Alan Lee Gaines

April 2, 1944 – July 14, 2024

Alan Lee Gaines, a beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on July 14, 2024. Born in Downey, California, Alan was the youngest of three sons of Foster and Pauline Gaines. He was a proud graduate of Earl Warren High School and earned a degree in Aerospace Engineering from USC, where he also completed his Navy ROTC training.

Alan's distinguished military career included service as a naval aviator, flying the F-8 Crusader and F-4 Phantom. He retired from the Navy Reserve after 22 years of dedicated service. He met his wife, Ann Pennington Gaines, on Christmas Eve 1968, and they were married in 1970. Alan's commercial airline career with Western Airlines and Delta Airlines spanned over 31 years, where he was known for his commitment to safety and his calm and thorough approach.

Alan and Ann raised their children, Joanna and Jeffrey, in Nevada City, California, where Alan was deeply involved in community service, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Museum, and Peace Lutheran Church. His passions included camping, hiking, and singing with local choirs.

Alan is preceded in death by his much-loved brother, Richard. He is survived by his adoring wife Ann; children Joanna (Andy) Trygstad and Jeffrey (Kara) Gaines; grandchildren Grant, Gavin, and Alexis; his brother Dennis (Judy) Gaines; and his sister-in-law Nancy Gaines. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews, Kristen, Alan, Amanda, Deni, Kelley, and Dusty.

A memorial service will be held on August 17, 2024, at 2 PM at Peace Lutheran Church, 828 West Main Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945. Alan's legacy of love, faith, and service will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

Special thanks to Doctors Esteghamat, Gill and Credo at UC Davis Medical Center.

If you would like to make a donation to honor Alan, the family asks that you consider donations to any of the following:

Peace Lutheran Church - www.peacelutherangv.org

Nevada County Habitat for Humanity - www.nchabitat.org

UC Davis Cancer Center - https://give.ucdavis.edu/Donate/YourGift/CC48317/

#C48317/

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Union on Aug. 14, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Alan Gaines

9 Entries

Christian Schweter

August 23, 2024

I am so sorry about Alan's passing and miss him dearly here at Peace Lutheran. I loved when he came in with a cup of coffee in his hands and greeted me, 'Guten Morgen, wie geht's'? (German for "Good morning, how are you?" He was deeply devoted to his God and lived his faith with his hands and feet, here at Peace, at Habitat, and many other places around. He fought hard for such a long time against his cancer, went routes untrodden before, but in the end, he made his way home to the God he trusted in. My sincere condolences to Ann, Joanna, and Jeffrey. Peace+ Pastor Christian

Laura Carlson

August 19, 2024

My prayers and condolences to the Gaines family. Reading about him cements what a great husband, father and person he was. So sorry for your loss.

Wendell and Sharon Meyer

August 15, 2024

So very sorry to hear about Allen´s passing his love of music matched ours Our visit with you in Hawaii jogs our hearts whenever we pass the building Heavens gain our loss. Wendell and Sharon Meyer

Janis Jones

August 15, 2024

My Memories of Alan are of him singing in Peace
Lutheran Choir; and he was ALWAYS ready to help
those in need!

Chris Parks

August 15, 2024

Ann,
I am saddened to hear of the great loss of Alan, you husband for so many years! I was not aware that he had lived such a commendable life before PLC!
You both have been wonderful and faithful Members and supporters of Peace Lutheran and I Sympathize with you and your Family!
Alan was born a day after Ron, my now ex-husband. I am about one month older! As we progress in age, it is becoming our realization that our time will come to meet Jesus sooner rather than later. Rest Assured that Alan is now with our LORD, Jesus!
With Many Blessing and Love to you,
Chris Parks

Bruce and Kristen McGrew

August 15, 2024

Alan was a wonderful man and we are so lucky to have known him. He will be greatly missed. We will always remember the graduation party for Jeff and Bryce and others. Great times and great sons and daughters. We really are blessed. And I will always remember the Trivia night at your home when we actually beat Dick. That was a once in a lifetime thing :)

Cathy Chmel

August 15, 2024

I will forever miss Alan coming in to the church office in the morning with his coffee and always grabbing a piece of candy and telling me stories of his family, travels, and career. What a wonderful guy! He will be greatly missed.

Jeff Greenwood

August 14, 2024

Alan, I am so sorry and shocked to hear of your passing. You were the next class behind me at Western Airlines. I always enjoyed our encounters in the pilot lounge, and what a kick it was to meet your beloved Ann at The "Nevada County Air Fest, big band dance". We never flew together....perhaps in the here after.

Jeff Greenwood
Friend/neighbor

Frank Doherty

August 11, 2024

I instantly liked you. I started laughing with you on our very first day of class. New hires at Western. 12/12/72. You made fun of the airplane I flew in Vietnam, and I told you the only thing worse than being in the Navy was being a USC graduate AND being in the Navy. We were roommates in Minneapolis, 727 F/Os, and shared a commuter car that lacked a working heater. You stole my Lorna Doones. Ann loved chamber music and my daughter played the cello. I was amazed that a Navy pilot was musically literate. Ann made you that way. I loved your nickname. KFW Gaines. It referenced the carrier landings you made in the 727. I loved reminding you of it even more. I am trying not to cry. Because our world is a sad and lesser place without you. See you soon. Be sure you have my Lorna Doones.

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