A Message from Donna
I’m going to start with something you already know, I LOVE GERARD! The moment I met him, almost 20 years ago, he began to charm me off my feet with that smile and his awesome sense of humor. With an expert maneuver he tossed me off the back of his WaveRunner into Millerton lake and the adventure began! We would talk on the phone for hours, he would leave me handwritten letters, he sent me emails and cards…all of which I still have, and he gave me nicknames. I would be Sparkle, Dog, Sparkle dog, then Dolly and that stuck. If you were lucky enough to get a nickname from G, you know it and are proud! He would say “let’s get in the mix” and we’d go to one of his political functions, or out to dinner, meet up with friends, or sometimes just head out of town at the drop of a hat! At the age of 40 (he was 30) I felt like my life finally began. I found my person and he was better than I even imagined! For a brief moment I was thinking it’s too good to be true, but that was quickly forgotten because it never ended… I was in love with him and I always will be!
He always made me laugh, he would be up at dawn or before, in the best mood…singing a song that would get stuck in my head for the whole day (whether I liked the song or not). He had the magic words that would reassure me when I doubted myself or was worried about something. He taught me that you love people, not things (very important). We texted or talked multiple times a day when we weren’t together, even if we had nothing to say, just to let each other know we were there. He called me “the man of the house” because I have my tools and love to fix things or dig in the yard, and he was “the woman” who loved to vacuum, clean, do laundry or make dinner. We took turns “holding ground” and being responsible, while the other would “fly high” and be frivolous or crazy. And I’m sure going to miss our evening ritual of TV or computer slots, with me scratching his feet (seemingly for hours) as he’d drift off to sleep…then I could watch what I wanted… as long as I kept scratching.
There are many great memories (and thankfully pictures) of trips, special places, dinners and good times with friends and family… friends that are family, events, concerts, and adventures, all the silly fun things that became traditions. All of these things for me have to somehow continue.
He lit up my world with his smile, continually showed he cared by all the little things he did for me and mesmerized me with that fabulous voice of his. I have always been so proud to be his wife. I cannot bear to imagine my life without him, so I’m counting on him still being right beside me for the rest of my life whether I can touch him or not. I want to make him proud. I want to be that person that I was when I was with him. I don’t want him to worry about me, although I know he is.
To our wonderful family and many fabulous friends: I can’t thank you enough for all of your thoughts, prayers, and much needed support that you have given me. You are a testament to our Gerard’s unforgettable character that will live on in all of us forever.
A Message from the Lozano Family
Hello, My name is Ray, or Raymond as many of my relatives know me, and Gerard was my younger brother. This morning, I have the honor of sharing some reflections about Gerard on behalf of my Mom Dolores and Dad Michael, older brothers Danny and David, and my youngest brother Ben. Thank you, Donna, for this opportunity.
My Little Buddy, My favorite fourth Son, G Mann, My Best Friend. These are some of the nick- names that people called my brother Gerard. When Gerard Lawrence Lozano was born, we 3 older brothers were ready to play with our very active new addition to the family. Gerard made an immediate impression on all of us, and soon was followed by our wonderful fifth brother. Together, we were now the 5 Lozano boys (people always said, our poor mom!) For my Dad, Gerard instantly became his “little buddy” and I remember Dad would fly Gerard around the house while he was in his baby walker, as my brothers and I ran for cover so Gerard wouldn’t shoot us! As Gerard got older, he would always remind my mom that he was her “favorite 4th son.” And he said it so many times to my mom that it eventually took root! Of course, G Mann became a nickname that many of his good friends knew him as, and you could even see it on his license plate as a reminder that Gerard was near. And without a doubt, when Gerard and Donna met, she was so happy to call Gerard “my best friend” as they created countless Beautiful Days together.
Donna, we are so lucky to have you in our lives. I know I speak for my entire family when I remind you that are not alone, that we got you, today and forever. Your Lozano family loves you so much!
Gerard was, without a doubt, UNFORGETTABLE. When Gerard was born, he made an immediate impact. So many stories, so many firsts, so many ways he left his mark in all our lives. One of my personal favorite stories is when Gerard took my really cool fire engine (that squirted real water) out of the box that I had so carefully kept it stored in, and smashed it with bricks, rocks and dirt in the back yard. He wasn’t mad at me, I think he was just trying to keep it real…this fire truck was NOT designed to be stored away in a box – It was built for the adventure! My brothers and I also remember seeing Gerard as a tiny toddler run up to and then swing with his bare hands on the lower part of a wood structure in our backyard. He made it look so easy, and he loved it! If we were playing football in the front yard, he’d grab his helmet, and get right in the middle of the game. Gerard was built for action & adventure, and he was always looking for the next fun thing to do!
Gerard was a true ROMANTIC, a man of great PASSION, and did everything 120%. He found his own path, and was quick to make his own mark in the world. I remember taking Gerard with me to teach him how to play racquetball. I enjoyed being better than he was at racquetball at the time (maybe I was secretly making him pay for that fire truck destruction memory), but it did not take long for him to outplay me, beat me consistently, and he even picked up a sponsor to pay for all his top of the line racquetball gear. When he found something he enjoyed, he took that thing and made it exceptional and unforgettable!
When this true ROMANTIC was blessed with finding his Donna and they got engaged, I can remember how happy he was. He simply had to visit our parents and every one of the brothers homes right away to share that joyful moment with us all. I know I speak for the entire family when I say thank you Donna, for giving Gerard the happiest days of his amazing life. He was a great person before he met you, but once again, your marriage with Gerard inspired him to become the exceptional and unforgettable man we loved seeing shine brightly especially over the past 18 years.
As a musician, Gerard was 2nd to none. Gerard loved to play the drums, a very appropriate instrument for a person with his energy and personality. I can remember hearing him play in high school and various venues in town. One of my favorite bands he played in was called Us
2, as a tribute to his favorite band U2. Whenever he played the drums, he would always smile. He loved to make music, and that was such an important part of his life. And even though he loved his Raiders when all of us Brothers had been groomed to love the 49’ers, he stayed loyal to his Raiders through the good and not-so-good seasons. Again, he was not afraid to blaze his own trail, and pursue what he had a passion for. And who could ever forget his million-dollar smile and unforgettable laugh that made you just flat out feel happy. When Gerard was in the room, everything was better.
Later in life, Gerard blazed his own trail into the REALTOR industry his own way. Gerard began as the person in charge of the coffee and snack bar at London Properties, and would pick up the forms for London Properties at the Fresno REALTORS Association, also called “FAR.” Gerard would also take the FAR employees coffee. I have recently been told when Gerard pulled up in his jeep, with the radio playing and his long hair flowing, shorts, and cool earring twinkling in the sunlight, the ladies in the office found him quite memorable. Let’s just say coffee consumption was off the charts. He had that affect on people (I wish I could relate). Later, when new opportunities arose at FAR, Gerard applied for positions that others were competing for, and was hired as the Governmental Affairs and Marketing Director and later the Executive Vice President of FAR, based on his confidence, knowledge, and a personality that just tells you “this guy is a winner, and he’s gonna make our community even better!” His contributions to FAR and to this community he loved will leave a lasting mark into the future. Gerard again, added value and meaning to everything he was a part of.
So many stories come to my mind when I think about my brother Gerard. He had the ability to take a normal day, and to make it unforgettable. People like Gerard come once in a lifetime, and he brought joy and purpose to everyone lucky enough to be in his presence. While we say farewell to Gerard, our amazing brother, son, friend, cousin, uncle, Godfather, and husband, we find comfort knowing that we will be with him again someday in Paradise. While today is a day that we cannot fully understand and will wonder why it has to be, we will never forget what his life’s story has taught us. And we will continue to live lives of passion, positivity, joy and love in his honor.
Our brother Gerard Lozano was a gift from God, a living treasure to all who knew him, and a man that leaves us with so many important reminders: Be a friend to all, love those around you passionately, be generous and kind, laugh often, and leave the world a better place because of the love you put into it. Gerard did all those things and more. Over the last month, Gerard and Donna courageously endured their greatest challenge together. Thank you Donna, for loving Gerard and taking such great care of him. And when this sudden and difficult battle was over, God mercifully said “Job well done, Gerard. Now rest. It’s time to come home.” May we all remember to live and love passionately like Gerard did, and make the world a better place, like Gerard did. We love you, Brother. Thank you for making our lives forever better.
A toast to Gerard from Gary Van Ness
Hello Gerard – AKA G-Man, Gerald or even sometimes known as Bob at Starbucks.
We are here this weekend of November 13th through November 15th 2020 in Morro Bay at Julie’s house. We know how much you enjoyed this area of the Central Coast and spending time with friends whenever possible. I am referring to ‘we’ as your beautiful wife Donna, or as known to all of us as ‘Dolly’, Gary and Mary, Michael and Dez.
While we know you can’t be physically here with us, we know that you are here in spirit. We’d like to share a few memories with you that we all remember so well, as you do, I’m sure.
Bloody Marys or Ramos fizzes before, during or after breakfast on Julie’s deck overlooking Morro Rock. Wright’s bacon frying in the kitchen. Big Red’s lottery tickets and Hostess Donuts. Walks on the beach with your best friend who also happens to be your wife. Breakfast at Otter Rock, Carlas, Kitties, Custom House and Zorro’s.
Dinner’s at Dutchman’s, Great American Fish Company, Oyster Loft and Dorn’s.
Bloody Mary’s and rotten shrimp cocktails at Rose’s Landing. Ugh! You’ll never have to eat there again will you?
Trips to Mozzies Saloon, Parts Unknown and Moonstone Beach in Cambria.
Hearst Castle and the San Simeon burger joint.
The cinnamon roll shop in Harry’s Bar in Pismo Beach. Great American Melodrama in Oceano. Weekend stays at the Kon-Tiki when we couldn’t get Julie’s place.
Lyle Lovett and Emmylou Harris in Santa Barbara. Wine tasting- Too many places to name. Driving around Morro Bay looking at million-dollar homes we couldn’t afford and still can’t. Trying to BBQ on that piece of shit cheap barbecue that Steve bought. Smoking an occasional cigar after dinner. Playing Left- Right- Center, Domino’s and other board games while a little inebriated.
Watching Dolly fall out of her chair while extremely inebriated. Appreciating all the nicknames you attached to all your friends. Trips to Giant games and weekends in S.F.
Watching the Raiders, Saints or Giants on Saturdays or Sundays at your house. Just lounging at Julie’s playing video poker games, winning and losing millions.
It didn’t matter what we did, it was the fact that we were together and enjoying each other’s company. This can be said for any and all the people you had surrounded yourself with.
You probably don’t even realize that you have touched so many lives, in so many ways, in such a short time. You have made not only local friends but also on a Statewide and national level.
You will truly be missed my friend, not just now but always. You will. forever be in our hearts and thoughts. We know that you’re watching after all of us from above.
One day we shall all meet again my friend. Until then, keep looking down upon us and we will always look up to you.
Go Raiders!
Obituary
Born on May 11, 1970, in Fresno, California to Michael and Dolores Lozano, Gerard was the fourth of five boys. Gerard loved life and had the ability to add happiness and smiles to everyone he met. His wedding in 2002 was a “Beautiful Day” as he married the love of his life, Donna. Gerard loved to create nicknames for those close to him and thought that the name “Dolly” was perfect for Donna! Together, the two of them created many happy memories together.
Gerard started his career as the Governmental Affairs Director and had recently been promoted to Executive Vice President of the Fresno Association of REALTORS®, an organization Gerard has been employed with for over 20 years. Gerard worked with many REALTORS®, legislative representatives, community members and staff, making his impression on all. Gerard has been a life-long Raiders and San Francisco Giants fan. Music played a large part in Gerard’s life, as a musician, drummer and a fan of U2, a band he saw multiple times. Gerard brought so much joy to our lives and leaves us all with joyful memories and stories. While Gerard’s time with us was far too brief, his journey was filled with joyful memories that will never be forgotten. The quality of Gerard’s life’s story far exceeds the quantity of days he walked with us. His story reminds us how to celebrate every day as a precious gift from God.
Gerard is survived by his loving wife Donna Lozano, parents Michael and Dolores Lozano, brothers Daniel, David and wife Marisela, Raymond and wife Kristin, & Benjamin and wife Esmeralda, sister in law Linda Donabed and husband Jim, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, Services will be private, but a live stream link and date of the service will be available at this site so all can virtually attend.
In lieu of flowers, an educational scholarship will be established in Gerard’s name through the Fresno Association of REALTORS® & Affiliates Charitable Foundation to benefit affordable housing for the needy.