I didn't know Gary well, but instinctively knew that he had a brilliant future ahead of him in whatever career he might have chosen. He was the guy everyone liked and admired. I believe his Dad was a physician. My memory from the time was that he died of a congenital heart condition while diving into the family swimming pool. My last memory of him was as he walked his girlfriend home to south South Pasadena, even though he lived far north of us "southerners". They were such a beautiful, popular couple (can't remember her name now) and so much in young love. His passing was my first encounter with the death of a contemporary and I will never forget the deep mourning that the high school was plunged into.
Corrections and further memories are welcome from those who knew him better.
Gary was one of my best friends the last few years I lived in SoPas. I moved to Santa Cruz after my 9th grade year at SPJHS and two years later made a trip back to SoCal. I hooked up with Gary and spent a day with him. I was amazed how tall he had gotten. Two years later we moved back to SoCal and remember one of my sisters called me and ask if I had gone to see Gary and that's when I found out he had passed away.
We started a Club (in 8th or 9th grade), and a few Saturdays, myself, Gary, Ken Vogl, and John Crawshaw would hang out the whole day.
Linda Johnson (Hernandez) (1963)
I didn't know Gary well, but instinctively knew that he had a brilliant future ahead of him in whatever career he might have chosen. He was the guy everyone liked and admired. I believe his Dad was a physician. My memory from the time was that he died of a congenital heart condition while diving into the family swimming pool. My last memory of him was as he walked his girlfriend home to south South Pasadena, even though he lived far north of us "southerners". They were such a beautiful, popular couple (can't remember her name now) and so much in young love. His passing was my first encounter with the death of a contemporary and I will never forget the deep mourning that the high school was plunged into.
Corrections and further memories are welcome from those who knew him better.
Sincerely, Linda - 1963
John Mumford (1966)
At the time his girl friend was my sister Jeanne Mumford. It was a very difficult time for all of us. Now Jeanne is gone.
John Zervos (1963)
Gary was one of my best friends the last few years I lived in SoPas. I moved to Santa Cruz after my 9th grade year at SPJHS and two years later made a trip back to SoCal. I hooked up with Gary and spent a day with him. I was amazed how tall he had gotten. Two years later we moved back to SoCal and remember one of my sisters called me and ask if I had gone to see Gary and that's when I found out he had passed away.
We started a Club (in 8th or 9th grade), and a few Saturdays, myself, Gary, Ken Vogl, and John Crawshaw would hang out the whole day.
He was a very good friend great guy!