Art passed away Sunday, August 26, 2007, at Pacific Hills Manor in Morgan Hill after a lengthy illness. He was the husband of Carol Brem Bannister of Gilroy. Also survived by his children and spouses: Barbara & Walter Dietsch of Hermosa Beach, CA, Brad Bannister & Linda Estill, both of Gilroy, Debbie & Nelson Crocker of Gilroy, Larry & Judy Brem of Carlsbad, CA, Bob & Sandy Brem of Gilroy, Randy & Lorna Brem of Newberg, OR and Jacqueline Brem of Bullhead City, AZ.
Grandchildren and spouses: Rahn Crocker of Gilroy, Alyce Bannister of Gilroy, Monte Brem of Encinitas, CA, Sarah & Steven Brem of Carlsbad, Shylo & Kara Brem Steinthal of Santa Cruz, Sarah Brem of San Francisco, Becky Brem of San Jose, Kristina & Cody Brem, both of Newberg. OR. Great-grandchildren: Connor & Madden Brem of Carlsbad, Aidan & Ryan Brem of Escondido and Kiah Brem Frame of Santa Cruz . Brother of the late Barbara Byers. Brother-in-law of Warren Byers of Rio Del Mar, CA.
Art was born and raised in Gilroy. He graduated from Gilroy High School in 1940. He was an Army Veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was a graduate of San Jose State University in 1948 with a degree in Business Administration. He started working for Salinas Valley Savings & Loan in 1950 and stayed with them until they were bought by Great Western and retired in1985. He then went to work for Wayne Carlson Realty until retiring in 1997. He was a member of Gilroy Rotary since 1957 and past-president (1973-1974) and in 2002 received a 20 year appreciation award for secretary-treasurer. He was a member of the Gilroy Masonic Keith Lodge #187, Gilroy Las Animas Post #669 – American Legion, Past board member of the Wheeler Hospital Board for 25 years, past board of director for Contel, and past president of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce. Art was the second to receive the Man of the Year Award.
Visitation Thursday, August 30, 2007 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Habing Family Funeral Home, Gilroy. Memorial Services Friday, August 31, 2007 – 10:00 A.M. at the Gilroy Presbyterian Church.