In Loving Memory & Celebration of Gary Luce

What an incredible journey....

Gary (Dad), a man born with more obstacles than most face during an entire lifetime, managed to redefine the rules of life and create his own.  His goals, with intention, always included benefit to others.  He paved his own road to each goal with purpose and commitment to the causes he cared most about.  Yes, he was a man in a wheelchair, but the wheelchair disappeared after the first five minutes spent with him.  All you saw was GARY! He also had the uncanny ability to teach others to do things, with skill and precision, even if he had never done it himself.  He taught Martha (Mom) how to surf....  Gary & Martha (Mom & Dad), together, have taught me more than the typical lessons passed from parent to child.  I've had the most amazing example of what true, real love is between husband and wife.  I've learned how important it is to be adaptable in life.  Ideal circumstances, surroundings, and accommodations were uncommon for my parents but that never seemed to faze either of them.  Until recently, I didn't realize how their unwavering commitment to do what they wanted, regardless of any potential obstacle, has rubbed off on me.  I owe my strength and progress as an adult to their choices in life.  I hope all who knew and loved him have been blessed with similar gifts. Although he is missed, he has left a lasting impression on many!  I'm looking forward to hearing from each of you and learning how my Dad made an impression on you.~ Michelle Luce 

What an amazing family man and entrepreneur – 

God blessed me when Gary became my husband.  Gary’s amazing perseverance against all odds instilled in our family (myself and our daughter) to keep on keeping on.  All the while, Gary kept reaching out to help others.  One day while our boat took on water, Gary stopped to tow another boat whose engine broke.  Gary was a director for the Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC, San Diego).  Gary set up on-site programs within industry for the slow of learning.  Industry was impressed by the dedicated participants and did some direct hires.  While on the President’s Committee for the Employment of the Handicapped, Gary met with the US Secretary of Labor in Washington, D.C.  Gary established equitable Federal rates for their employment.  While lobbying in Washington, D. C. Gary helped write the ADA (American Disability Act) laws.  On our first trip, Gary had us circling the Senate building until we found an accessible entrance.  Gary saw a door open for a trash truck.  Gary quickly had us go into the Senate with the trash.  Imagine those senators amazement when they saw Gary in his wheelchair with his wife and daughter in the senators’ office.  Gary was effective.  He always found a way to reach a goal for the good of others.Then Gary through our family business Breakwater Construction Company built waste water treatment plants among other major construction projects.  Gary raced off-road desert vehicles, lived on a sailboat and ranched with his mini horse Hot Shot.  All these things and more Gary did with his family team (myself and our daughter).  We are the lucky ones.  ~ Martha Luce

Email Martha