A former fire chief and councilman in Monterey County died this week at the age of 81 at his home in Pacific Grove. Don Gasperson, who was known as “Mr. Pacific Grove” was a graduate of Pacific Grove High School, attended Monterey Peninsula College before joining the Pacific Grove Fire Department in 1949. He served as a fire chief from 1962 until he retired in 1984, he then served on Pacific Grove’s City Council as well as local and state committees for over 20 years. Gasperson was appointed Vice Mayor in 2002 until 2004. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, 2 sons and a brother. A memorial service is slated for 9:30 a.m. Saturday at 1st United Methodist Church located at 915 Sunset Drive in Pacific Grove.
