Gordon John Mamer

GORDON JOHN
MAMER

Aug. 18, 1930 - Nov. 4, 2010

Former Brawley resident Gordon John Mamer, 80, passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday, November 4, 2010 at his home in Escondido following a yearlong battle with cancer. Coming from two pioneer farm families, Shank's and Mamer's, Gordon was born and raised to farm the land.
He leaves his loving wife of 60 years, Roberta (Reed) Mamer; his daughter, Susan Mamer, Weaverville, CA; daughter, Elaine Mamer Gackle, Grand Terrace, CA; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Liz Mamer, Brawley, CA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Amy, Shane (Misty) and Shauna Lawson; and Ryan and Brett Mamer; four great- grandchildren; as well as brother Richard Mamer, sister and brother-in-law Marie and Ray Dial; brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Eileen Mamer; numerous relatives, friends and golfing buddies.
Born at Mercy Hospital, San Diego, August 18, 1930 to Theodore and Alice (Shank) Mamer, Gordon was raised in the country east of Brawley, CA, and was a lifelong resident until his retirement when he moved to Rancho Bernardo, in 1992, then on to Escondido.
In his early years, Gordon attended Magnolia School, receiving the American Legion Citizenship Award, and Brawley Union High School, class of 1948, where he played right tackle and kicker for the varsity Wildcat Football team. "Gordy" as referred to by his teammates, was also selected for the "all valley" team. While at BUHS, Gordon was president of the Letterman's Club and active in most all school had to offer. After high school Gordon attended Chaffey College in Ontario, CA where he also played college football and met his future wife, Roberta. Gordon and Roberta were married September 2, 1950 and most recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on a cruise with the Mamer/Baran family to the Caribbean.
Following his wedding, Gordon returned to Brawley, to work on the family farm with his uncle and father, Floyd Shank and Ted Mamer Farms. A few years later, he started a partnership with his father, mother and wife to start Mamer Ranches, which is still in operation today. His son Gary joined him on the farm in 1978 and most recently his grandson Ryan also followed in the Mamer footsteps to become a 5th generation farmer.
Mr. Mamer had a passion for golf and was a long time member of The Del Rio Country Club where he was a past board president, and also served as president and committee member on the Elmer Sears Lettuce Tournament for many years.
As a past parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brawley, he was a founding member of the Sacred Heart Development Board and was instrumental in overseeing the building of the Sacred Heart church hall. He chaired their annual BBQ multiple years and could be found helping as an usher on many Sundays. Serving 14 years on the Magnolia Union School District Board was another position he held besides serving on the board of directors for Imperial-Yuma Farm Credit. Other organizations he gave his time to included Brawley Elks and the PMH Foundation.
In earlier times, when Gordon took a break from farming he loved to hunt and fish. He was also a regular at the bowling alley where he played on a few leagues as a competitive bowler winning many trophies! After retirement, he learned the art of golf club building, re-shafting and gripping clubs for friends and family. He enjoyed playing golf with his son, daughter and grandsons and his once a week game with his friends Ray Miller and Bill Smith. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed watching all sports, especially the Chargers with his daughter Elaine. He loved to travel, but especially loved spending vacation time with Roberta in Carmel.
A memorial mass is planned for Monday, November 15, 2010 at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 402 S. Imperial Ave., Brawley, with Father Efrain Bautista officiating. A celebration of life luncheon will be held immediately following the service at Del Rio Country Club.
Donations in Gordon's memory can be made to the Pioneer's Memorial Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 1571, Brawley, CA 92227.