In Memory of Gary Lee Nordstrom December 17, 1946 – April 8, 2026

The Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® mourns the passing of Gary Lee Nordstrom, a cherished member, leader, and friend to our association and the broader San Diego real estate community.

 Gary passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026, at the age of 79, surrounded by his loving family.

Before entering real estate, Gary served his country in the United States Army as a member of the 1st Cavalry Division, and then built a distinguished 35-year career as a Sears Executive. He managed stores across multiple states, with regional responsibilities based out of offices in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Irvine, California. The discipline, integrity, and genuine warmth he developed through those years followed him into everything he did afterward.

Gary joined his wife, Gail, in real estate after retiring from Sears in 2002. Together as certified relocation specialists and co-founders of The Nordstrom Team at McMillin Realty, and later Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, they served San Diego-area clients with professionalism and heart. Those who worked alongside Gary will remember what he brought to a broker open house. He had a rare gift for building excitement around a property, generating buzz and turnout that most agents couldn't come close to matching.

Gary was an active contributor to PSAR's Budget and Finance Committee before being elected Vice President of the Association, a term he served from 2012 to 2014. When elected, Gary spoke to what the role meant to him: "I'm thrilled to be able to put my commitment, knowledge, and connections to work for my fellow REALTORS® while helping promote the South County as a great place to live, work, and play."

PSAR CEO Rich D'Ascoli shares: "Gary stepped up to serve as Vice President shortly after I came on board as CEO. His business background and deep understanding of non-profit operations were genuinely invaluable to our members and me during those early years. He also played an instrumental role in bringing ESDCAR and PSAR together in our 2012 merger. Gary was always the calm, experienced voice of reason in the room, and the organization was better for it."

Gary was also the driving force behind the Veterans Wall of Honor, formerly displayed outside the PSAR conference room, created alongside Jim Thompson. It stood for many years as a fitting reflection of the respect Gary held for those who served.

In his later years, Gary reflected warmly on what he witnessed at PSAR: "It's a real joy to see the Association mature into a top-notch, full-service organization. I'm impressed with its effectiveness and professionalism."

His commitment to community reached far and wide. Gary served as President of the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, chaired the board of the South Bay Family YMCA, served on the boards of advisors for Scripps Mercy Hospital in Chula Vista and United Way of South County, served on the state board of directors for the American Cancer Society, and was an active member of the Mission Hills Town Council. He also served on the Chula Vista Planning Commission, the Chula Vista Growth Management Oversight Commission, and the Southwestern College Foundation. He was an active member of both the California Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®.

 He is survived by the love of his life, Gail, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage; daughters Nicole Soares (Roger)
and Kelly Nordstrom; son Paul Nordstrom (fiancée Danielle Smith); and grandchildren Isabella and Samuel, who brought him tremendous pride and joy.

Arrangements for a celebration of life are forthcoming. This post will be updated with service details as they become available.

Gary was one of the kindest, most giving people to ever walk through our doors. He will be deeply missed.