GLENDALE, AZ — Gary McSpadden worked for Deer Valley Unified School District for 38 years before passing away from COVID-19 on July 5. McSpadden began his career with the district in 1982 as a teacher.
In 1997, McSpadden moved to the IS&T Department as a programmer for the district, according to a district spokesperson.
"We are very sad to share that our colleague and long-time Webmaster Gary McSpadden passed away on July 5, 2020," said a DVUSD Spokesperson. "Over his career, Gary McSpadden served thousands of students, teachers, and staff from throughout the Deer Valley community. His contributions to DVUSD will serve as a foundation that will be built upon for many years to come."
According to a GoFundMe page for McSpadden's family, he is survived by his wife, Jenny, and daughter, Kenzie.
"While we are not able to bring him back, we are able to help the family move forward. Your donation will assist with funeral and memorial expenses, as well as everyday expenses as they learn to navigate life without Gary," reads the post on his GoFundMe Page.
Below is the full statement from the Deer Valley Unified School District:
"We are very sad to share that our colleague and long-time Webmaster Gary McSpadden passed away on July 5, 2020.
Gary served Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) for 38 years, starting in 1982 as a teacher at several schools in the District: Desert Sky Middle School, Deer Valley High School, and Hillcrest Middle School. In 1997, he moved to the IS&T Department as a programmer. He began working as the District’s webmaster in 2005. He also worked in Facilities, Graphics, and many other departments during summer months when not teaching.
Gary was in his element as a teacher, and although he left the classroom, he never left the profession. During the last 15 years, he taught thousands of teachers and DVUSD staff how to create and update their own webpages. He also served as the District photographer and videographer and truly enjoyed documenting the great things happening at schools across the District.
Gary’s service often extended beyond his official duties. Most recently, when he saw that a school needed help with their theatre’s audio system, he volunteered to help improve it. He supported Sandra Day O’Connor High School’s marching band program. He created communications that celebrated DVUSD’s teachers, staff, and students through his work.
Over his career, Gary McSpadden served thousands of students, teachers, and staff from throughout the Deer Valley community. His contributions to DVUSD will serve as a foundation that will be built upon for many years to come."
