Dean Alvin Gay, longtime supporter of the Bakersfield College Alumni Association, passed away on Oct. 7. A memorial service for Gay was held Oct. 16 at First Presbyterian Church.
Last May, Gay donated $250,000 to BC’s athletic department to renovate both the baseball and softball fields. He has also donated money to help build additional educational facilities and churches in the Bakersfield area, assist with educational building renovations, and fund various scholarship endowments.
“He was a ‘do it yourself’ guy,” said Tricia Gay, granddaughter of Dean Gay. “He never stopped working, even after retirement.”
Dean was born in Kansas in 1916, and at age 14 he began working in California, during the Great Depression. While in California, Dean graduated from Kern County High School (now known as Bakersfield High School) and attended BC in 1935. During World War II, the Southern Pacific Railroad Company employed Dean. In 1947, Dean passed his real estate brokers test and started his career in real estate.
“Dream as you live forever, live as you will die tomorrow,” said Mark Gay, son of Dean, during his speech in regards to Dean. “He was a big supporter of the BC football team, and was the most honest person I have ever known.”
During his time in real estate he was involved with the Downtown Business Association, Kern County Shrine Club, Bakersfield College Foundation, Bakersfield College Alumni Association, and many more.
In 1977, Dean retired as president from Watson Realty Company. Several months later, Dean came out of retirement and established Dean A. Gay Real Estate along with his sons, Mark and David Gay.
The wife of Dean, Adah Mae Gay, passed away in 2001. Their marriage lasted 59 years. “The biggest gift they ever gave me was themselves,” said Tricia, while onstage describing her emotions.
Dean Gay left his work to his sons, his school projects are in the student’s hands, and his legacy is alive in Bakersfield.
“You have to build your own torch and make a big flame, like Dean Gay has done,” said David Gay. “Now, which torch will you pick up and pass on?”