Gustave Gus Raymond Lopez

Gustave (Gus) Lopez (66), of Turlock, CA passed away, Thursday, May 26, 2016. Gus’s heroic battle against the complications of diabetes and heart disease was peacefully lost on Thursday evening. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kathy (Hall) Lopez, loving children, Mark Lopez and Kristy Rupp (John) and two grand children: Olivia Lopez and John Jameson Rupp. Gus was born on November 20, 1949. He grew up in Oakland attending St. Louis Bertrand Elementary School, Bishop O’Dowd High School, Laney College and Saint Mary’s College where he made and kept many lifelong friends. Gus married his high school sweetheart, Kathy, in 1971 and they settled in Union City, CA. Over his career, Gus worked as a dock worker, sanitation engineer, driver, dispatcher and terminal manager before retiring in 1997.

In 1990 the Lopez family relocated to Patterson, CA and later settled on 3 acres in Turlock, CA. These 3 acres were also home to their racing homing pigeons and a squab farm of 2500 breeding pairs. Gus was a life long pigeon flyer! He raised and raced homing pigeons since his youth. He was an active member of the Golden State Flyers. The pigeon club met often at the Lopez farm to ship the “flyers” to various races. He also hosted several State Races and One Loft Races.

There was no bigger character than Gus. He brought laughter and entertainment to all those around him. Gus was beloved by friends and family. He will be sorely missed by more people than most of us meet in our entire lives. His celebration of life will be held at their home on June 26th. If you chose to make a donation please send it to the American Kidney Foundation.

Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Service, 286 W. Main St., Turlock, CA, is entrusted with all of the arrangements. (209) 634-4904. www.dignitymemorial.com/whitehurst-norton-dias-funeral-service