Greg Gushaw (May 21, 1942 - July 18, 2010)

Commander Gregory Vance Gushaw died Sunday, July 18 from a fatal accident while volunteering aboard the Star of India sailing ship in San Diego. He was born May 21, 1942 in the Panama Canal Zone to James and Evangeline Gushaw.

He grew up in Missouri and attended Webster Groves High School in St. Louis where he was on the swim team and played violin in the school orchestra. After graduating in 1959, Greg attended Harvard University. He earned a degree in Applied Physics. His interest in military service piqued during his membership in the ROTC program at Harvard.

After graduation in 1963, Greg chose a career with the Navy, served as an Engineering Officer, and chose to specialize in intelligence. He also attended the Naval War College, Newport R.I., in 1974. Greg continued his education at American University in 1977, earning a master's degree in Technology Management. While living in the Washington D.C. area, he was a Joint Chiefs of Staff Briefer at the Pentagon.

He served with pride aboard USS Nicholas, USS Mt. Whitney, and the aircraft carrier USS Ranger. Commander Gushaw was a highly decorated Intelligence Officer who also served as a United States Military Attache in Stockholm, Sweden from 1978-1981. One of his many honors included receiving the Royal Order of the Polar Star Medal. On returning from Sweden, he belonged to the Cruiser Destroyer Group Three staff. Commander Gushaw was known for his patriotism, leadership, diplomacy, public speaking, and organizational ability.

Greg met Carol Buckman while serving aboard USS Nicholas, stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. They married on July 29,1967, in New York state and their love story began. Their marriage lasted a scant 43 years, making their relationship an inspiration for their loved ones.

After serving the Navy with enthusiasm for 20 years, he retired from the service and worked in the private sector for several years at GA Technologies (1983-1989) and SAIC (1989-2001) in La Jolla. For the past 10 years, after a second retirement, his main passion and hobby was the Maritime Museum of San Diego. He volunteered as a docent and was also an accomplished crew member. He died doing what he loved. Commander Gushaw was a lector at North Island Catholic Church which was a true labor of love. He enjoyed traveling with his dear wife, Carol, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and driving his MG through the streets of Coronado (with the top down of course).

He is survived by his wife, Carol, of 43 years, his brother, Bradford Gushaw, and his daughters Eve (Tad) Dike, and Paige (Cameron) Webb. He leaves four grandchildren: Carson, Riley, Lauren and Molly. He will be missed by his family, countless friends, coworkers and crew members.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday July 29 at 10 a.m., at Sacred Heart Church in Coronado, with a reception immediately following. Greg is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, CA. (Section CBI, Row 2, Site 36) In lieu of flowers, donations to The Saint Vincent de Paul Society and The San Diego Maritime Museum are suggested.