Gary Coy Koch passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 25, 2022 near Newport Beach California at the age of 80. Gary was born in Oregon Ohio to Harriet (Coy) Koch and Byron Warren Koch on August 22, 1941. He attended Clay High school in Oregon and graduated from Miami University, Oxford Ohio, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1964. He was a member of Phi gamma Delta (Fiji) fraternity. Gary taught middle-school science in both Ohio and California before joining BF Goodrich Chemicals as a sales representative for southern California. He lived in Newport Beach for 50 years and loved the active lifestyle there. As an entrepreneur he managed a scuba diving and supply business in Ohio, an underwater salvage operation on the Mississippi near New Orleans, and founded the UniMesa Company, a start-up business in California. He was an avid magician most of his life and a member of The International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM). On and off the stage he performed a wide range of routines, including sophisticated major illusions, sleight-of-hand and close-up magic. Gary was known for his wonderful sense of humor, engaging personality, and entertaining demeanor which helped him build lifelong friendships everywhere. He was great fun to be with and was always available to support others at any time. He was loved by family, a trusted friend and a great neighbor. He cherished living in Newport Beach, captaining his sailboat off California and participating in range of "local activities." He also enjoyed investigating new areas around the globe. His curiosity triggered travel and exploration to new adventures - including extended times in Hawaii, New Orleans, Alaska, and Minneapolis, where he attended Marquette University. He was preceded in death by his parents. Gary is survived by his sister Jennifer Elaine (Koch) Zak of Tustin, CA and brother Jack Earl (Retta) Koch of Kiawah Island, SC; nieces, Brittany Krista Koch (Nino Andrini) of San Francisco, CA, and Murray Ann Koch (Gueren White) of McKinleyville, CA; nephews, Jack (Meg Crowley) Elliott Koch of Boston, MA, Richard Allen (Katrina) Zak of San Carlos, CA, and Garry Brian Zak (Lisa Taylor) of Chicago, IL, and great nieces/nephews including Isabella Harriet Urruty of San Francisco, Brandi Hill and Phoebe Hill of Chicago, IL; Ethan Zak and Oliver Zak of San Carlos, California. A memorial service and life celebration will be held Sunday July 24, 2022 at 12:00 pm in Willow Cemetery, 1932 Pickle Road, Oregon, Ohio 43616. A seaside service will also be held in Newport Beach, California. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in his name to The Alzheimer's Association. Eggleston Meinert & Pavley is assisting the family with arrangements.