Brent Merold Gay

1938 - 2018

Brent Merold Gay

Redding, CA

Brent Merold Gay passed away unexpectedly on May 24, 2018 at Shasta Regional Medical Center in Redding just a few weeks after celebrating his 80th birthday. Brent was born on May 3, 1938 in Red Bluff, California and was the oldest child of Leslie and Elna Gay. He was born and raised in Red Bluff and graduated from Red Bluff High School in 1956. In 1951 Brent was kicked off a horse which resulted in the loss of a kidney at the young age of 13. This unfortunate accident did not slow him down one bit! After graduating high school, he lived in Mineral and worked for the National Park Service at Lassen Volcanic National Park on the trail and forestry crews. He worked on many of the trails that visitors of the park continue to enjoy today. Brent was also part of the ski rescue team and once assisted with recovering remains from a plane crash near Lassen Peak. Brent knew the backcountry well and was an excellent snow skier, which made him the perfect choice for such expeditions. In the early 1960s he moved south to work at Yosemite National Park on the forestry crew and was stationed in Yosemite Valley. After a few years working for the National Park Service he moved to Angels Camp and opened a Standard Gas Station. Although he enjoyed living in Angels Camp, the North State had always been Brent's home and after a few years operating the gas station he moved his family back to Red Bluff where he operated a Snap-on tool route. Brent was also a self- taught mechanic, so a tool route was right up his alley. In the 1980s he worked for Johnnie Ross Motorcycles, which was a job that he always spoke fondly of. Ultimately Brent relocated to Redding and was offered a job with the City of Redding. In 2001 he retired from the City of Redding after many dedicated years working in the fleet maintenance department keeping the service vehicles of Redding in excellent working order. Brent was an avid outdoorsman and had a great love for fishing, traveling, kayaking, canoeing, hunting, exploring new areas, and spending time with loved ones and friends. Brent was a joy to be around and always had a smile and a crazy story to share. His laugh was contagious and if you heard him laughing you couldn't help but laugh too. We will never forget him and he'll be in our hearts forever.

Brent is survived by his children Brenda Lewis of Redding, Todd Terry (Tara) of Redding; Grandchildren Olivia, Linsey, Kyle, and Kate; his brother Brian Gay (Joan) of Los Gatos, California. Brent was predeceased by his parents, Leslie and Elna Gay, and his son-in-law Daniel Lewis.

A private burial will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Red Bluff. A Celebration of Brent's Life will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018 from 4pm-6pm at the Palo Cedro Community Guild (formerly known as the Millville Grange) 22037 Old 44 Drive, Palo Cedro. Anyone that knew Brent is encouraged and invited to attend. Brent loved to have a good time and we plan on having a wonderful celebration in honor of his life.

Please sign the guestbook at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/redding/