Gary Goettelmann, a Los Angeles native, passed away at 79 following a brief illness. He graduated from the University of Southern California, where he was an outstanding distance runner. Gary and his young son Steven moved to Carmel Valley in 1968. There he met and married the love of his life, Gail Dowling.In 1978, the family moved to Aptos and became owners of Ryan's Sport Shop, a track and field/specialty running shop in Santa Clara. Gary became a local legend as a distance runner and coach. He was a father-figure and mentor to many, and well-known for his ability to assess talent and help athletes achieve realistic goals.In his later years, Gary spent much of his time with Gail at their Livermore ranch, running and riding their horses, Chief and Huey. He loved his family more than anything else in life, and never hesitated to tell that to everyone.Gary is survived by his wife Gail, son and business partner Steven, daughter-in-law Christine, granddaughter Jennifer, sister Gail Quinn Reuss and many friends. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.

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Published by Mercury News on Jan. 17, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Deborah Howard

April 16, 2023

When I first started law school at Santa Clara, I bought a swimsuit from Gary for lap swimming. I bought all of my running shoes from him. A few year later, I started training with him, doing his running schedule during the week and the track workouts Wednesday evenings at Los Gatos High School. I used to do the track workouts with Gail, who is such a lovely person and to whom I send my condolences. My son, who was only 5 and really good runner sometimes joined us for the warmup runs. I should have kept up the speed work, but I moved to Menlo Park and worked in San Francisco. Then I moved to Atlanta. I still have my Ryan's Sport Shop shirt, which I will always cherish because it reminds me of Gary. Thank you, Gary, for inspiring me. I am still a runner and swimmer to this day.

April Powers

February 28, 2023

RIP dear Coach. You were a major part of my running development, not just your insanely tough workouts(10x a mile at 5:30 pace!) but your advice and encouragement. I remember every word. April

Neil D Brown

January 17, 2023

I'll always appreciate Gary's support and pride in my wife Eileen's talent and support for our marriage. Steven is a wonderful legacy to his character and of course Gail was his anchor and a center to the running community.

Rich McCandless

January 17, 2023

I first met Gary in the summer of 1983 upon returning to the Bay Area following an eight year absence.
Although I had competed in Cross Country & Track in college; I had not competed since graduation in 1978 and decided to scratch the itch.
I discussed joining the Ryan's Sport Shop Team with Gary & was welcomed with open arms.

While Gary's coaching helped me to achieve personal records all after the age of 27 between two miles & Marathon, it was his friendship that I appreciated above all. Gary was a lucky man blessed with a beautiful partnership with his wife Gail & son Steven.

Gary, Thank you my friend. My association with the team forged so many wonderful friendships that will always be cherished. Blaze some new trails!

Always in my memory,
Rich

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Ginger Bryan

January 17, 2023

It´s true, he was a legend and I will miss him

Darlene and Stan

January 17, 2023

Gary will be greatly missed he was a wonderful neighbor in the hills ! Great riding partner and always helpful when gathering cattle! Love and condolences from Stan and Darlene

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