Gary Martin Greytak

Gary Martin Greytak, 82, died at his home in Mutual 6 on July 12 after a long battle with bone cancer. He was frequently seen around Leisure World wearing his railroad engineer's hat. Gary was born on January 3, 1937 in Butte, Montana. His parents moved the family to Long Beach when he was a young boy. Gary graduated from St. Anthony High School in Long Beach in 1955. He enrolled at Long Beach State College, where he received a BS in Business Administration and Accounting in 1978, a MS in Business Administration in 1980 and a MS in Civil Engineering in 1983. He spent 10 years as a professor at Long Beach State. Gary spent most of his life as a civil engineer, always keeping his license in his wallet.

He worked in Saudi Arabia as an employee of Vinnell. Due to improper mapping prior to his arrival, his crew hit an electrical line, causing the adjacent city to lose power. As the man in charge Gary was held responsible and thrown in jail for 2 days. After hitting a second line, he submitted his resignation on a napkin and returned to work in the U.S. He completed his career with CalTrans, working on major projects in California.

Gary moved to Leisure World in 2000. He was active in many community activities including the Y Service Club, Meals on Wheels, Friendly Couples, and Holy Family Catholic Church. He also served as a consultant Director for Mutual 6. For many years, Gary volunteered with the Golden Age Foundation Tax Program, helping shareholders understand how their taxes were prepared. Gary served as the President of the Leisure World Cribbage Club for 10 years. It was at the Cribbage Club that Gary developed a relationship with his future wife Mary, who was the club’s secretary. The Greytaks were married in November 2004.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife Mary Greytak, two daughters and one grandson from a previous marriage, and four brothers. He also leaves an adult step-daughter Dee (Brian) Harmon, a resident of Mutual 12, 3 step-granddaughters, and 4 great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Saturday, July 27 at 11 a.m., followed by a memorial luncheon at the Leisure World Community Church next door.