Stanley William Gum

Stanley William Gum passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Stan was born at San Jose Hospital to Tom and Gladys (Wright) Gum. He grew up in Old San Jose and was a graduate of Hester Elementary, Hoover Middle and Lincoln High School. As a Lion, Stan adopted Lincoln's motto to Do Right as the moral compass for his life.

At San Jose State he pledged Kappa Alpha and joined the Spartan golf team. Golf became a major focus of his life. Stan was awarded his dental degree from Marquette University and served as a dentist in the Air Force upon graduation. He earned his Masters in Orthodontics from University of Washington. Stan practiced orthodontics from 1961 until his retirement in 2003. His daughter Dr. Nancy Gum joined him in practice in 1989.

Stan was actively involved in many local and national professional organizations. He was certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. From 1988 to 1997 he was an adjunct professor at the Art Dugoni School of Dentistry in the Orthodontic Department. Stan was involved in many community organizations, including First Tee, an international youth organization introducing golf to young people. A spinal cord injury in 2006 ended his golf game and he took up bridge. Stan created the Monterey Peninsula Country Club Bridgers and a bridge group at Rinconada Hills. He delighted in sharing and teaching his love of the game.

"What a great run I've had! I love people and found pleasure in putting them together and making things happen."

Stan is survived by his wife Cindy, daughters Carole Gum (Robert Lloyd), Patty Gum (Jacques Rifkind), Nancy Gum (Andrew Raymundo), Heather Gum Kattner (Steve Kattner); grandchildren Emma Lloyd, Addison Rifkind, Alison, Kate and Michael Roussel, Dakota Raymundo, Brooke and Cici Kattner. Stan treasured celebrating special times with his family, sharing his love of golf, skiing, travelling and playing table games.

A celebration of Stan's life will be held when we are able to gather. Donations in his honor may be made to First Tee (firstteemontereycounty.org) or Dientes (dientes.com). Dientes provides oral health care to local low-income residents.