a Message... Keeping the Legacy Alive
It is with great sadness that I share with you the news of Gary's passing.
Gary passed peacefully at dawn, in the warmth and comfort of our home, surrounded by loved ones, with my hand in his. He leaves behind a life filled with many incredible accomplishments, but also a legacy in the world of heirloom tomatoes.
From the love and passion, we shared in building this business side by side, a deeply rooted purpose continues to honor and carry forward the tradition we cultivated together.
These seeds are more than plants; they are part of our souls, and through each one, Gary's spirit lives on, growing in gardens around the world.
With Gary's blessing and full confidence in our team, we proudly continue the Tomato Fest legacy delivering the finest organic heirloom tomato seeds to gardeners worldwide. Mr. Tomato Man set the standard, and we remain committed to honoring it with every seed we share.
In these times, our heirloom seeds are valued more than ever; for their rich history, unmatched flavor, and the connection they bring to gardeners and the earth.
With all my heart, I will continue to lead this journey with the same passion, care, and dedication that Gary and I shared every single day.
You, our growers, gardeners, and friends remain at the heart of TomatoFest, and you will always receive the very best: always organic, always nurtured with love.
Thank you for being part of the TomatoFest family, and for continuing the beautiful tradition of growing heirloom tomato seeds; planting hope, preserving flavor, and carrying forward a legacy with every seed you sow.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Founder & Owner
Dagma Lacey
Keeper of the Legacy
TomatoFest "Every Seed A Possibility".
