In Remembrance of Gary Hunter
Gary Hunter, a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) pioneer, passed away on January 3, 2022 at the age of 77.
Hunter began his long career in the industry working as an automotive technician conducting emissions tests. In fact, he held the first smog technician license ever issued in California (License #EA000001). He also worked for the California Highway Patrol conducting roadside inspections and eventually joined BAR to help develop the Smog Check Program. He was promoted to Chief of Administration and Engineering in 1985. Under his leadership, BAR evolved into a model consumer and environmental protection agency. Hunter continued to work in environmental protections when he transferred to the California Air Resources Board in 1991. He returned to BAR in 2000 as Deputy Chief of Smog Check Engineering and Operations before retiring in 2004. He worked for BAR as a part-time retired annuitant from 2010 to 2013. We are grateful for Gary’s many years of dedication and service to the Bureau.