gmhTODAY 13 gmhToday March April 2017 | Page 105

gilroy LIVING A lma met Gary George at Chico State College in 1961. At the time Alma’s last name was Jensen and she had grown up on a walnut ranch in Gustine, California. Alma pronounced Gustine as “Gush-tine,” which is not the usual pronunciation of that town’s name. It reminded me that my friend Al Pinheiro, former Mayor of Gilroy, who is originally from the Azores, told me that the correct pronunciation is the way Alma said it. I asked Alma if she was from the Azores and she was quick to say that her family was from Denmark. Gary, who was born in Stockton, graduated from Tracy High School before going to Chico. They were married in Modesto and just celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. They have two children, Kim and Kenny, three grandchildren, and one great grandchild. In their kitchen there is a sign that says, “Chico — Where our Story Begins.” Seventy Something In Gilroy… Gary & Alma George Written By Sam Bozzo GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN MARCH/APRIL 2017 gmhtoday.com 105