Gary Pat Manford

Gary Pat Manford, 78, fiercely independent rancher, wickedly funny lifelong learner, devoted dog lover, and dedicated student of the land, history, and art of the American West, passed away on July 18, 2026, after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease.

Born May 16, 1948, Gary grew up in Smiley, Texas. He attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, where he was an enthusiastic member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, before continuing his education at The University of Texas at Austin. He also served in the National Guard.

After college, Gary worked for the Texas Legislative Council at the State Capitol in Austin, where he met the love of his life, Mary Jane. They were married in Austin April 12, 1980. Together they built a life rooted in ranching, pets, a shared love of art, and laughter.

Gary spent his early years on family ranches in Gonzales and Wilson counties, Texas, where, under the guidance of his father, Pat, he developed lifelong passions not only for cattle, but also fishing, the oil business, and deal making.

Gary was a dreamer with an insatiable curiosity about the world. When a subject captured his interest, he immersed himself in learning everything he could about it. His interests were wide-ranging, but he approached each one with enthusiasm, patience, and determination.

When the oil and gas business piqued his interest, Gary spent hours each day researching in the libraries and archives of the Railroad Commission of Texas and the UT Bureau of Economic Geology. He studied geological formations and potential oil and gas fields across the country. Long before extensive drilling began in North Dakota's Bakken Formation, he recognized its promise and began acquiring mineral interests there and in other states.

After visiting New Mexico with Mary Jane, he too fell in love with its rich history, culture, and art, primarily southwestern. Eventually, his adventurous spirit led them west, where he continued ranching in Arizona and New Mexico. Before moving to Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, Gary and Mary Jane lived for many years on their ranch in the Four Corners region near Chaco Culture National Historical Park, where he collected art, traded minerals, bred cattle and embraced the people and life in rural New Mexico.

A passionate fly fisherman, Gary tied his own flies and treasured time spent on the water. As with his other interests, he studied the sport closely and appreciated both its traditions and craftsmanship.

For each of these passions, Gary loved nothing more than talking with people to exchange ideas, share what he had learned, tell stories, and discover something new. His enthusiasm and generosity of spirit made conversations with him memorable.

Gary is remembered not only for his intelligence and curiosity but also for his wonderfully wry sense of humor. He delighted in a well-told story, a clever observation, and wandering conversations that might start on cattle and geology and turn to art and fly fishing or his beloved dogs. Those who knew him appreciated both the depth of his knowledge and the quiet wit with which he shared it; but to be sure, Gary rarely let a fact get in the way of a good story.

Gary is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Jane; his sister, Janet Manford Hughes of San Antonio, Texas; his brother-in-law, Everett Lawley III of Houston, Texas; his nieces, Merrill Hughes Smith of Chevy Chase, Maryland, Amanda Hughes Pickering of Houston, Texas, and Brooks Lawley of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; his nephew, Everett Lawley IV of Houston, Texas; and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Allie Smith, Charlotte Smith, Sutton Smith, Merrill Pickering, and Everett Lawley V. In addition, his beloved dogs Minnie and Ringo will miss him dearly.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Maxwell Graham (Pat) Manford and Bessie Rae (Hall) Manford; and his brother-in-law, Phillip Hughes.

Gary's life was defined not only by his accomplishments, but by his inquisitive spirit and the generosity with which he shared his passions. His memory will live on in the landscapes he loved, the art he cherished, the streams he fished, and in the lives he enriched along the way. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held at a later date in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, New Mexico, where family and friends will gather to honor his memory, share stories, and celebrate a life so richly and fully lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts in Gary's memory be made to the animal rescue organization of the donor's choice.