Gustav Alfred Gulmert

1927 - 2016

Gustav Alfred Gulmert

1927 - 2016

Cayucos, CA

Gustav Alfred Gulmert, 88, of Cayucos, California, died Sunday, July 17, 2016, in the peace and comfort of his Cayucos home of natural causes.

Born in 1927, in San Jose, California, Gulmert attended Lincoln High School in San Jose, where he was a successful student and athlete. He graduated high school early and earned admission to the University of California, Berkeley. Gulmert played basketball at Cal and traveled to New York's Madison Square Garden with the Golden Bears' 1946 Final Four team.

A sudden illness to his father forced him to leave Berkeley and begin working to support his family. He earned a bachelor's degree in business from San Jose State University and helped found the Epsilon Theta chapter of the Sigma Chi fraternity at San Jose State. He later received a master's degree in agriculture from Fresno State University.

During the Korean War, Gulmert served in the U.S. Navy, and was later a member of the U.S. Naval Reserves for several years. In 1954, Gulmert married Beverly Neil of Exeter, California. The couple settled in Exeter where he managed the Exeter Orchards citrus packing house.

Known for his keen interest in politics, high intellect and ready wit, Gulmert was a civic leader and dedicated to community service. He was elected president of the Exeter Union High School Board and used the position to encourage as many Exeter students as possible to seek college degrees. He was twice president of the Exeter Kiwanis Club, an active booster of youth sports and a respected presence whenever community issues were discussed. After relocating to Cayucos, Gulmert remained active in local issues as part of the Cayucos Citizens Advisory Council.

Always a strong advocate for higher education, Gulmert developed a particular affection and loyalty for the University of Southern California, carefully tracking the school's academic accomplishments as well as the success of its athletic teams.

Gulmert was preceded in death by his wife, parents and sister. He is survived by his three children, Susan Gulmert of Cayucos; Katherine Gulmert of Chehalis, Washington; Gustav N.C. Gulmert of Gambrills, Maryland; and six grandchildren, Julian and Donovan, both of La Honda, California; and Gustav, Leila, Lauren and Neil, all of Gambrills.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Wilshire Hospice http://www.wilshirehospicecc.org/ or the charities of one's choice.