Gary Russell Truex

Brigadier General (Ret.) Gary R. Truex, M.D., of San Rafael, CA, and Zephyr Cove, NV, died peacefully at home on September 10, 2021, surrounded by his wife of 52 years, Gwen Moen Truex, and his two sons. He is survived by his children, Megan (Tom Dowe) Truex, of Austin, TX; Grey (Terese) Truex, of Novato, CA; and Laird Truex, of Los Angeles, CA. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Cole, Leo, and Carlo Truex; and Molly and Julia Dowe.

Gary was born and raised in Reno, NV, the son of Loren and Meredith Truex. He was a 1954 graduate of Reno High School, where he played football, threw discus and shot put on the track team, and was student body president. He graduated from Stanford University, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, in 1958. His post-graduate education included a Doctor of Medicine degree, with academic honors, from the University of Southern California. He completed a rotating internship and internal medicine residency at Los Angeles County Hospital and the University of California, San Francisco. Two years of subspecialty nephrology training ensued as a National Institute of Health Fellow at the Cardiovascular Research Institute at UCSF. Gary then joined what is now Pacific Internal Medicine Associates in San Francisco, where he practiced internal medicine and nephrology for nearly 30 years. In addition, he was Medical Director of the Artificial Kidney Unit at California Pacific Medical Center. No one knows better what a fine and devoted physician he was than the many patients he treated during his career.

In 1963, Gary was commissioned in the California Army National Guard, where he proudly served for the next 34 years. His duties included roles as Medical Officer, General Surgeon, Chief of Service, and 146th Combat Support Hospital Commander. He capped his career as Commander of the 175th Medical Brigade. Gary’s numerous awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award), Army Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, California Service Medal (5th award), and the California State Service Medal. He was very proud to share his Army association with his grandson, Cole Truex, currently a third-year cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Gary loved his wife and family beyond measure. A father who both fostered discipline and offered boundless encouragement, he was fond of taking his children with him on house calls when they were young and, later, coaching his sons’ football teams. He was affectionately called Papa Bear by his adoring grandchildren, whom he cheered on in their many athletic endeavors and of whose academic accomplishments he was extremely proud. Once a dedicated handball player, Gary was a long-time member of the Olympic Club. He was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael and enjoyed attending performances of the San Francisco Symphony. He was an excellent storyteller, an avid reader of military history and thrillers, and truly the King of Condiments. He also loved to dance. Well known for his playful sense of humor, Gary relished pranks and had a big, booming laugh. He especially enjoyed dressing up in costumes and for many years hosted an annual Groundhog Day party in a full groundhog costume. He also occasionally wore one of his collection of fake mustaches out to dinner.

Gary retired from both his Army and medical careers in 1997, after a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. He was profoundly grateful for the unconditional love and care of his wife Gwen during his long recovery. In his retirement, Gary took great pleasure in being at his Lake Tahoe cabin in Zephyr Cove. He especially enjoyed watching Army, Stanford, and 49er football games from his well-worn leather chair, where he could often be found smoking his pipe. He also loved spending time with his beloved black labs, Samantha, Keely, and Tula.

His family, colleagues, and friends will remember Gary as a straight shooter, a fiercely competitive spirit, and a respected leader. He was also a big-hearted friend to many. Above all else, he was a man who valued integrity, and he held himself to the highest standard in everything he did. His family is proud of, and thankful for, his life of service and achievement. Due to COVID-19 concerns, a memorial service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, Gary’s family kindly asks that donations be made in his honor to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Northern California, P.O. Box 102497, Pasadena, CA 91189-2497.