Garry A. Szabo's Obituary
Garry Allan Szabo died peacefully at the age of 58 from the ravages of mantle cell lymphoma after a titanic life of love and service to his family and community. A Tulsa Police officer, fraud detective, questioned documents examiner, and fingerprint analyst, he also worked side jobs for decades with the University of Tulsa and the Eastland Assembly of God.
Gregarious and charismatic, he was an arresting storyteller both personally and professionally, with his presentations on forensic matters gaining national renown for the unique brand of effortless humor that he displayed in all areas of his life. He was also a one-time winner of the OK So Story Slam, decisively triumphing over all competitors, including his own daughter, who badgered him to enter the contest after inviting him to a show.
Gracious, warm, and welcoming, he became a dedicated Christian through his friendship with a kind woman named Mary, whom he met through his work as a police officer. Through their conversations, he forged a lasting relationship with God that was as private as it was deeply felt. Endlessly curious, he read his way through the Tulsa City-County Library one audiobook at a time, becoming able to talk philosophy with philosophers, debate theology with priests, and discuss with any and all the art of the story and the value of a good character – of which he was one, in every way.
A voracious fan of sci-fi and fantasy, he both read and watched vast amounts of media, from Star Trek to Stargate, eventually culminating in his enjoying hours of Chinese fantasy shows that few outside of China have ever heard of, much less watched in their entirety. Completely unpretentious, his varied interests spread from Dragon Ball and wrestling to the works of Søren Kierkegaard, leaving him more than capable of holding an engaging conversation with anyone he met.
Beloved and fondly remembered, he is survived and dearly missed by Leah, his wife of 35 years; his mother and stepfather, Judith and Donald Brand; his daughter Sarah and her partner Amelia Kidd; his son and daughter-in-law Nicholas and Danielle Szabo, and their son, his grandson, Adin Anthony; his youngest child Emi and their partner Leif Anders; and Cocoa, his beloved dog of three years. He was co-parent to many dogs over the years, but Cocoa was his puppy, and she always will be.
Celebration of Life Service will be, 3:00 p.m., Monday, October 30, 2023 at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel
To view the service via webcasting use the link below:
https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/94014/hash:46006D54F9CA7F1A
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