Gary Kalman

Gary Kalman June 21, 1935-Nov. 21, 2010 After a determined and courageous 13 year struggle against Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma and complications, Gary succumbed on November 21st while vacationing in his favorite Hawaii. The family and Gary's many friends referred to him as "the comeback kid" as he rebounded numerous times from grave illness, beating the odds with great fortitude. Gary was born and raised in San Francisco, a graduate of Lowell High School. He proudly served with the United States Army in Korea, receiving an honorable discharge in 1960. Gary had a tremendous work ethic, and found hard work to be his hobby as well as vocation. Gary's first career was with his father Sam Kalman, in the surplus metals business. For many years, Gary traveled throughout Northern California and the Central Valley helping to grow the business. He changed careers in the mid-1970's, joining his partner, Frederic Smith, in developing a successful retail enterprise. They opened and operated the "Glass Pheasant" gift stores in the Sacramento area and in San Francisco, and for a time, the Crystal Fox in Carmel. Until their retirement in 2009, their stores had a loyal following of happy customers, collectors, artists and vendors, many of whom became close friends. Gary was a very outgoing, warm, and engaging "host," to those who came through the doors of their stores. Gary had many wonderful relationships, devoted to his partner Fred and his loving family members. He was close to his adored sister Lynne, relishing the role of protective older brother during childhood, and then growing together as adults, they were always good friends. Gary had been a very attentive son to his mother, Shirley, and to his beloved aunt and uncle, Dorothy and Lennie Unger, who had helped raise him. He was a cherished brother-in-law to Lynne's husband William Shilling, and beloved Uncle to Leslie Shilling and Dana Shilling Rieger, her husband Steve, and their sons, David, J.D., Ari, and Robinson. At Gary's request, no services are being held. To honor his memory, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, the SF Jewish Home for the Aged, or the SFSPCA.