Thousand Oaks Titans: Titan News

Gary Alan Hard, devoted husband of Barbara Hard, loving father of Derek (13), Cory (11), and Asa Wong (22), son of Charlie and Nancy Hard, and brother to Dave and John, has passed away after a 8 ½ year battle with what was later diagnosed as ALS.   Gary was born in Cleveland, Ohio but spent his youth growing up in Granada Hills and Chatsworth.  He attended CSUN, graduating with a B.S. in Accounting in 1988.  Gary began working for Price Waterhouse in 1988 and remained there for 8 years, before focusing on establishing his own practice in Woodland Hills. Gary and Barb met in 1987, while both attended CSUN, married in May of 1992 and set up residence in Northridge. on Father’s Day, 1994 their first son Derek was welcomed into the world and just 13 months later Cory rounded out the family.  A few years later they expanded their family once again as they were joined by their adopted son, Asa. The Hard’s have resided in Thousand Oaks for the past 8 years.  Gary is deeply loved, admired, and respected by family, friends, business associates and clients for his love of life, dedication to family and compassion for others.  All who knew him recognize his valiant fight against this disease to pursue his passions, primarily enjoying his family and watching his boys grow into loving, productive young men; secondly satisfying his competitive spirit by attending/coaching all the boys sporting events and activities or provoking lively debate between friends and family alike all the while mischievously grinning and watching it unfold.  He will be greatly missed.

A reception will be held at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village on Saturday, June 30^th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.  A memorial service will be held on the grounds of the Cemetery on Sunday, July 1^st at 10:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the ALS Association, Greater Los Angeles Chapter in support of Gary’s fundraising efforts for the Strike Out Lou Gehrig’s Disease All Star Tournament.

Lance Cpl. Anthony Melia, United States Marine Corps, was killed in combat in Iraq on Jan. 27, 2007, at the age of 20. Anthony died much as he lived, with passion, bravery, selflessness and unspeakable valor.

Anthony was born Aug. 29, 1986, in Sacramento , Calif. After moving to Ventura County , Anthony attended Thousand Oaks High School , where his traits of passion, valor and selflessness were developed on the football field. Anthony starred for the Lancers and made many of the friends he held so close to his heart while wearing green and white. Anthony played the game fearlessly and proudly, battling back from injuries to continue playing the game he loved with those he loved.

After graduation, Anthony's calling took him to the United States Marine Corps, where again those traits were immediately recognized, resulting in his rapid rise to team leader.

Anthony is survived by his parents, Mike and Vicki; sister, Nicole; brother, Daniel; nephew, Nicholas; grandparents Chuck, Joanne and June, and fiancée Jamie Chunko; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved Anthony deeply.

Your prayers are requested for all who knew Anthony and must now show the traits he lived with every day to moved forward without him.

A trust fund has been established in Anthony's name at Santa Barbara Bank and Trust. Anyone interested should contact Adriana Sanchez, Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, 4646 Adolfo Road , Camarillo , CA 93012 ; phone 805-384-5321.

The Thousand Oaks Titans will start a scholarship fund in Anthony Melia's name.

Congratulations Jacqui!  We have seen what your hard work does for the Titans and the local high schools and are excited to see what you can do for the city!

Congratulations and thanks for all the hard work.