"Gary was not just a great musician but he was a very compassionate human.
Being very disciplined in reading music, he was quite surprised when he met my husband, a self taught piano player who couldn't read music and Gary sat in with him at Carlos Villa.
This was the beginning of some amazing music sessions.
Gary Wulbern will be missed.
RIP big guy."
In loving memory of
Gary Lynn Wulbern
August 11, 1941 - February 13, 2020
Gary Lynn Wulbern, 78, passed peacefully from this life on the evening of February 13, 2020 with his loving wife at his side. A native Californian, Gary was born and lived his early life in the Bay Area and after attending San Jose University, he moved at the age of 21 to Los Banos, California to begin his 37-year career as a music, jazz, choir teacher and band director. He also taught history and social science. He was a much beloved teacher and mentor to many of his students. Along with creating award winning, trophy collecting marching bands, Gary directed musicals throughout the years including Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma, Damn Yankees, Brigadoon and many more. Gary also created the Wulbern family scholarship to help students who were involved in the music programs in school to attend college. Gary proudly served his country in the Air Force National Guard first as an enlistee and later as the commander of the 561st Air National Guard band out of Moffat Field in San Jose, California, from which he retired as a lieutenant colonel. Gary was involved in many service clubs including the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus and the Los Banos Arts Council, serving on the board of directors. Gary also belonged to and served on the board of directors of the Pacific Coast Judges Association where throughout his years of involvement, perform the duties of Music chair, float chair and director of parades. Gary enjoyed fine dining fine cigars and his martinis. Gary loved traveling and among many other things fulfilled his bucket list of visiting all 48 Continental States.
Gary is survived by his wife, Cindy, and his brother Brian (Washington).
He is preceded by his mother Violet, father Marvin, and his sister Janice.
A Celebration of life for Gary will be postpone until later date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name to the Wulbern family scholarship the Los Banos Arts Council or the charity of your choice.
Tributes
"I was Mr. Wulberns worst nightmare but he kept me all four years of high school because he knew my passion for music would blossom one day. He was the most enthusiastic Teacher, Mentor, Band Teacher anyone could have been Blessed with. R.I.P. Sir. You will be truly missed. Your memory shall remain in my heart forever! God Bless You for all the great things you did for the School District, the community & Our Country. Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. God Speed Sir!"
"LtCol Gary Wulbern was an outstanding musician and Commander of the 561st Band when we served together at Moffett Field. I enjoyed getting over to his unit to see him conduct the band. Few know the rigors of qualifying to be a band commander. Gary had the chops to make a successful transition from being an enlisted member of the unit to its commander. To the Wulbern family, thank you for sharing him with us for so many years. Gone to soon. My condolences Brig Gen Steven Speer (AF, Ret) Former Commander, 129th Rescue Wing"
"My heart goes out to Cindy:hearts:... Im very sorry...in 1986-87 I had Mr.Wulburn for my World History class, I was a Senior... He was such a sweet and intelligent man... Im sure he is going to be missed by many... God Bless You Cindy and Family, and R.I.P Mr.Wulburn:blue_heart::blue_heart:"
"Gary was a dedicated and kind man. We will miss him."
"I was a majorette during marching band season and clarinet player in concert band all 4 years of high school under the direction of Mr. Wulbern. We had a harmonious student/teacher relationship. I respected him and he respected me. He enjoyed that we had a winning majorette team and I certainly appreciated our fabulous Los Banos Tiger marching band. Rest In Peace Mr. Wulbern and enjoy the glorious music. Pamela Nunes Medeiros"
"We are so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was a great cousin. We are going to miss him. I always remember him when we were kids and his dad would bring him over to Aunt Helen's and we would always play games. May he rest in peace. Ray & Margaret "Wulbern" DeGennaro"
"So many great memories of mt time in band with Mr Wulbern. Some not so great ones too as we butted heads on occasion due to his temper. But he definately nutured my love of music as he did many others. His legacy will live on through the thousands of young lives that je had a part in shaping. You will be missed."
"Gary's death is a loss to the community on s very special level. The love of music he helped to foster will live on, there is no way to calculate how he touched his many students over the years I served with Gary on The Arts Council Board and he had a true passion for bringing music and the Arts to Los Banos. I know how much he loved his wife Cindy and I am so sorry for her loss. It is just not fair Cindy, I know. Diana Ingram Thurston"
"Gary was my most influential teacher in high school for all 4 years of band and I was a student teacher for him my senior year. I was part of the stage crew for South Pacific and a member of the cast for Oklahoma. After graduating I served as a chaperone for the annual Santa Ana trip where Gary became a friend as well. So much so he was at my wedding."
"Although an elementary teacher, I enjoyed spending time and talking with Gary. As a DPHS graduate, we would discuss the doings of the bands of DP and LB, along with other topics. I graduated from SJS University. My blessings to his wife, and other family members. Lorre (Nicoletti) Freitas"
"Aside from Mrs. Green, he was my favorite teacher. I always enjoyed going to his class and talking baseball and debating the Giants- Dodgers rivalry. He will be missed by many!"