Mr. Gordon C. Pao

Gordon C. R. Pao died at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, October 28, 2008. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on September 11, 1928 to parents John and Isabelle Pao. Gordon was a Pearl Harbor Survivor and served in the Merchant Marine during World War II and the Air Force after the war. Upon his return to Hawaii, he met and married his wife of 60 years, Loretta New. While in Hawaii, he was a charter member of the Honokai Road Runners, which as a group, was instrumental in bringing stockcar racing to the islands – this is also where he began his lifetime love affair with automobiles. In 1952, Gordon and Loretta moved to the “mainland”, where Gordon became a prominent businessman in the San Leandro community. There Gordon built a series of businesses: 76 Stations, Washington Avenue Garage, Pao's Auto Clinic, Hayward Datsun, San Leandro Datsun, Richmond Toyota and Pao's Used Cars. Gordon served as a Past Master of the San Leandro Masonic Lodge 744 and was a 32nd degree Shriner. He helped to organize several golf tournaments for Muscular Dystrophy, was active with the Oakland A's Diamond Club, the Oakland Raiders Linemans Club, and several other charity and community organizations. In retirement, Gordon enjoyed his favorite hobby, golf, was a marshal at golf courses in Maui and the Bay Area, and also worked with Roto-Rooter Maui. Despite the myriad of personal achievements, Gordon was most proud of his large and vibrant family. He is survived by his wife, Loretta and his four children; Charlene Pao-Watt, Frank Pao, Lorey Amaro & Lynn Evans, 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, sister Mildred Souza of Kailua, HI, brother Alvin Pao and nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2008 with viewing and visitation from 12-2pm, services immediately following at Guerrero Mortuary 407 Estudillo Avenue, San Leandro, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to a charity of your choice, as he supported so many himself. Aloha.