Adventure Inn Blog

By Eric Robinson

The founder of the Moon Glow Bar and Grill in the Adventure Inn, Gary DeGano, passed away suddenly the morning of Saturday, November 26th at the age of 65 after succumbing to a massive heart attack. Even though I only knew Gary for less than a year, he was a real inspiration, had great integrity, and always made everyone feel comfortable with his endless jokes and quick wit. Gary’s partner, Priscilla, along with John and new partner Hans will help fill Gary’s big shoes, and continue running the new Gary’s Moon Glow Bar and Grill dedicated to the man who started it. Gary’s longtime friend, and publisher of The Peck Report, Jim Peck wrote the following two articles about Gary.

Eric Robinson
Adventure Inn

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Memorial Tribute For Gary Degano Published on November 27th.

The news of Gary’s passing today struck me very sudden.

Gary Gary DeGano, was a long time resident in Costa Rica.

I remember the first time I met Gary a few years ago. He invited me to his home and introduced me to his soul mate, Priscilla and family. After a short time visiting, I felt like I had known Gary for years.

From time to time Gary would invite me to his parties and I always enjoyed his laughter, jokes, friendly smile, family and friends. I always left his home with happy thoughts.

I met Gary in San Jose about a month ago and we had a nice visit and we talked about his part ownership in the Moon Glow Restaurant, which is in the Adventure Inn Hotel. We also chatted about his soul mate Priscilla, family, friends and projects he was working on.

Whenever Gary promoted a project, he always said, “not for me, but for the family.”

Gary’s death must not be something we mourn, his loss not something we grieve. We must celebrate his passing. We must all throw him the grandest send off in our heart, thoughts and prayers as he travels to a better place. We must also include Priscilla and family in our thoughts and prayers as well.

Gary lived life to the fullest and his legacy lives on in the many lives that will be impacted for years to come. I believe that nothing truly good is ever lost, and that love never dies. The best of Gary lives on in those who loved him and surely his gifts of love and goodness will be passed along in our unending circle of life.

We will hold Gary close in our hearts always.

Thanks Gary for everything. This post is a tribute to his memory.

On Sunday, November 27, 2005, I attended a party, a celebration of Gary’s life at Gary’s Moon Glow Restaurant in the Adventure Inn. All of Gary’s family, partners, staff, and friends attended the event. Drinks and Taco’s were served and everyone comforted Gary’s family, and partners, met new friends and celebrated Gary’s life.

I found Gary’s Moon Glow Restaurant to be a classy, comfortable restaurant. For lunch I had the meatloaf with mushroom sauce, mashed potatoes and vegetables. It was a real treat. Later on in the afternoon Gary’s favorite meat tacos were served and they were great with a Pilsen beer.

We all shed tears, but we all supported each other and everyone had a wonderful time.

If you’re looking for a great sports bar with incredible American food, with the best service you will find in Costa Rica, then you need to go out to Gary’s Moon Glow Restaurant in the Adventure Inn. Hemingway would have loved this place! Where else can you drink off a rosewood bar and be surrounded by beautiful women?

If you have a few too many drinks, be safe and don’t drive. Get a room in the Adventure Inn and spend the night. I recommend the room with the large jacuzzi!

Be sure to tell them you heard about the restaurant and the hotel in The Peck Report.

Jim Peck, Publisher
Memorial Tribute For Gary DeGano

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Information Update:
Monday, November 28, 2005, 7:40 p.m. (standard time)

Many of Gary’s friends, relatives and visitors to The Peck Report have asked for more details surrounding the events of last Friday night.

The following information was provided by Hans, Gary’s new business partner. Hans transported Gary to the hospital and stayed with him.

At approximately 3-4 p.m., Gary, Hans and Gary’s soul mate Pricilla, who also worked at the restaurant, were running errands. Gary had some pain and thought he had acid reflux which he often experienced. The problem persisted, so they decided to transport Gary to the hospital for stronger medication or a shot for relief.

Shortly after they arrived at the hospital, and after talking to Gary, the doctor informed them that Gary had a massive heart attack on the table. They were further informed that Gary was revived, but the situation appeared to be very serious.

It was touch and go until about 3 a.m., Saturday morning when Gary passed away.

There was a viewing at 4 p.m., Saturday and the turnout was larger than expected.

Gary was cremated at 9 a.m., Sunday morning followed by a wake at 2 p.m. at Gary’s Moon Glow Restaurant. Most of Gary’s friends, family, neighbors, and customers turned out and the restaurant was full most of the afternoon.

Gary carried good health insurance with an excellent Costa Rican private plan. He always went to a good American trained doctor, which he liked, for check-ups and prescriptions.

Gary never had any heart symptoms that anyone knew about.

Prior to Gary’s death, the name of the restaurant was, “Moon Glow.” Yesterday it was announced that the name of the restaurant has been changed to, “Gary’s Moon Glow” in remembrance and as a legacy for Gary. “Gary’s Moon Glow Restaurant” will be built up and continued by John, Hans and Pricilla.

Gary’s Moon Glow is right around the corner from the Cariari Country Club, golf course and development not far from the airport in San Jose.

Stop in and introduce yourself and have a drink for Gary while visiting beautiful Costa Rica.

My stats reveal that 324 people clicked on this post today! Gary had lots of friends.

I’ve been receiving many emails asking for more information from many of Gary’s friends both in Costa Rica and in the U.S. Please copy and paste this update and put in a new message and send it to anyone that you know that has been asking for additional information.

Thank you for your concerns for Gary’s family, partners and your kind words about Gary’s Memorial Tribute. I also want to thank you for all the nice comments that were posted.

Jim Peck, Publisher

The Peck Report

http://www.thepeckreport.com (Website no longer works)

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 29th, 2005 at 1:09 pm and is filed under Costa Rica. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.