Gerald "Buzz" William Alston

Buzz was born on October 29, 1939 in Holtville, Ca to his parents Mary Katherine and JA Alston.

Buzz started working at the young age of eleven, cleaning the bar for his mom and step-dad. Unbeknownst to all he would pay himself with a draft of beer and a pickled egg. As a young adult one of his first professions was as a journeyman electrician. If fact, he supported his family during his undergraduate and law school time, by running the rabbit at the dog track.

Buzz spent most of his life in Phoenix, except for the time he spent in Tucson where he attended the University of Arizona earning his undergraduate degree in Business/Marketing and his law school degree. He later lived in Mexico City for one and a half years while working on NAFTA for his law firm.

Buzz had a very prestigious legal career starting with the law firm of Moore Romley Kaplan Robbins and Green. As his legal career progressed, he established and/or joined other law firms including Dunn and Alston; Alston, Edwards, Scott, and Novak; and lastly, he practiced for the majority of his law career as a senior partner at Jennings, Strouss and Salmon. Buzz was a staunch supporter of the law and his clients.

Buzz proudly served on the Arizona Boxing commission for many years, spanning several terms.

Buzz enjoyed spending time with his family, especially at his mountain retreats, which over the years included homes in Pinetop, Payson, and Prescott. He loved watching sunsets. He was an avid investor in real estate. But above all, he loved to spend time with his grandchildren. This included everything from taking them to school every day to fantastical adventures and expeditions to places like Crown King and Lake Pleasant, and even renting a home in Riverside, Ca for a few years. He spoke fluent Spanish and loved speaking Spanish to others (including his dog) whenever he got the chance. He was a lifelong learner and author of countless family christmas stories. He enjoyed telling stories to his grandchildren and playing practical jokes. But nothing brought him more joy than seeing his family healthy and happy.

Buzz is survived by his wife Patricia Alston, the mother of his children, State Senator Lela Alston, daughter, Brenda Alston Koosed, son, Charles William Alston, son-in-law Charles J. Koosed, sisters, Margret Emerson and Maryann Quaing, Brother, Wesley Alston, six grandchildren, Elliott William Alston, Ian Thomas Alston, Abigail Ruth Alston, Olivia Marie Alston, Samuel Alston Koosed, Ethan Alston Koosed, sister-in-law Susan Parkin, and several generations of nieces and nephews.

Buzz was ALWAYS a great protector and provider for his family. He was a very generous and loving person to all - may he rest in peace.

A funeral service for Gerald will be held Saturday, January 13 at 11:00 a.m. at Greenwood Memory Lawn, 719 North 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009. The service will be inside the Serenity Chapel. Following the funeral service will be a committal service at 12:00 p.m. Greenwood Memory Lawn Phone: 602-272-5639.

In lieu of flowers, please kindly make any donations to the Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation. The web address: Bannerhealthfoundation.org.