Gary Luce 1946-2008 In Building for Others, He Built a Legacy
By Regina Elling

Gary and Martha Luce

With a cheerful "we can build that," Gary Luce proceeded to build it-whatever "it" happened to be.

Despite a lengthy hospitalization, until his passing in January 2008, Luce kept right on building things.

"Gary just wouldn't let anything stand in his way," says his wife of 40 years, Martha. "He wouldn't let anything stand in the way of helping his friends, either."

Building came naturally to Gary and Martha, as their family business, Breakwater Construction, tackled some of the toughest of projects.

"Breakwater completed numerous projects for the government and in both the commercial and residential sector," says Martha. "We really covered a wide range of projects."

Among those projects were nuclear power plants, college campus buildings, wastewater treatment plants and American Disability Act (ADA) remodels.

"After Hurricane Katrina, Gary was part of the Ramona Rambos team that traveled to Louisiana to help rebuild the communities there," says Martha.

It was more than just the physical aspect of the building that appealed to Gary; his goal was to build structures that increased the quality of life for the users. The ADA remodels, in particular, were important to the family on a very personal level, as Gary conducted all his business from a power wheelchair.

When not building physical structures, Gary was busy helping build his community. After graduating from Ramona High School in Riverside, CA and attending the University of California, Riverside, the family eventually settled in Ramona.

"Gary loved Ramona," says Martha. "He also loved life on our ranch, his dog Molly and his miniature horse Hot Shot."

Gary was a co-founder of REIN (Ramona Equine Industry Network); on the Chamber of Commerce Economic Committee; in Ramona Rotary Club; on the Ramona United Methodist Church Finance Committee; and the Ramona Rodeo Committee. He and Martha were also very active on the Poway Rodeo Committee.

Gary also believed in youth, and built up their opportunities whenever he could. He lettered as team manager of the Ramona High School baseball team in Riverside, and was a volunteer freshman football coach for Ramona High School in Ramona. He also worked with numerous youth groups in other sports and at church.

But Gary's building of community extended way beyond his immediate circle of acquaintances. Nationally, he reaped numerous honors, including being on the President's Committee and the CA Governor's Committee for the Employment of the Handicapped. Gary was also instrumental in helping to write the Americans with Disabilities Act in Washington.

In additional to all his activities and awards, Gary built a strong family life with Martha and their daughter, Michelle.

"We did everything together, and we loved everything we did," says Martha. "We lived on a sailboat for years; Gary raced stock cars and ATVs (off-road) competitively; we've met wonderful individuals and we've made positive changes for others. It's been a fabulous adventure."

In the end, Gary built a legacy his wife and daughter plan to continue. "Our daughter is a strong individual and is a senior schedule engineer in the construction industry. We both plan to keep building for a long time to come," she says.

"Gary met every goal in life he set for himself," says Martha. "We both loved our work and our life; my goal now is to continue doing the things we both love."

Born December 4, 1946 in Glendale, CA, Gary died January 4, 2008, at 61 years old.

Gary is survived by his wife, Martha of Ramona; their daughter, Michelle Luce, Las Vegas; his brother Jim Luce, Oakdale; his sister, Debbie Luce, Yorba Linda and his mother, Dorothy Luce, also of Yorba Linda. His father, Ralph Luce, died in November of 1999.

Graveside services were held at Olivewood Memorial Park Cemetery in Riverside. A Memorial Celebration of Life service was held at the Ramona United Methodist Church at Highway 67 and Dye Road; more than 150 friends and family members, including Hot Shot, attended.

A website to honor Luce's life has been set up at www.garyluce.faithweb.com.