Wesley C. Gaston

Wesley C. “Bud” Gaston,90 passed away peacefully on June 23rd with family at his side after a long battle with cancer. He was born January 9, 1921 in Oakland, California to Wesley C. Gaston Sr. and Virginia Walker Gaston. The family moved to Santa Monica, California in 1928. Bud attended Santa Monica High where he served as vice president of the senior class, president of the drama club and was a major force on the varsity baseball team. After graduation in 1939, he began his long career in the aircraft industry working for Douglas Aircraft in the L.A. He served in the Navy, as chief weight and balance engineer for Naval Air Transport. Bud married the love of his life, Marcia Eleanor Curtis on September 28, 1946. He became chief flight test engineer for weight and balance at the renowned Edwards Air Force Base so they moved to the Mojave Desert. Bud and Marcia raised 4 sons in the idyllic Southern California of the 1950’s. The family enjoyed many vacations to the High Sierras & Yosemite, as well as Lake Tahoe, and the Colorado River, where boating, waterskiing, fishing and camping filled the days. In August 1969, after a few summer trips to the Pacific Northwest, Bud and Marcia decided to move the family to Spokane. He joined the H.A. Everest Co. in 1970 as an associate broker. Having sold real estate part time in California, and being a self described people person, he was a natural to pursue real estate. He opened Gaston Realty in 1978 and retired from real estate in 1992. He made many friends in the business and served on several professional boards. In their retirement years Bud and Marcia enjoyed golf, travel, and many trips to see their kids and grandkids. Even after Marcia’s death, Bud continued to play golf and would log over 50 rounds a summer at his home course, Wandemere, until age 87. He greatly enjoyed the twice weekly golf and bowling outings and the camaraderie of his friends. Bud was preceded in death by his son Tom in March 1987 and by his wife of 56 years in June 2003 as the “Marriage Made In Heaven” came to an end. He is survived by sons Michael, of Fresno CA., Richard (wife Janice) of Scottsdale AZ., James (wife Erin) of Pasco WA., and grandchildren Greg, Tommy, Kaylin, Ben, Jake, Zack, David, Andrea ,and great grandchild Courtney. Bud recently celebrated his 90th birthday with a surprise party at Luigis arranged by his family. With a crowd near 60, it was a testament to the friendships he developed over his 42 years in Spokane. Bud never knew a stranger, he made you feel like an old friend even though you just met. As he said in the letter he left behind to his family, “Real love generates true happiness for everyone. Don’t weep for me, it’s been quite a ride.” The Gregarious Bud Gaston will be sorely missed by his family, his many friends and all who knew him. We love you Dad. A graveside service will be held at 10:30a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2011 at Holy Cross Cemetery N. 7200 Wall St. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice House of Spokane.