Birth date: Mar 18, 1947 Death date: Nov 24, 2012
Gary “Chip” Paytas, 65, passed away November 24, 2012 at Redlands Community Hospital. Gary was born in Highland and was a resident of Redlands for 18 years. He retired as Deputy Chief from San Bernardino County Probation after 34 Read Obituary
Ellen, Shocked is an understatement upon receiving call from your neighbor the night of Chip's passing, remembering we planned the four of us to take in a lunch at Redlands.
Did a web search and I'll email this website link to Edwin, Lenny and Aunt Peggy.
Sorry we missed the service, my fault for not checking back with you after our call on the 16th.
Love ya, Skeeter and Barbara
I am just now returning home from the post office, having recieved a note from Dave Simpkins, with Chip's memorial card inside...such heartbreaking news.
Only 10 days before his passing, Chip & I shared another light-hearted EMail...this time about how we both just learned how to put a CD in a computer !!....to view the pictures Denny & Delia Fosdick took of all of us at the Highland Jr. High Hornets' 50th Class Reunion.
We shared a drink of Scotch at that Reunion...well, a couple of them. We parted saying that if not sooner, we would see each other at Pacific High's 50th in a few years.
I'll bring out the Scotch tonight, Chip....and toast, to a long-time, wonderful man !
Gail A. Lott
Ellen, I was shocked and saddened to read about Gary in the Facts. I always admired how in love you were with eachother and what a beautiful home and garden you created together. Please accept my sincere condolences. Gary was a good man. I am so sorry.
Barbara Gaze Bates
My thoughts and sympathy are with Ellen, Jason, Ryan and their families. I have fond memories of my cousin Chipper, Aunt Mary and Uncle Ray. My prayer is that you rest in peace. Darla Dooley Hughes
Dear Ellen, Jason and Ryan: I worked in DA’s Office for some 36 years and had the pleasure of working with Gary on many occasions. I don’t know why attorneys think that everyone wants to know what we have to say, when that is seldom the case, but I did want to share some brief thoughts about Gary.
Gary and I have at least one thing in common. We are both very sexy men, despite having very little hair. My wife Lori thought Gary looked much like the English pop star Phil Collins. And she often told me if Gary ever came back on the market that I would likely lose her. Fortunately for me, Ellen intervened.
What a shame to lose such a good man. Gary was one of those people who always seemed so glad to see you, even when that may have not been the case. He was always the friendly guy with the winning smile. By my observation, he treated people he worked with/ with great kindness. Some interpret this as weakness—that strong leaders are supposed to be self-absorbed and short with everyone while thinking great thoughts. That is certainly not true, of course, and one such as Gary was the proof of that. He was a natural leader and a fixture for so long in the Probation Department and well regarded by all.
From the perspective of the DA’s Office, he was a go-to guy. If there was a problem, you called Gary and he could always fix it. I spoke with a judge this morning who recalled how often he worked with Gary, and how effective he was. Our criminal justice system in San Bernardino County is always so stressed. We have too few people and far too much to do. But Gary was always one to remain positive and somehow just make things work. The public was well-served by the countless good things Gary did as a fine member of the Probation Department. His integrity was never questioned.
Despite being such a large county, I note that we in the criminal justice system are a relatively small community whose lives intersect in many ways. Lori reminds me that it was Gary Paytas who hired her many years ago amongst a field of some 30 applicants. Even though she had little experience, Gary picked her for a clerical position. And, of course, he was right. That set her on a career in the criminal justice system where she ultimately came to the DA’s office where she made a powerful impression on a fellow named Jim Hackleman. Gary’s decision many years prior, set her on a path that led her to me. Thank you, Gary.
The last time I saw Gary was just a couple of months ago when I took my Dad to Coco’s in Redlands for breakfast. And there he was in a booth with Ellen. He met us with a big smile, so friendly, and was very gracious with my Dad. His loss certainly proves once again that life is unfair. Perhaps it is small comfort, but we can fairly note that the many good things that Gary did in his life on this earth, will continue to have good effects far into the future even though he is gone. We are all better off for having known him, and he will be greatly missed.
Our best to you, Ellen and your fine family,
Jim Hackleman
I, too, am a "Highland Hornet" and look back on my Highland Jr. High and Pacific High School years with Chipper with great fondness. I didn't know there was an HJHS alumni group, but I'll bet that reunion was a lot of fun. Many of us have lost our parents with acceptance of their ages and lives well lived, but to lose our peers brings a sadness and realization of our own immortality. My condolences to the Paytas family. I know how much he will be missed.
Beth (Cones) Alexander
It has been my great honor to serve the Paytas family.
I will never forget Chip's generosity and kindness when he and Ellen opened their beautiful home for the "Highland Hornet" reunion in Septermber. He organized the event and he beamed all night revealing how pleased he must have been to bring old friends together. We lost touch through the years but I am so glad I had the chance to see him again and talk about the things that were important to us now. We talked about fly fishing and meeting up one day on a stream off the beaten path to cast a fly or two on a quiet pool. I plan to make that trip, and when I do my first cast will be for you. Rest in Peace. Ken Garot
