Gary Fowler

<p class="FreeForm">Gary Fowler, 75, passed away Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013, at his residence in San Luis Obispo, California. He was the son of the late Vesta (Fowler) Hamilton of Jonesboro.</p><p class="FreeForm">Gary was born in Jonesboro, Illinois. For the first 8 years he lived with his grandparents and was raised along with his aunt, Shirley Kohler, who was a year older. They were raised as brother and sister, developing strong family ties that remained throughout their lives although they lived some 2,000 miles apart. He graduated from Anna-Jonesboro High School in 1956 and then moved to the Los Angeles area to attend college.</p><p class="FreeForm">Gary lived in San Luis Obispo for most of his adult life but he never forgot his roots. He remained in close telephone contact even when he could no longer travel to Jonesboro. He kept up with Anna-Jonesboro events through his Aunt Shirley while also receiving the Anna-Jonesboro newspaper and remaining in contact with a few classmates.</p><p class="FreeForm">It was that constant flow of hometown news and information that fed his interest in the youth of Anna-Jonesboro. Gary made it a habit to support local students. For many years, Gary received a list of students who were focused on being good students and succeeding in life. Gary would send monetary contributions to recognize their efforts and stimulate continued dedication to their studies by providing some encouragement and advice by letter. These contributions were often made in amounts totaling hundreds of dollars per student. Some of those recipients remained in contact with Gary even while attending college, pleasing Gary immensely.</p><p class="FreeForm">In addition, Gary, as a retired California Highway Patrolman, knew the consequences all to well of alcohol-related incidents so he took it upon himself to not only contribute to the Safe and Sober Ana-Jonesboro High School graduation events, but he solicited family, friends, and old high school classmates in helping to make the events successful.</p><p class="FreeForm">And while he was known for his philanthropic efforts, Gary and his white 1962 Plymouth Belvedere were probably better known as local downtown fixtures in San Luis Obispo.  He attended regularly and spoke often at San Luis Obispo City Council meetings and on local radio shows, and he never shied away from an opportunity to express his opinion through letters to the editor of the local paper, the L.A. Times, or the Washington POST.</p><p class="FreeForm">Gary began a career of public service by driving an ambulance in So. California while attending El Camino Junior College in 1957-1958. His law enforcement career began with a short stint with the Los Angeles County Sheriff as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff. He then signed on for a career with the California National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve, where he rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel before he retired in 1992.</p><p class="FreeForm">But Gary’s true calling was to be a California Highway Patrolman. He graduated from the Highway Patrol Academy in Sacramento in 1966. He worked in a variety of locations during his 32-yr career including San Francisco, and West Los Angeles before moving to San Luis Obispo in 1968 where he served for 30 years, retiring in 1998 at age 60.</p><p class="FreeForm">In retirement he remained involved. He volunteered to help coordinate California Highway Patrol efforts in recovering registration fees owed by Californians for using local highways with vehicles registered out-of-state. The Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol recognized Gary for recovering millions of dollars in unpaid fees.</p><p class="FreeForm">In 1969, Gary pledged the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity while attending Cal Poly. He remained active over the years after graduating with a degree in Social Science by spearheading alumni efforts to provide support and guidance to the chapter’s undergraduates. </p><p class="FreeForm">Gary also ran for local San Luis Obispo Magistrate, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff, and San Luis Obispo City Council.</p><p class="FreeForm">Gary leaves behind his half-brother, Bruce E. Hamilton; two nieces and a nephew; his favorite Aunt, Shirley Kohler (Eugene) of Anna; along with many cousins.</p><p class="FreeForm">His generous heart, sense of humor, and friendship will be greatly missed by all who knew him.</p><p class="FreeForm">Cremation has taken place.</p><p class="FreeForm">A Celebration of Life will beheld in Gary’s honor from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, at the Madonna Inn Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road in San Luis Obispo. Those attending are asked to bring "Gary stories." For details and to RSVP, please email <a href="mailto:Garyscelebration@aol.com">Garyscelebration@aol.com</a>.</p><p class="FreeForm"> </p><p class="FreeForm">In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Anna-Jonesboro Safe and Sober Graduation fund.</p>