Gary Wayne Cruz

1949 - 2018

Gary Wayne Cruz

Scottsdale - Gary Wayne Cruz, "Cruzzer", age 68, passed away March 8 after his brief battle with cancer. He was born May 28, 1949 in Livermore, CA to Edward Martin Cruz and Elaine Voudry Cruz, now deceased. His step father was Homer "Joe" Troutman, also deceased. He is predeceased by his brother, GiI, and sister, Michelle. After graduating from Amador High School in Pleasant, CA he joined the Army and served in Vietnam flying 168 missions in 1969-70 as a helicopter door gunner. He received the Purple Heart and was honorably discharged in 1970. His media career began as a disc jockey for KIMN radio in Denver and shortly thereafter he became a reporter for KUSA TV. His love of sports soon landed him a position as a sports anchor/host for KUSA in 1973. He later moved to KMGH in Denver and then to KCAL TV, Los Angeles in 1990 and KPHO TV, Phoenix in 1999. While in Los Angeles he joined the Screen Actors Guild and appeared in various commercials and the film "Independence Day" and "Godzilla". His career also included play-by-play radio broadcasting for Colorado State University football and Cal State Northridge football and basketball. After retiring from daily TV he launched his own company, CruzWood Communications. He also co-hosted "The Positive Side of Sports" on KDUS/KMUP in Phoenix and more recently "The Backspin Golf Show" on Fox Sports 910 KGME radio. He is survived by his loving wife, Trish, whom he married 1976 and their son, Kevin, born in 1980. He is also survived by his brothers, Edward Cruz of San Diego, CA and Greg Cruz of Hudson, CO. Gary was a caring and loving husband and father. Those who knew him know he was an incredible, personable, witty, joyful, compassionate, easy going, positive, funny person who enjoyed life to the fullest. He dearly loved his family and friends, and if you met him, you were his friend. He was also an avid golfer and involved with many charitable organizations including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Prostate On-site Project, and The First Tee. A "19th Hole Celebration of Life" will be held on Saturday, March 17th at 5-7pm at Gainey Ranch Golf Club. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in the name of Gary Cruz to The First Tee of Phoenix, via PayPal at www.thefirstteephoenix.org.or check to 3837 E. Wier Avenue #7.Phoenix.AZ 85040.