Wilson Creek Winery is famous for its world class wine and hospitality offerings, shares the loss of its beloved patriarch Gerry Wilson on Wednesday, November 4, 2020.
He was 90. He died peacefully with his family at his bedside.
Gerald Raymond Wilson was born on April 7, 1930, in Billings, Montana. His family later moved to North Dakota then Minneapolis, Minnesota. Gerry attended the University of Minnesota where he was the Homecoming King and the president of his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi. He was an ROTC officer and also sang in the prestigious university choir.
He was happily married to Rosie Wilson for 67 years. He served in the Air Force in Korea as a Lieutenant. Gerry and Rosie had four kids whom they raised in Minnesota and then in South Pasadena, California. Gerry served as a Rotarian (L.A. #5) and on his church board. He worked in financial advising/sales in the same company for over 25 years. Every place Gerry and Rosie lived they became icons in their cities due to their warm hospitality and heart for others. Their home in South Pasadena became a gathering place as well as a refuge for anyone who needed a warm embrace, whether it was those from broken homes, exchange students, or anyone needing a good meal and a hug.
When Rosie and Gerry were both almost 60 years-old they adopted two more kids, Heather and Chris, who would’ve otherwise been raised in the foster system. Heather and Chris are thriving adults today with their own families. They both are deeply thankful for Gerry for literally saving their lives.
Gerry founded Wilson Creek Winery with his family in 2000. His motive to start the winery was to reunite his scattered family and to create a legacy that will endure through the generations. He poured his hard-earned retirement into the business so the family can come together again. Gerry’s love and graciousness towards others has been the heartbeat of the winery, even to this day. Today, his vision has become a reality and the family is united and the winery has become a place where people from all over the world can experience warm hospitality. He and Rosie lived in a manufactured home in the vineyards right next to the winery and were very present at the winery.
Gerry is widely known for his kindness, compassion, love, and graciousness. He is a man who has enhanced the lives of thousands of people. His sparkling blue eyes and contagious smile warmed the hearts of those he encountered. He gave without conditions; he had a heart for the outsider or disadvantaged. Many on staff at Wilson Creek considered Gerry a kind of father figure who modeled unconditional love. Gerry left behind four generations of family who are all deeply thankful for his influence on their lives and who will proudly carry on his legacy. If greatness is measured by the amount one loves, gives, serves, and values others, Gerry was a giant of a man.
The family is thankful for the overwhelming amount of support and love they have received from friends, family, staff, wine club members, church leaders, and community leaders. Each person who has emailed, called, texted, or visited has shared how much Gerry has meant to them. The common thread is that was a great man and the effect he has had on their lives is deep and profound.
A Celebration of Life service at the winery will be announced shortly. For more information, please contact Wilson Creek Winery – marketing@wilsoncreekwinery.com.
Wilson Creek Winery is a family-owned winery in the heart of Temecula Wine Country known for its quality wines and warm hospitality. The winery features a welcoming tasting room, full-service restaurant with expansive patio, creekside picnic area, indoor and outdoor conference and event spaces, romantic wedding venue, and exclusive retreat accommodations. The Wilson family has built an extended-family community around the sharing of wine, food, and hospitality, turning visitors into friends and wine lovers into ambassadors for the brand. Information about the winery, vineyards, events, and how to become part of the Wilson’s extended wine community can be found online at WilsonCreekWinery.com or Facebook.com/WilsonCreekWinery.
Wilson Creek Winery is located at 35960 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, CA 92591. Questions can be directed to 951.699.WINE (9463) or info@wilsoncreekwinery.com.