Brian Gattis

Brian Keith Gattis, 54, of Salinas, California passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 8, 2016. Brian was born to Dennis and Carolyn Gattis on August 27, 1962 in Salinas as their first born child. Brian attended Kammann Elementary School, Washington Junior High School and graduated from North Salinas High School in 1980. Brian was an avid fan of things that went fast and at an early age Brian was riding, racing dirt bikes, racing BMX bikes and enjoyed water skiing behind the family's 1975 Tahiti Mini Day Cruiser, named, Mellow Yellow. Brian had a great love for Hot Rods and Classic Cars and he also loved restoring them as well and many times would say, "if you didn't build it, don't drive it." He was very mechanically inclined from an early age and was always helping his Dad with any and all projects that pertained to cars. Brian's first vehicle was a 1963 Short Bed Fleetside Chevrolet Pickup that him and his Dad restored from top to bottom, turning every nut and bolt on the vehicle. After Brian's first ride, he had many great looking vehicles that gave him a great deal of pride and joy that consisted of a 1955 2 Door Hardtop, 1956 2 Door Hardtop and a slammed blacked out 1991 Extra Cab Fleetside Chevrolet Pickup. Brian also loved racing Flat Track Motorcycles, riding in Clear Creek, racing Vintage Schwinn BMX Bikes and throwing big rooster tails on his Connelly Single Ski. Brian was always there to lend a helping hand to all family and friends and you could always count on him. He loved to cook and was famous for his Green Bean Casserole, Brian looked forward to every family get together so he could see the smiles on everyones face after the first bite of his famous dish. Brian had a love for the breed of Boxer Dogs, Classic Rock and Roll and Spicy Foods. The spice of Brian's life was when he was hanging out with his young nieces and nephews and all other family members. Brian is survived by his parents Dennis and Carolyn Gattis of Salinas; his sister Tina (Gattis) Creighton (Husband, John) of Salinas; his brother David Gattis (Wife, Kathleen) of Laguna Niguel; nephew Zach Gattis and niece Carly Creighton of Salinas; niece Chloe Gattis, Kaitlynn Gattis and nephew Chase Gattis of Laguna Niguel. Cousins, Tim and Rose Wheelus, Thomas (Wife, Cammie) Wheelus and Tiffany Wheelus all of Salinas; Gayla Wheelus of Salinas; Aimee Firmalo of Chico and Meagan Firmalo of Salinas and Patricia Ann Harris of Fresno, along with numerous other loving family and friends. There will be a celebration of life held at Compass/First Presbyterian Church, 830 Padre Drive Salinas, California on Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 1:00pm with a reception immediately following.