Luis Gonzales

Profile Updated: June 2, 2022
Luis Gonzales
Residing In: Tucson, AZ USA
Spouse/Partner: Bertha Sesteaga
Homepage: GMS
Associates of America LLC.com
Occupation: Semi/Retired CEO GMS & Associates
Children: Luis Jr. Monica Elena, Maritza, Hugo, Quac "Q" Lam (Adopted Vietnamese, now lives in Stockholm Sweden.)
Military Service: Air Force, Army Active Reserve  
Yes! Attending Reunion
Academic/professional degrees/certificates

I have a consulting company that does economic development on Indian lands, trains Indian Gaming regulators and consults for political campaigns. My Company is also a licensed Arizona Private Investigating Agency and conducts criminal, civil and financial background investigations.

Awards/Honors

Served in the Arizona State Senate four terms, 1978-1986, Served on the Pima College Board of Governors. City Manager for two Arizona Cities, Tribal Gaming Commissioner & Executive Director for 20+ years.

Various Military Medals and citations.

Tell us a bit about what's happened since THS:

After High School, went to work ASAP as a meat cutter for Farmer John meats in Tucson to help family. Got drafted in 1966 during Viet Nam but joined the Air Force, served 4 years and then 3 years in the Army active reserve. Ran for political office and served 4 terms in the Arizona State Senate. I have been involved in politics in one way or another since, can't get out of my system. Went on to work with My Tribe, Pascua Yaqui after the Senate and was involved in negotiating all the Arizona, Tribal Gaming Agreements. I turn-keyed the first Casino of the Sun for Pascua Yaqui in 1994, later worked for several other tribes in the Gaming Regulatory Agencies as an executive director for more than 20 years. Became City Manager for the Town of Guadalupe near Phx/Tempe, then later also City Manager for the City of South Tucson. Retired in December 2014 after I had Open Heart Surgery (where is Cardiologist Mark Yeoman when you need him) I am now happily semi-retired and enjoying my 11 grand kids, 2 great grand kids and one more grand kid on the way. Now that I am retired and OLDER and WISER, maybe I will run for office again! True to my word, I am now a candidate for the TUSD Board!

Share a favorite memory or funny moment from your THS days:

I recall so many great times at THS but my best memories are playing baseball with guys like Mike Butler. Mark Yeoman, Don Bacon, Rene Villa, Delbert Salazar Albert Alday, Jesus Pesqiera, Alex Almeida, Wlllie Monje, Eddie Leon, Abe Valdez and all the rest, what a great bunch we were!! The one thing I recall most is getting caught smoking by one of our coaches after school on our way to Cherry Field for baseball practice. I can only say that it was Frank Bermudez blowing all the smoke that day! No one knew except that I had to sit out one game; God Bless Coach Adkins! I also remember Lencho Gallego, Augie's' brother going through a glass door one year, what a traumatic experience for us all, blood all over the place!

I will be at the 50th reunion because ...

When is the 60th??

Luis' Recent Comments

Jul 17, 2020 at 12:46 AM

I was very saddened to learn that our Classmate Tim Heiden has gone on to the world of the flowers. He was a jovial soul, caring and respectful human being. I was blessed to have known him, first meeting on the Baseball field and then later in life after High School. My blessing and condolences go out to his family. Rest In Peace .

Sep 05, 2015 at 8:55 PM

Just wanted to say hello to all our 1962 classmates...Hope all are doing good and living the great life.





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