Gerald Holman Gray

Jun. 30, 1929 - Jun. 1, 2003

Gerald Holman Gray, 73, passed away unexpectedly Friday, May 23, 2003, in San Luis Obispo.

A memorial service will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the American Legion, Post 432, in Cambria.

Mr. Gray was born in 1929, in South Bend, Ind., where he married Dolores Pukrop in 1948. He served in the Indiana National Guard and was a photographer for the U.S. Air Force while stationed in England and at George AFB in California. He was an avid photographer and worked as a professional studio photographer and a photographer for the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Southern California.

Gerald was in the Real Estate/General Contracting Business for more than 40 years. He, Dolores and their two sons moved to Vandenberg Village/Lompoc in 1959, where they took up residence in the first home in the Village. He served as the District Lieutenant Governor of the Kiwanis Club.

The family moved to Cambria in 1971, where he opened Gerald Gray Realtor/Contractor, later to become Prudential Gerald Gray Realty. He built well over 100 residences and commercial structures in Cambria, including the Cambria Medical Building, Corner Store, and the Old Village Mercantile. He was honored as Citizen of the Year of Cambria in 1986. He formerly served as an alternate on the State Coastal Commission and was a member of the American Legion, Post 432.

His passion was flying. He was an original partner in the Spirit of San Luis Restaurant at the San Luis Obispo Airport. Jerry was one of the founding members of the Gold Coast Chapter of the Flying Samaritans and served the club in many roles including pilot, membership coordinator, International Director and most recently as President Elect. He often flew doctors, interpreters, nurses and medical equipment to remote areas of the Baja Peninsula.

He is survived by sons, Michael

W. Gray of Arroyo Grande, Gerald E. Gray and wife Barbara of Cambria; and uncle Leslie Clark of Cambria, as well as his extended family of beloved friends. He had many special friends and acquaintances that he held close to his heart. He very truly touched the lives of all who knew him and will be missed by all.

Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores Gray in Jan. 2000.

Memorial donations may be made to the Gold Coast Chapter of the Flying Samaritans, P.O. Box 1283, Cambria, 93428 (927-3335).

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune from Jun. 1 to Jun. 5, 2003.

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