Gary Fowler Obituary

San Luis Obispo resident Gary Fowler, 75, passed away Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013.. Gary and his white '?62 Plymouth Belvedere were a local downtown fixture. He spoke often at SLO city council meetings and on local radio shows. As a longtime public servant, Gary served 32 years as a California Highway Patrolman. He retired in 1998 at age 60. His career began with the California National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve, where he rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel before he retired. In retirement, he helped coordinate CHP efforts in recovering registration fees owed by Californians for using our highways with vehicles registered out-of-state. Gary was recognized by the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol for recovering millions of dollars in unpaid fees. In 1969, Gary pledged the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity while attending Cal Poly. He remained active over the years and spearheaded alumni efforts to provide support and guidance to the chapter's undergraduates. Gary also ran for local magistrate, SLO County Sheriff and SLO City Council. He was known for his generosity. He supported schools in his hometown of Jonesboro and Anna, Ill., while also giving to local charities. Gary leaves behind his half-brother, Bruce E. Hamilton; two nieces and a nephew; along with many cousins. He also leaves his favorite aunt, Shirley Kohler (Eugene) of Anna, Ill. Raised as brother and sister until the age of eight, they lived more than a thousand miles apart, but remained extremely close throughout the years. Cremation has taken place. You can honor Gary by attending his Celebration of Life from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, at the Madonna Inn Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road in San Luis Obispo. If you would like to bring an hors d'oeuvre or dessert to share, that is fine, but DO bring "Gary stories." For details and to RSVP, please email [email protected]. Reis Family Mortuary 544-7400 San Luis Obispo

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Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Aug. 31, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Fowler

10 Entries

Garry Moore

April 22, 2020

I had the pleasure of knowing Gary and serving with him in the California National Guard. I was very sorry to learn that he had passed away. God bless his soul.

Charlie Wolff

September 28, 2013

First met Gary, prior to my transfer to the San Luis Obispo CHP, when I broke down at a gas station in SLO, on the way to Grandma's house in Big Sur. I contacted the dispatch and Gary showed up to help. My starter went bad, Gary knew exactly where to get a new one, and I was on my way in no time.
I transfered to SLO in 1982, worked many times with Gary on Graveyard, a great officer and a pleasure to work with. One of my favorite things to do while working was to make him laugh. Even working other shifts, Gary and I would meet for coffee on our breaks, mostly at the Madonna Inn, where he was well known.
Over the years, I have seen Gary at various locations and the famous White Plymouth.....will miss you both...Charlie

Tunny Ortali

September 25, 2013

A gentleman and a dandy! He saved my life March 3,1970.....a respectedand loved friend. As our life goes so shall we go with those we have experienced. A man of honor and fortitude.
TunnyO

Randal Cruikshanks

September 5, 2013

Gary was a former student years ago, one of those you don't forget for all.the right reasons.

Sincere condolences to his family.

Janet Jordan

September 5, 2013

I worked with Gary at CHP for many years. He would visit the office often after he retired. He was quite a character and very funny. RIP Gary.

Gary's favorite cockatoo "Rocky Bird"

September 3, 2013

We were so sad to hear of Gary's recent passing. Gary was a frequent customer and friend of Trophy Hunters. Mostly he loved to come and visit our shop bird "Rocky" an unbrella cockatoo. He would light up when he brought a special treat for Rocky and never gave up trying to find his favorite snack.
He will be sorely missed by Debbie, Josh, Tom and Rocky and always remembered for his enthusiastic, jolly attitude.

Berta Pape

September 3, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing, I have known him for years, and I was so sad when I saw you were sick. What a great person! He always had a positive thing to say with a smile on his face. And when he came into the my office he would bring Madonna Cookies to the staff. Gary - You will be missed in this world, heaven is gaining a bright star!

Dominic Perello

September 2, 2013

I knew Gary through an exchange of views on several different issues before our City Council. We took substantially different positions but he was always courteous and calm, not often the case with some others. A good guy for whom I have a great respect.

CW2 Marianna Bissell

September 2, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Gary at the California National Guard at Cp San Luis. He was a very nice person and always ready to lend a helping hand. When ever you had a question he new the answer. He always had good attitude about every thing.

Mary Lemus

August 31, 2013

Condolences to Gary's family. I knew Him through the Sheriff's Department. Gary had a kind and caring personality? And a fun sense of humor! So sorry.

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