On March 18, Laney College Media Professor Douglas Gey passed away in his home in Oakland, at the age of 56. Gey was known for his love of muscle cars and his passion for discovering new foods.
Gey battled serious heart conditions and other surrounding health issues throughout his life.
Below, members of the Laney community remember Gey and his influence on their lives.
When I decided to go back to school for video production, the first class I attended was Doug and Marla’s intro to audio class.
During that course and also my remaining time at Laney, I found Doug to be a kind, caring and knowledgeable teacher.
He was a friend to his students and fellow faculty and always had some insight and positive words to provide to us. Laney has lost a great professor and human being, and his presence will surely be missed.
Josh King
Laney student
Doug was kind, classy, generous and a true team player. He was loyal and devoted to our department, to our faculty and our students.
He possessed a single-minded focus on making great work, whether it was helping students realize their vision or working on projects outside of school.
Doug, you touched me and you touched many of us on the third and fourth floor of the Theater building at Laney.
Your laughter and spirit truly live on in these walls and beyond. Thank you for showing us what passion, humility and grace look like.
Noemi Zeigler Sanchez
Laney Media Professor
Doug Gey was my right hand man; I taught with him for 10 years.
Doug was a wonderful guy that so many students learned from and went to for technical help. He was always there to help out the students and their projects.
He also was a great son and brother, always helping out his family.
Doug was so proud of his work on the show “Day with Zahrah”. He was the key camera person for the show that went over to air on NBC.
Above all, Doug was my friend, I always knew if I needed help that Doug would help me out. He always had my back.
Doug is sorely missed by the Media Dept. and by me!
Marla Leech
Laney Media Professor