KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
Barry Gump, the former CEO and well known Santa Clarita Valley philanthropist, died Monday. He was 74.
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Family members believe Gump died in his sleep overnight, as he was not responsive this morning.
Friend and general manager of Andy Gump, Tony Watson, said he celebrated Easter surrounded by family, and while he had recently recovered from a minor surgery, his death was very unexpected to those who knew him.
“I’ve never met anybody like Barry Gump,” Watson said. “Andy Gump suffered a a huge loss today, his friends and family certainly did and the community did, as well. Barry is one of the most generous souls and the most humble person I’ve ever met.”
Barry retired four years ago, at age 70. His daughter Nancy Gump Melancon is currently CEO and vice president.
He moved the company to the Santa Clarita Valley in 1985, and has lived in Valencia ever since.
“Barry was a class act, one of the leaders in Santa Clarita,” said KHTS co-owner Carl Goldman, “I have fond memories of him dressed as Santa for the Henry Mayo tree-lighting. The Gump family has touched every nonprofit in our community — our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.”
The company’s website shares the story of the family-owned business’ growth and move to the Santa Clarita Valley.
Our story began in the San Fernando Valley during the 1940s when Andy bought a septic business for $300. As the valley’s orchards gave way to subdivisions during the boom years after World War II, Andy branched out.
A new ordinance required portable restrooms on construction sites. With the help of sons Barry and Bill, Andy fashioned scrap plywood into portable restrooms in the garage of their Mission Hills home. Wife Irma and daughter Cherilyn took orders and typed invoices.
Andy’s sign painter suggested that he put “Another Andy Gump” on his restrooms, and the name Andy Gump became synonymous with portable restrooms in Southern California.
Barry and Bill soon joined Andy in the family business full-time, and Barry’s wife, Pati, took over the administrative duties from Irma. Barry assumed leadership of the company in the 1970s. He became a licensed electrical contractor and the company expanded into temporary power for construction sites.
The following decade saw the advent of the company’s Special Events Division after Barry led a Los Angeles group of sanitation companies in providing portable restrooms for the 1984 Olympics.
Shortly thereafter, we moved our company headquarters to Santa Clarita, continued adding to our service offerings, increased our service area, and ushered the third generation into the business when Barry and Pati’s daughter Nancy joined the company.
Today, our company continues to thrive by adhering to the founding principles Andy established for us. We enjoy an outstanding reputation built by our five-decade commitment to helping people, and we look forward to helping you.
Andy Gump was my neighbor growing up.They were the sweetest people you could ever meet.R.I.P. Barry.
The Gump Family has been a major contributor to so many in this valley., The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society for one. The Gumps were there to provide us with “potties” from day one of Saugus Station Move
June 1980!
Many years ago they invited my Son, Howard Wayne to “do magic” for their employees.
So sorry Berry is gone at an early age!! Nancy our thought and prayers to the Gump Family!!
Condolences to the Gump Familiy. Barry was an icon to the portable restroom industry and will be missed.
Thanks Barry for all the advice and influence when I first started in this industry some 37 years ago. Your one of the reasons we started our own company.
Rest in Peace.
A great man. A great company. Always giving. God Bless.
Our Condolences And Prayers Are With Family. Barry Was A Good Man To Work For. He Was Always Concerned About You ,The Person. RIP Barry
So very sorry to hear of your loss, Nancy. While you may not remember me, I met you long ago when I worked with your husband at PMS. May your dad rest in peace and your family be comforted by knowing how many cared about your dad and appreciated all that your family has done for our community.
We grieve with you at this tender time. May your hearts be comforted over time with knowledge that Andy’s philanthropic spirit continues to touch lives in a positive way. With you at heart.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Gump family. I graduated high school with both Barry and Pati and they are wonderful people. I know he will be very much missed.
A sad day for us, but the Good Lord gained another Angel.
So long my friend, be sure to save a place in line for me.
All Beta Sigma Phi sisters in CA mourn the loss of “our” Barry. He attended many of our State Conventions over a 50 year period, accepting our philanthropic checks on behalf of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Barry was never able to talk about his little girl without tearing up. He is resting with her now. God Bless.
Did they say when his services are yet?
Dear Patty and Nancy
I am so sorry to hear about Barry. I am Maria Davison I use to be your grandpa banker at TransWorld bank
in Sierra and Soledad long time ago.
Please accept my condolences. God Bless you always.
Barry was president of my high school class “The Ultrasons.” There were at least 600 people in our graduating class at San Fernando High. We graduated in June of 1960. Barry and Pati were always very gracious! For many years we exchanged Christmas cards and letters. They always sent me a calendar for the next year! My sincere condolences to the Gump family. May you rest in Peace my fellow Veteran.
John Burnett, US Air Force Vietnam Veteran.
Just a note to let you know that I and my sister “Ginger” are so sorry to finally find out that Barry is gone. Our father was partner’s with Messinas (Andy) for several years back when the business was called “Mission Sanitation”. I always loved the big smile on Andy’s face and helped put up some of the famous Christmas decorations on his and Irma’s house on Minhaha. Barry, Bill, Andy, Dad and I had a great time camping together in upper Yosemite before the road was paved (quite a few years ago). All of them are gone now except me. I just want to wish all of the family that is still here my condolences and best wishes. By the way we used to share Dodgers tickets also. What a lot of fun! Bless you all!