1923
2012
Alan David Gold
August 9, 1923 - November 12, 2012
Alan Gold passed away peacefully on November 12, 2012. He was 89 and lived an incredibly full life, including the last 25+ years in Modesto. Alan's life experience was largely shaped in his teenage years when he joined the ROTC at Los Angeles High School, followed by his service in the U.S. Army during World War II. He interrupted his college years at USC to serve his country, but returned to USC where he graduated in 1947. He served courageously and was awarded the Purple Heart. At the age of 21 he was captured at the Battle of the Bulge in December, 1944 and was a P.O.W. until the war's end. It was poignant and fitting that his passing was on Veteran's Day observance.
He lost his beloved wife Beverly to cancer when she was only 56. They had been married for 34 years. Alan was a survivor and was fiercely independent. He was a man who embodied integrity, honor and courage. He lived life on his own terms. He was successful in business, having enjoyed the sales of advertising specialties for many years. One of his fondest memories was his numerous business trips to Alaska, the great folks he met along the way and his driving along the Al-Can Highway. In retirement, he enjoyed travelling in his motor home, rooting for his beloved 49er's, and his volunteer work in the Sherriff's STARS program. Those who knew him appreciated his passion for politics and the fact that he was never one who was shy about his opinions and beliefs, also evident in his numerous Letters to the Editor.
Alan deeply loved his family and friends. He was a loving and devoted father to his son Randy and daughter Caryn. He was incredibly proud of his family including his children and grandchildren Brett Erzinger, Jennifer Sipe and Mitchell Erzinger. His last 8 years were spent with his loving companion Judith Christman. He is survived by his brother Don, along with Randy and Caryn and his 3 grandchildren. Alan will be greatly missed, but he will not be forgotten.
If you wish to honor Alan, please donate to Wounded Warriors, or the Veteran's cause of your choice.
www.cvobituaries.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Thank you Alan for telling us good stories about you when you served in World War 2...and also being a Great neighbor and friend to us for the past 20 years..God Bless You..May you rest in peace with Bev too...
Corinne Robinson
November 26, 2012
I remember so well. We were flying kites on the cliff above the beach while on a campout at Half Moon Bay. You wer eonly 85 years young. Our lives
are better having known you. John and Dottie
November 25, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to Alan's family and Judith. He was indeed a good friend, and we enjoyed the comradery we had with him in the Big Valley Drifters.
Bill and Anita Jacobs
November 25, 2012
Alan - We were surprised and saddened at this notice and wish to add our thoughts to all inclulding Judith because we anjoyed your energy and willing to get up and go with our RV group the Big Valley Drifters We will miss your presence on our future RV Trips - Rest in Peace Love
Jim and Joan Keeler Stockton Nov 25, 2012
Jim and Joan Keeler
November 25, 2012
Dear Alan you will be truly missed by those who came to know and love you. We enjoyed the times we spent with you and Judith at our Big Valley Drifter outings and trips. Rest in Peace.
Gordon and Mary Lasiter
November 25, 2012
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