It’s been a couple years since the tragic death of Gordon
Kusayanagi shocked family and friends in Gilroy, but his family
will keep his memory
– and the things he loved – alive by holding a scholarship
fund–raiser this weekend.
Gilroy – It’s been a couple years since the tragic death of Gordon Kusayanagi shocked family and friends in Gilroy, but his family will keep his memory – and the things he loved – alive by holding a scholarship fund–raiser this weekend.
A “Sunday In The Park” is the name of the second fund-raiser for three memorial scholarships directed for high school students and funded by the Gordon Rocks Foundation that was formed by Kusayanagi’s family and friends to celebrate his life and music. The nonprofit organization is devoted to raising funds for music scholarships.
“This event is held to honor Gordon so anybody who had ties with him should come out there to make it a success,” said the Gilroy resident. “It’s a positive way to remember him.”
The 52-year-old was killed while vacationing in Las Vegas with his wife and friends Sept. 21, 2006, when a motorist intentionally slammed his car into a crowd of pedestrians. Gordon was one of three who died as a result of the accident; 14 others were injured.
The bands “Savannah,” “10 TIL 2,” and d “4 Way Free” will entertain throughout the day. The activities consist of bingo, raffles, a barbecue, kids activities and silent auctions.
One band Gordon Kusayanagi played the keyboard for is “10 TIL 2,” which formed a decade ago. His son, Scott Kusayanagi, is the lead singer. He remembers his dad as more than a father.
“Playing together in a band was a way for us to break out of the father-son thing and just become friends,” Scott Kusayanagi said. “It completely changed the way I looked at my dad, and more importantly it changed the way he looked at me. I didn’t realize until after he was dead, that we weren’t just father and son, we were actually friends. That was eye opening for me, and it’s something I miss.”
Friends such as Lee Perez, 53, will also be at the event to honor his friend.
“He really cared about people, and that’s one of the reasons that we’re doing what we’re doing,” said the Morgan Hill resident.
Perez and Kusayanagi first met in the Morgan Hill Little League at age 9, 43 years ago. But when he accompanied his friend to Las Vegas two years ago, it would be the last moments he would spend with him.
“I was standing right next to him,” Perez said. “I’m very surprised it wasn’t me.”
Kusayanagi was born and reared in Gilroy and lived in Hollister for about six years. He and his wife owned the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. He had served as a board member for the Gilroy Garlic Festival and president of the local Little League.
Last year the Gordon Kusayanagi Memorial Music Scholarship Fund awarded two $1,000 scholarships to students at Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill. This year an additional scholarship will be awarded to a Gilroy High School student.
“My husband and I lived in Gilroy for 25 years, and we were both really involved through Little League,” Stephanie Kusayanagi said. “I wanted to do something in Gilroy, and I’m hoping we could always do it at Live Oak and Gilroy high.”
The Kusayanagi’s children are both Gilroy High graduates.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Claddagh Irish pub in Gilroy, the Music Tree in Morgan Hill and on the Web site: www.gordonrocks.org.
“It’s for a good cause, it helps the students in the community, and it’s a nice day to spend the day,” Perez said.
