1969

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Gary Donald Cummings ‘66, J.D. ’69 passed away peacefully and quietly at 70 years of age on January 11, 2015. Gary was born in Hayward, Calif., on July 10, 1944, the son of Donald and Alice Cummings. Though born in Hayward, he was a native of Oakland and spent all of his life here. Gary is survived by his sons Michael, Matthew, and Brian; his former wife, Raewyn of New Zealand; his sister, Kathleen Jordan (Clay); his brother, Tim Cummings (Sue), as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Gary attended St. Cyril’s Grammar School in Oakland and upon his 8th grade graduation, was awarded the scholarship to Bishop O’Dowd High School. At Bishop O’Dowd, he continued to excel academically and upon graduation from O’Dowd, was awarded three scholarships to three different universities. He chose to pursue his studies in political science at the University of Santa Clara on a full four-year scholarship. After graduating from the University of Santa Clara, he was awarded a three-year fellowship to the Law School at the University. He eventually received his JD degree and passed the CA bar on his first try. 

During his years at Santa Clara, he became interested In the Big Brother Organization and became a Big Brother to a little boy who did not have a father.  After passing the CA Bar, Gary proceeded to enter the U.S. Army as a LT. He was ultimately stationed in Germany in Military intelligence during the Vietnam Era. He advanced to the rank of Captain and was later honorably discharged in 1972 after being awarded the National Defense Service Medal. After returning from Germany, Gary was hired as a Deputy District Attorney in the DA office in Oakland, CA. He excelled in trial work and during the next 25+ years he advanced to become Senior Prosecutor. 

Gary loved books and was a voracious reader. And as I remember him growing up, always had a book in his hand or was studying. But he also loved sports and played baseball and basketball along with his younger brother, Tim. When Gary became a father, he enjoyed coaching his three sons – Michael, Matthew, and Brian and all of their teammates in soccer, basketball, and baseball. Matt and Mike both told me. that Gary and their morn never missed any of their games. Gary was also an avid golfer and even played golf with our enthusiastic, elderly mother who adored golf. 

08 Nov 2018