GARY ALBERT MAYER Age 72, of Rialto, passed away September 19, 2013, at his home in Rialto. Gary was born in San Diego, on July 7, 1941, a son of the late Guy and Gladys (Walker) Mayer. Gary was a graduate of Ramona High School, Ramona, California. He retired after over 38 years as an engineer at Caltrans. Gary was very active in Rialto Youth Football, North Rialto Little League, and Eisenhower High School Football when he was younger. Gary was predeceased by his wife Gayla S. (Dodge) and is survived by sons, Randall S. Mayer (Anne E.) of Yucaipa and Rick A. Mayer of Rialto; daughters, Rhonda D. Kramer and Robin R. Taylor (Christopher G.), both of Yucaipa; and his beloved grandchildren Anthony, Hannah Jane, Alan, Megan, Zachary, Stephanie, Collin, Amanda and Robert (R.J.); great grandchildren Breanna and Bradley. A Service will be held on Friday, September 27, at 11:00 A.M. at Montecito Memorial Chapel, 3520 E. Washington St., Colton, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the following organizations: Stand Up to Cancer: http://constellation. standup2cancer.org/48859 UCLA Neuro-Oncology Research: www.giving.ucla.edu/braincancerresearch

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Published by The Press-Enterprise from Sep. 25 to Sep. 26, 2013.

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Darlene Lewis

October 20, 2013

What a great athlete Gary was in our high school days. Football stands out for me. Gary was a really kind and admirably good man with a heart of gold. Gary is so missed and will always be remembered as well as Gayla. Both Gary and Gayla were great friends through all the years. My sincere sympathy to Randy, Rhonda, Ricky and Robin and all the grandkids that Gary and Gayla were so proud of and loved so much.

Jeff Trudick

October 2, 2013

Every kid that grew up in the Coach, Gary Mayer, era is a better person for knowing him. I know I am !!!!! Thanks for the lessons you taught !!! I will always remember your passion for the game !!!

Mary "Butters" Killinger

September 27, 2013

Gary and I had something in common. It was sports. I was honored to attend the memorial service for him today. Several of us who grew up in Ramona were able to be together and share memories. Gary will me missed. Thanks for those great high school days!

Taylor Cooper

September 27, 2013

Other than your parents, youth coaches are the most influential in a young man's life. Coach Mayer was a very positive & influential man in my life. Thank you Coach Mayer!

Coach Mayer on rt

Keith Struxness

September 27, 2013

I have had many coaches through the decades and no coach impacted my life more than Gary Mayer. He was a large and imposing man with a lot of determination and physical strength, especially if you're a 10-year-old boy, four-foot nothing and standing in his shadow. He certainly wanted our team to win every game..but not any any cost. He taught me to fight and compete with everything that I had in me, just as he expected from himself and all the other kids on our team. I couldn't help but notice the respect Coach Gary garnered from all the other coaches, umpires, referees, and the parents of the entire league, whether it was baseball or football. I know I am not alone in saying how powerfully Coach Gary impacted my life. There are countless others. As Gary coached, he also understood that he could impart and carefully weave life lessons and values into each one of us....like family, honor, determination and the power of a cohesive team, that we could carry with us for the rest of our lives, and that we would probably pass on to our children. I didn't realize at age 10 all the things I learned from Gary Mayer; it happened over time. Gary, thank you for your commitment not only to your kids, but to countless thousands of kids, especially me!

Todd & Donna Funk

September 26, 2013

I have very fond memories of coach Mayer screaming at us and throwing his clip board around like Bear Bryant...all because he cared enought to try to push us to excellence and make young men out of us. I am indebted to coach Mayer and my deepest condolences to the kids (my age now) With all my love Todd Funk (Jim Moores son)

Keith Struxness

September 26, 2013

As a boy growing up, I was hyper and most of the time out of control. My parents quickly figured out the best option for me was sports. Whether it was Judo, track, basketball, baseball, football, tennis... it didn't matter, as long as it had wide-open spaces and drained me of my excess energy! In 1965, I joined my first organized team and continued to play some form of team sports until about 2005. I had many coaches through the decades and no coach impacted my life more than Gary Mayer. He was a large and imposing man with a lot of determination and physical strength, especially if you're a 10-year-old boy, four-foot nothing and standing in his shadow. He certainly wanted our team to win every game..but not any any cost. He taught me to fight and compete with everything that I had in me, just as he expected from himself and all the other kids on our team. I couldn't help but notice the respect Coach Gary garnered from all the other coaches, umpires, referees, and the parents of the entire league, whether it was baseball or football. I know I am not alone in benefiting from the powerful impact Coach Gary had on countless boys who just wanted to play the game. As Gary coached, he also understood that he could impart and carefully weave "life lessons" and values into each one of us....like family, honor, determination and the power of a cohesive team, that we could carry with us for the rest of our lives, and that we would probably pass on to our children. I didn't realize at age 10 all the things I learned from Gary Mayer; it happened over time. Gary, thank you for your commitment not only to your kids, but to countless thousands of kids, especially me! God bless Gary Mayer...and every other parent who invests time in other people's children!

Keith Struxness

Jim Moore

September 26, 2013

I got to know Gary and Gala while involved in Rialto Jr. All American Football in 1972. My oldest son Todd played on the Cowboys for Gary. He would blowup and yell at those kids and you know they all loved him. I think he did it to motivate them and he'd always have that smile I remember so well that he obviously had up till the end. It would be hard to quantify the positive impact he had on the young people he touched in all those years. I worked for E. L. Yeager and Gary was the resident engineer on several projects and I'd describe his management style as firm but fair. Sad to say that he's a vanishing breed.

Skip Moore

September 26, 2013

Gary and Gayla were friends of my mom and dad through the Jr. All American football league in Rialto.

I remember growing up in Rialto, and my older brother, Todd, played two years on "Mr. Mayer's Raiders.” I remember asking my brother if it was scary playing for Mr. Mayer. (Gary was one of the coaches that would get excited, and throw his clipboard.) My brother just looked at me, astonished and said: "No, it's not scary! I love playing for Mr. Mayer."

I didn't understand, till I got a little older that Mr. Mayer loved those kids on the football team by expecting excellence - made them better players, and men. He had a special bond with each of those kids.

September 25, 2013

We remember your dad(& mom) with great fondness. Love and prayers to you all. Dan & Lee Ann Malouff

Dennis Green

September 25, 2013

Gary was the first to accept me in my new position at Caltrans as the Construction Liaison in 1989 and for that I will always be grateful.

Nina Potter-Plette

September 25, 2013

Randy, Rhonda, Rick and Robin:

I'm so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers for you and your family.

Sincerely,

A Great Man

September 25, 2013

Robert (Bob) Davis

September 25, 2013

I joined the class late, 7th Grade, but accepted by all. Gary, as I recall, always had a positive attitude and enjoyed my years of Ramona Bulldog football, of which Gary was a big part. Will miss your positive smile, Gary!!!

Frank Beck

September 24, 2013

The best four years of my life. Spending my high school years with Gary Mayer. Never a dull moment and always something fun to do. Gary was a "fun" guy and without doubt a "good" guy also. He will be sorely missed, not only by his immediate family and friends, but by those he did not have the chance to reach out and touch. Not enough "givers" in this world and as one of the best, he left us too soon. Peace be with you...

Dick Hopkins

September 24, 2013

There are many great memories growing up with Gary. Guy and Gladys helped raise us all. Gary was a good friend and his athletic feats were amazing. I am grateful we had the opportunity to say a proper good-bye last month in Ramona. Please accept my condolences for your loss.

Sharon Warnock

September 24, 2013

A life well lived. A good son, brother, husband, father, friend and co-worker

I was very happy Gary was able to make the trip to Ramona. It was a wonderful afternoon of laughter and old stories.There was another feeling, it was love and respect for a dear person who was facing a terrible illness with courage most people would not have. He left that day with all of the hugs and kisses we could give to let him know how much he meant to all of us.

Thank you to his wonderful children for taking such good care of him.

John Gilmore

September 24, 2013

A few weeks ago, Gary returned to Ramona to meet with some former classmates and get caught up. While many hadn't seen each other in many years, they just picked up like it was yesterday. We were so blessed to call Gary friend. One among the group of classmates noted that Gary was such an inspiration. Although Gary knew his time was ever-so limited, the friend was struck by Gary's positive spirit. He was living each day as if it were his last. Each day to him was a gift. He took each day and gave it his best. Just like his football days, and basketball and other sports that he excelled in. He was a winner back then, and he's a winner today.

Barbara trumper

September 24, 2013

RIP dear friend. Gary was a great guy and will miss him very much now he and Gayla are together again

Ruth McColley

September 22, 2013

So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He will always be part of my high school experience. Ruth McColley (Whitcomb).

September 22, 2013

I truly idolized Gary during our high school years. I'm so sorry to have just heard of his leaving us for now. His music is very special to me.
Jacki Lewis (New Harmony, Utah)

Richard Smith

September 22, 2013

We all have very fond memories of Gary as we grew up together. He was a superb athlete but even more a very kind and gentle person always had a fun story to tell. Gary loved his family and children deeply and I know he will be happy to be with Gayla. We will miss him.
Class of 59 Ramona high school

Bradford Berry

September 22, 2013

"Always looked up to Gary while growing up he was like haveing a second Dad. Very smart Always liked listening to his Opinions on things. Respected him alot.He let us grow up but if we were going the wrong direction he would let us know about it!! He always had a smile everytime around him Great Guy!! Will be missed..."

Neal Walters

September 22, 2013

Gary was one of my best friends when we were growing up ... I seem to remember that he and his family came to Ramona the same year I did ... he was a superb athlete, certainly among the very best to ever walk the halls at Ramona HS. The years haven't been kind to any of us but he was just such a vital personality that it's very difficult for me to picture him as the victim of a serious illness. Gladys, Guy, Grant, Gayla and now Gary ... we miss them all.

September 22, 2013

Gary was one of the good guys in life. Memories of growing up together in high school in Ramona will always hold a special place in my heart. Will
miss him. God Bless... Sharon Geck Gaskill

Michael Schneider

September 21, 2013

I just found out about Gary's passing.I have fond memories of Gary's stories and advice while working with him at the State and HDR. He will be missed. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

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