Gary Colson

Gary Colson, 89, Santa Barbara, California, passed away on Nov 03rd after complications from Lymphoma.

Gary was born on April 30th, 1934, to Wilbur and McCleta Colson, in Logansport, Indiana. After graduating from Georgia Christian School in 1952, he went on to study Health and Education, at David Lipscomb, graduating in 1956. He received his Master’s Degree in Education from Vanderbilt in 1958.

After graduating, he took his first Head Basketball Coaching Job at Valdosta State. From there he went on to Heacd Coach at Pepperdine, New Mexico and Fresno State. He spent all of his D1 coaching career rebuilding basketball programs and bringing them a respectable and winning reputation. After leaving the college coaching ranks, Gary went on to serve as the Assistant to the President of Basketball Operations, Jerry West, for the Memphis Grizzlies. Gary was inducted into the Valdosta State, David Lipscomb, Pepperdine and Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.

Gary and Mary Katherine have spent many years in Santa Barbara, California where he taught classes in basketball fundamentals at UCSB and where he developed a deep passion for the game of golf. His friends at Sandpiper Golf Club will always be remembered for their kindness and friendship. Gary and Mary Katherine had a wonderful relationship and were deeply committed to each other.

Gary Colson is survived by wife, Mary Katherine; daughter, Anne; sons, Rick and Wade; son-in-law Jay Rubenstein; daughter-in-law Cheryl Colson; grandchildren, Rachel Rubenstein, Julie Bennett, Tanner Colson, Cameron Colson; grandson-in-law, Nate Bennett; greatgrandchildren, Jace Bennett, Cole Bennett, Layne Bennett.

Per his wishes, there will not be funeral but there will be a celebration of life at Sandpiper Golf Club in Goleta, Ca. on Tuesday, November 14th, 3:30PM. This will be an outdoor service ending at sunset. Casual dress.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to ASAP animal shelter or Santa Barbara Hospice.