Bryan James Gingg

Bryan James Gingg Bryan James Gingg, 53, of San Luis Obispo, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2018, after a brief, unexpected illness. Bryan was born in January 1964 to James and Cecilia Gingg. He was proud to be a 5th generation San Luis Obispo native and enjoyed growing up in Morro Bay and Los Osos. After graduating from Morro Bay High School in 1982, he headed off to Azusa Pacific University on a football scholarship. His time at APU was interrupted by an October 1982 accident that paralyzed his body but not his larger than life spirit. Bryan enrolled at Cal Poly in January 1984 where he met his future wife Beverly. A close friendship evolved into romance and they were married in October 1988. Bryan and Bev shared a deep love through nearly 30 years of marriage. Bryan earned a B.S. in Social Sciences at Cal Poly in 1990. Since then, Bryan has been involved in numerous community service and leadership activities. He especially loved being part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County. Bryan served as a BBBS Board Trustee for more than 20 years and was a "Big" to two "Little" brothers, most recently Javier Valencia. For his dedication to Big mentoring, Bryan was honored to be named Big Brother of the Year for the state of California in 2014. Bryan and Bev were founding members of SLO Access for All, through the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation. Bryan enjoyed serving on the People's Kitchen phone team for Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church and on the City of San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission in the past years. He collaborated with Cal Poly on several projects designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities, most notably the Solo-Quad Kayak Project. Bryan loved music, sports, travel, and spending time with friends and family, his beloved wife Bev and dog Buster. He was always good natured and kind, had a great sense of humor, and lived life to the fullest through whatever adversities came his way. Bryan is survived by his wife, Bev; parents, James and Cecilia; brothers: Brad (Donna) and Brandon; niece, Samantha; nephews: Zachary and Dylan; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and sisters-in-law. He is also survived by godson, Aidan Dellinger; and goddaughter, Dr. Karen Anna Von Dollen, DVM. Bev would like to especially thank the countless Cal Poly students who came into our lives as part-time caregivers for Bryan and became part of our family. They have enriched our lives and allowed Bryan to live a full, productive life in spite of a severe disability. We've had a lot of great times together. Our sincere appreciation also goes out to Dr. Stephen Hilty, one of the finest human beings and best doctor on earth. His exceptional, compassionate care has had a profoundly positive impact on our lives. Thanks also to the SLO City Fire Department paramedics and French Hospital ICU for providing excellent care through Bryan's last days. A private graveside service will be held; a public celebration of life will be held later this spring or summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bryan's name to Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County, or to the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation Access for All Fund, or Morro Coast Audubon Society for Sweet Springs Nature Preserve.

Bryan James Gingg

January 29, 1964 - January 24, 2018