Gary L.F. Somers was born and raised in New Westminster, B.C. where his parents owned and operated the city's landmark Terminal Pub. He attended law school at the University of British Columbia, obtaining an LL. B. in 1969. He founded his own law firm in 1980, Somers and Company, to serve his hometown of New Westminster. The firm has since grown to over 20 lawyers, including Mr. Somers own two sons.
Throughout his career Mr. Somers worked as counsel for the Superintendent and the Director of Child and Family Services, and as a result shaped much of the child protection law in British Columbia. He also served as a bencher of the Law Society from 1984-1995, and acted as chair of the Discipline Committee.
Personally Gary Somers was an avid golfer, who was a member of the Vancouver Golf Club for over sixty years. As well, his personal style was expressed through his collection of vintage cowboy boots and vintage cars, which would often appear together along with Mr. Somers.
Gary L.F. Somers passed away in June 2016 after a sudden short illness.