Gilbert Diaz

Gilbert Anthony Diaz of Los Osos passed away on April 10, 2015, from cardiac arrest and amyloidosis. He was 63 years old. He was born in Alhambra in 1952 to Thomas Diaz and Marguerite Lopez. His mother remarried when he was five and Tony Stuppy became his loving stepfather. He attended Cal Poly to study ornamental horticulture, and then left school to work on the Cal Poly grounds department. At Cal Poly, Gilbert met his lifelong companion, Jennie Kurtz. They were married in 1982 and shared many friends, travels and adventures during their 33+ years together. While working at Cal Poly, he continued his education there. In 2009, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering and retired from the grounds department after 35 years of service. Food, music, travel and plants were among the many interests Gilbert and Jennie shared with their large circle of friends. Their road trips are legendary - Gilbert loved to travel to Baja. The Christmas Eve potluck and bingo party they've hosted for more than 20 years is a tradition in many families. Three years ago, Gilbert began to play the ukulele. Their home - always open to everybody and an evolving project through the years - is where their friends will continue to barbecue, cook paella and celebrate with feasts next to the Tiki Bar. Gilbert is survived by his wife, Jennie; brother, Tom Dennis Diaz (Laurel); sister, Sandy Hatcher Wallace and other extended family. Gilbert encouraged his friends to "Enjoy Every Sandwich." Gilbert has been laid to rest next to his mother in Los Osos -