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MITCHELL GEGAX Obituary

GEGAX, MITCHELL Jan. 30, 1930 to Aug. 5, 2011 Mitch is survived by his loving family and many caring friends. He was a retired high school teacher from the Sweetwater Union H.S. District, a minor league baseball player (Chicago Cubs), a member of the Actors' Equity Association, a circuit speaker for the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill, and an Air Force veteran (Korean War). The immediate family is holding a private reflection. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Aug. 9, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for MITCHELL GEGAX

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Ruth Ann Heatherton (McFadden)

November 19, 2017

what a wonderful teacher you were. I met you in civics class where your enthusiasm for teaching and the subject were evident. Later you would guide 50 of us through a go-go dance routine so that we could participate in the talent show. What other teacher would do that? You were so Charming and approachable. I think lots of the senior girls were secretly in love with you. After graduation, I had the opportunity to help you with typing your thesis. I had to borrow someone's typewriter, but I was determined. You always did so much for us. I think you always wanted to leave your mark on the world and you succeeded. I wish I had found you sooner to tell you in person.

Lyndsey Abatie

April 13, 2016

I met Mr Gegax as one of his students at Hilltop High School in 2002/3. He didn't have much use of one of his arms/hand and needed help in class. I loved helping Mr Gegax, he was so appreciative and he always wrote me a check for ten dollars even though i didnt want him to pay me! Makes me laugh today. I have always thought about him and always will.

Susan Carter

February 17, 2013

Well, through a bit of investigation, I've just found out that Mitch passed. I remember him so well...we met him through he and Barbara's kids...and became friends of the family. Mitch was a wonderful husband, dad and friend to all. Just a lovely man, intelligent with a wonderful sense of humor. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing and although it is month's past due want to express my sincere condolences to Barbara, Doug, Ellen, Cathy and Josh...plus grandkids. I know this is a terrible loss for all of you.

Bonnie Mac Neill

December 18, 2011

Mr. Gegax was my Civics teacher in my senior year at SUHI 1965. He was a wonderful teacher. I had an opportunity to see him again about a year ago and even though he had Alzheimer's, he smiled when I told him I enjoyed being his student. I will never forget him.

Bonnie (Bohart) Mac Neill

August 28, 2011

Mr. Gegax/Mitch..

Doug and I were best of friends at Monterey Heights Elementary School in Lemon Grove...Both of our families were good friends and did alot of social activities together...parents to parents and Mr. Gegax-Mitch and Doug and myself were active in Cub Scouts, Indian Guides...Doug and I did a great fundraiser at the Gegax's house for MD for Jerry's kid's when we were in Grade School...

I am so sorry Doug and family to hear about the loss of your Dad...The picture you have here looks just like your Dad...

Would like to reconnect and talk and get together with you...my sister, Joyce saw your Dad's passing and told me about it...I know your parents would like if we are re-connected...from all our fun times together as friends and our families outtings when we were at Monterey Heights just a few days ago...you can reach me at 619-721-1557...I live and work in Dtn San Diego...or email me @ [email protected]...

So, sorry for your loss...we lost our Dad, Norman a few years ago to Alzheimer's...miss him alot too...our Mom Loretta, who you know and your family knew well...left us also before our Dad passed away from a heart issue...really miss both of them...how is your sister, Dede???

Take care...Let's talk and get together in tribute and honor to all of our parents and the great environment they all created so we could have all those fun times and be such good friends...

Richard (Dick then) Flannery!

Jerry Walsdorf

August 21, 2011

I enjoyed my time working with you in the Social Studies Department at Sweetwater High School back in the l960's. May you rest in peace. Condolences to the family.

Martha Barrer

August 13, 2011

I love you, Mitch...you were always my friend.

Judy Knoke

August 12, 2011

I remember Mr. Gegax with great fondness. He was my civics instructor at SUHI 1966. He made his class so enjoyable. A funny and very compassionate man. Condolences to his family.

David Spencer

August 12, 2011

Mitch was both my family and he was my friend. Always an optimistic early riser Mitch was a great person to share morning coffee with. A passionate observer of world affairs he devoured the newspaper and was always up for a conversation or a good laugh. He was never afraid to ask questions although he generally knew more than you did. An untiring advocate of equality for all, I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. I'll miss you Mitch and those cups of exotic special brew coffee thanks to Barb.

Barbara, Ellen, and everyone you know I'm thinking about all of you!

Suzie Silvia

August 11, 2011

Barbara and Mitch have treated me like family since the first day I met them almost 15 years ago. I love you Mitch and will miss you my friend. Thank you for your love and kindness. I love you all so much!!

Stacie Williams

August 10, 2011

Uncle Mitch...I will always remember your smiling face. I have such fond memories of you. I'll never forget all those times you allowed me to comb your hair while I sat on the back of the couch. Then the trips to Ramona or around town with all my books in the back seat of the car. Or yelling "Tike get over here!" Thank you for being you. I know that you and my dad are both smiling together now in heaven.

Lynn Ayub

August 10, 2011

I am a 1966 SuHi grad who was one of the many Sr. Civics students that will truly miss this dear man. Of all the instructors I've ever had, he was absolutely the best....he will be missed dearly.

August 10, 2011

I'll remember the corn field raid at night as Mitch and I climbed the fence
for corn & Barb had the pot a boiling.
Many Good Memories


Peace to you Mitch...

Love to you Barb, Ellen, Kathy, Josh, Doug, Kassandra & Ryan

-Moosebee & Jim

Andrea Velasco

August 10, 2011

I will always remember Mitch. He was so loving and accepting. He welcomed us into his family so easily. Mitch always had kind words to say to us. I can see his smile now, he was always smiling. Love you Barbara, Doug, Kathy, Ellen (Nina) and Uncle Josh!!!

Kassandra Acosta

August 10, 2011

Papa Mitch has been in my life forever. There are so many memories that I have with him, but none I'll remember more than when we went fishing together. It was the most fun I had ever had with him. I will truly miss him. Love you, Grandpa!

Mark Guynn

August 10, 2011

I met Mitch when I was 10yrs old. He wanted me to pitch BP for Doug. He stayed my friend for the next 45 yrs. He was always kind to. Me and I had real happy Times when Doug , myself and. Mitch went our adventures. I will always cherish his memory. Rest Well. My friend!

August 10, 2011

I met Mitch when I was 10 yrs. old. He was always kind to me and when I needed it most, he made me laugh at the absurdity of things. Mitch, I will never forget you, and I will cherish all the memories I have of you, Doug and the family. Rest my friend and peace be with you always!

Margaret McLaughlin

August 10, 2011

Mr. Gegax was a wonderful teacher. I had him for Civics in 1965 at Sweetwater. He knew I was shy and he encouraged me to participate. He was a very good teacher. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.

Cindy Blume

August 10, 2011

I really enjoyed sitting on Doug's back porch and visiting with Mitch. He kept me laughing the whole time! My thoughts and prayers are with the Gegax family.

Larry Rice

August 10, 2011

He helped keep me out of trouble, provided avenues to solutions, always listened attentively, had a GREAT sense of humor and ranks as one of the best teachers I ever had. RIP Mr. G - Larry Rice SUHI - Class of '65

Kathy Acosta

August 10, 2011

I have a lifetime of fun and crazy memories from Lemon Grove to Ramona. You'll always be in my heart. May you rest in peace, Mitchell. Love you!

Cheryl Liljestrom Brennan

August 9, 2011

I always felt welcome in his home. Mitch & Barbara were the "cool" parents. Mitch seemed to enjoy having a house full of teenagers. I have many fond memories of good times in Lemon Grove @ the Gegax house. Lots of Love from my family to yours.

Sue Gomez (Balsavich)

August 9, 2011

He really knew how to handle a classroom. I wish more teachers were like him. Rest in peace Mr.G

August 9, 2011

Mr. Gegax will always be one of my favorite teachers from Bonita Vista High School. He made Civics class an interesting one, and was encouraging to all his students with his contagious "sense of humor". Like so many others, I shared an interest in baseball with him and enjoyed hearing his stories. We just had our 40th class reunion last October and truly missed seeing him again. I know I speak for so many of his former students, when I say "Thank you for the memories, Mr. Gegax; till we meet again at the old ballpark in the sky"!

My deepest sympathy to his family,

Charla (Hirst) Borich

Cathy Ryan

August 9, 2011

I am so sorry to hear this sad news. He was the nicest father ever and did so many fun things with Dee Dee and her friends. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Stephen Strahan

August 9, 2011

I was sure sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Gegax. There are always those teachers who leave lasting admiration in the hearts of their students and Mr. Gegax is certainly one of them. I still laugh all these nearly 44 years later when I think about the first day of class when a friend of mine, Eric, came late and Mr Gegax told him the class was remedial basket weaving. He had to call him back by saying something like "hey knucklehead, get back in here". Eric still thinks that was funny too. Someone once introduced him as "Sweetwater's answer to Mr Novak". Mr. Novak was a TV series about a young popular teacher. The show aired from 1963 to 1965. So long Mitch, you were a good man

Pat Murphy(Brattland)

August 9, 2011

Mr. Gegax was "The Best"..Civics class was my favorite class and always looked forward to this class, only because of Mr.Gegax. Absolutely loved him. We had alot of crazies in that class, (Class of "66")..I can't help but think he appreciated the humor we returned to him and down deep inside he loved us as we did him. We were his favorites and he was ours..Absolutely never forget him and I credit Mr.Gegax with changing the errors of my leftist ways and taking the "right" path..Keep the angels smiling Mr. Gegax.

Linda Villalobos

August 9, 2011

You were a good friend. Now you are flying with the angels. You have left behind a wonderful family.

Jan "Juanita" Phillips Simon

August 9, 2011

So many memories...Lawton Drive, living at Lawton Dr. and working for Mitch at the age of 13. Mitch and Barbara opening there home up for me. Mitch always told me I was a kid good. I will always remember Mitch in my heart. His smile. To my Lemon Grove Family - Barbara, Doug, Kassy Val, E and Josh and or course "The Grandkids" sending all my love your way with the fondest memories. Love you all!

Alex E. Contreras

August 9, 2011

Mr. Gegax was one of the few instructors at SUHS who believed in me and gave me encouragement. I dedicate my teaching and administrative career in education to him. My condelences to his family and all who loved this great man.

Debbie Wasserman

August 9, 2011

My sincere condolences to Barbara, Doug, Ellen, Kathy & Josh. I have many fond memories of Mitch when Ryan D. and Ryan L. were young and all the holidays we got to spend with my West Coast Family. I believe he's in a better place now.

Ellen Spencer

August 9, 2011

Mitch was my stepdad for 42 years and I will love him dearly, forever. Our family has many highly entertaining memories to reflect upon, but my favorite memory is how, even though I’m middle-aged, he was still always telling me “you’re a good kid, E.”

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