Gary, I always appreciated your warmth, generosity, and earnest approach to life. Thinking back on all the conversations we had in the office when you were in the Illumination Project about life, justice, learning, and just plain fun. My heart sunk when I heard the news recently that you left us. You are seared into my mind as the immigrant father who was an MD but relegated to custodial work to support your daughter going to college. The love and honest that you brought to playing that role in those performances will forever hold a place of power in my mind. Even though we talked that into life through rehearsals, it's because of how you embodied that role that I see that now in people out in the world. I wish I could share that to your face, my friend. Rest in power and peace, Gary.

Posted by Brad Fortier on March 18, 2021

I am saddened to learn about the passing of Gary Fresquez. Gary was a former student of mine during his time at Portland Community College. Although, he had college experience I believe he found a sense of community with students in several of our resource centers. He was especially active in the Multicultural Center and the Illumination Project. He endeavored to be a help to all who knew him and I will miss his gentle humble spirit. Gary, may you rest in peace and power now and forever.

Posted by Clifford C. Meeks on March 15, 2021

Gary with students from the Men of Color Leadership Program (MoCLP) sponsored by the Sylvania Multicultural Center of Portland Community College

Posted by Clifford C. Meeks on March 15, 2021

Gary was my boyfriend and best friend during our freshman year at Georgetown University. I transferred to Smith College the following year and our romantic relationship mostly ended but we remained good friends. Sadly, I lost touch with him at the end of the 1980s. I don't think he ever really knew how much he meant to me, nor what an enormous role he played in shaping my empathy, my sense of what truly defines justice and decency, how much he helped me mature into the kind of adult that I hope I've become. I'm heartbroken to learn of his death. This past summer, the Touch & Go record label reissued the complete discography of the 1980s no-wave post-hardcore band No Trend. Suddenly, their 1983 "hit" single 'Teen Love' was on the alternative college radio airwaves again. Every time I hear it played, it takes me back to how Gary introduced me to that song on a brightly sunny but chilly March day, much like today, back in 1985, and I smile because I am so much better for having had the privilege of knowing Gary Fresquez. Memory eternal, dear friend!

Posted by Teresa S Peacock on March 7, 2021

I just heard the news that Gary passed away, and I"m very sad about it. I met Gary in 1996 when I began teaching at 20th Street Elementary in Los Angeles, and we became good friends. He was a kind-hearted man with progressive, humanistic ideals, and I fondly remember our conversations and debates, hanging out at the Bourgeois Pig coffeehouse in Hollywood or at his Echo Park apartment, and visiting him at Tang's Donuts where he played chess into the wee hours. I missed him when he moved away, and I'm very sad that he's gone. My sincere condolences to everyone who knew him and loved him. .

Posted by Simon Lakkis on July 28, 2020

Relative of Gary

Posted by Jillianne Bandstra on June 11, 2020

Gary's family

Posted by Jillianne Bandstra on June 11, 2020

Gary as a youth, skateboarding

Posted by Jillianne Bandstra on June 11, 2020

Gary with friends from Maybelle Center

Posted by Jillianne Bandstra on June 11, 2020

Posted by Jillianne Bandstra on