Louis H. Gessay, M.D., DLF of APA

LA JOLLA, CA — Mental Health Pioneer Avid Golfer

Dr. Louis H. Gessay, a renowned psychiatrist and avid golfer, known by his family, friends and colleagues as a true gentleman, for his many achievements, inspiring thoughts, youthful and positive attitude, and his strong core values, passed away on May 10, 2022 at the age of 102.

Dr. Gessay was born in Rockville, Connecticut on August 16, 1919, the youngest of seven children. He attended St. Bernard’s Catholic School for eight years prior to attending Rockville High School where he was President of his class for three years, played varsity basketball and baseball, and graduated at age 16.

He received a four-year tuition scholarship to Tufts University, graduating in 1941. At Tufts he played four years of basketball and baseball, was a member of the sophomore, junior and senior Honor Societies, was class President for three years, and Student Council President as a senior. He also was recognized by “Who’s Who” in American Colleges and Universities in his junior and senior years for his outstanding leadership, scholarship and service. In 1996

Dr. Gessay was invited back to Tufts where he was presented the Tufts Jumbo Club Award (similar to College Hall of Fame award) honoring him for his contribution to athletics at Tufts and for his service to his country, profession and alma mater, “… as an example of what a scholar-athlete should become”.

Dr. Gessay earned his M.D. at Tufts University Medical School in 1944, the same year he married his college sweetheart, Peggy Brown. After completing an internship at the U.S. Naval Hospital at Great Lakes, IL in June 1945, he was immediately sent to the Philippines during WW II where he served as a medical officer of a construction battalion that was staging for the Japanese invasion. Fortunately, the war ended in 1945. He was discharged from the Navy as a Lieutenant in October 1946.

He began a psychiatric residency in the Boston V.A. Hospital system in June 1947, affiliated with Tufts, Harvard and Boston University Medical schools. In 1950 The

August 16, 1919 - May 10, 2022

Gessay family moved to West Hartford where Dr. Gessay accepted a psychiatric position with the Hartford V.A. Mental Hygiene Clinic. In 1951 he became a Certified Specialist by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

In 1953 he was called back into the service for the Korean War and had duty at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego as a Navy Psychiatrist. He ultimately was discharged from the Navy as Lieutenant Commander in December 1954. Enjoying the quality of life that San Diego had to offer, the Gessay family decided to make San Diego their home, settling in their La Jolla home in 1956.

Dr. Gessay opened his first general psychiatry practice in 1955 on Sixth Avenue in San Diego, soon to become a pioneer in the San Diego Mental Health movement. In 1957 he became Chief of Staff of Vista Hill Psychiatric Hospital. There he introduced the drug Anectine as an adjunct to electro-shock treatment in the hospital setting, making the treatment more comfortable for patients. He was one of the original founders of the Vista Hill Foundation, the group responsible for opening Mesa Vista Hospital in 1963. Dr. Gessay became the first Chief of Staff for the hospital and served a second term several years later. He also served as Medical Director of Hillcrest Manor Sanitarium for five years.

He was a member of the Citizens committee that implemented the Short-doyle Act which made it possible for psychiatric State Hospital patients to return to their original communities, the forerunner to halfway houses. In 1960 Dr. Gessay was a founder and the first President of the San Diego Psychiatric Society which later evolved into District 6 of the California Psychiatric Society. He was actively involved in the psychiatric community, serving

tirelessly as a member and on committees in San Diego Medical Society. He was also involved with the American Medical Association, World Federation of Mental Health and the American Psychiatric Association where he was awarded the highest recognition of Distinguished Life Fellow.

Balancing his professional and personal contributions to our community, he generously gave of his time and resources opening his home to American Field Service students and foreign exchange students: Jose from Peru and Kamil from Turkey, resulting in life-long friendships. For an additional ten years Dr. and Mrs. Gessay participated in a program that welcomed foreign graduate students to UCSD for local orientation. One such student, Chie from Japan, became so attached to the Gessay family that they were honored with an invitation to her Shinto wedding in Japan where they participated as family members.

In 1961 Dr. Gessay relocated his practice to Girard Avenue in La Jolla where he remained until his retirement in 1991. He had many successes, but he counted his successes based on the well being of his patients He never refused a patient who could not pay for his services. Starting 10 years before his anticipated retirement, each Christmas season he reviewed his accounts receivable and wrote a letter to those who could not pay, forgiving their debt. He was proud that his generosity enabled him to retire with many patient successes and no accounts receivable.

Being an accomplished athlete, Dr. Gessay joined La Jolla Country Club in 1956 and proceeded to master the game of golf. Anyone would be proud of his record, at one time playing to a “4” handicap, and maintaining a single digit handicap for nearly three decades. He had the distinction of shooting his age or less (over 131 times) since the age of 80, truly earning his distinction as one of the club’s “legends” for age and accomplishment. Also active in the San Diego golfing community, he chaired the Sharp Hospital Memorial Golf Tournament in 1983 and 1984.

He was known for his focus on maintaining a youthful attitude and healthy lifestyle including the appropriate balance among physical activities, nutrition, relaxation and competition which clearly resulted in his long life enjoying good health, stamina, power, strength and vitality, coining his term “Age Regression”.

Dr. Gessay was a member of American Legion Post 275 in La Jolla, and a long-time member of All Hallows Catholic Church serving as an usher and greeter.

Dr. Gessay is predeceased by his first wife of 46 years, Peggy Brown Gessay, who passed away in 1990, and his daughter, Lauren Gessay Anderson who passed away in 2009.

Dr. Gessay is survived by his loving wife, Dell Urquhart Gessay who he married in 1997; his son, Gregory Gessay of Tucson, AZ, grandson Austin Gessay of Phoenix, AZ and grandson Grant Gessay (wife Courtney) of Liberty Hill, TX, and granddaughter Gideon; his son Glenn Gessay (wife Betsy) of Encinitas, CA, granddaughter Brooke Gessay Mcnamara (husband Rob) of Boulder, CO and great-grandsons Lundin and Orion, Grandson Dylan Anderson of Meridian, ID and great-grandsons London and Ashton; his late daughter, Lauren Gessay Anderson’s husband, Craig Anderson of Oceanside, CA, granddaughter Chelsea Anderson Wilson (husband Scott) of Carlsbad, CA and greatgranddaughter Caylee and great-grandson Cody.

A dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather and friend, he was affectionately called “Papalou” by his family and friends. His kindness, gentle nature, wise counsel, encouragement and enduring optimism will be greatly missed by all.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 AM on Friday, June 10, 2022 at All Hallows Catholic Church, 6602 La Jolla Scenic Dr. South, La Jolla, CA 92037. Following the service, all are invited to join the family for a reception in the All Hallows Parish Room.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Mental Health Association DBA Mental Health America of San Diego County, 4069 30th St., San Diego, Ca 92104.

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