Well-known auto dealer Gus Paulos, 64, died of cancer Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006, at LDS Hospital.
Mr. Paulos' grandfather, also named Gus Paulos, moved from Greece and later started the dealership in 1921, selling cars by makers Chevrolet and Oldsmobile in Magna. Mr. Paulos' grandfather died in 1938 while delivering a new car to a customer in the Salt Lake Valley.
Brothers Ernie (Mr. Paulos' father) and Pete Paulos took over the business, which in 1976 moved to West Valley City. Ernie Paulos' wife, Kay, ran the business while the brothers were away during World War II.
In 1980, Gus Paulos took over what is today a $100 million business, according to John Franks, general manager of Gus Paulos Chevrolet.
"Business aside," Franks said, "Gus was just a very loving, generous person who absolutely loved his friends, family and employees. . . . He never had a bad thing to say about anybody — he was generous with everybody."
Franks described Mr. Paulos as a "working dealer," someone who was frequently a "stabilizing force" at the dealership, always talking to customers and helping employees.
Mr. Paulos' approach to work, Franks added, was reflected in the words of an old advertisement, "No pressure, no hype." General Motors named Gus Paulos Chevrolet the best in its Denver zone, which includes several Western states, according to Franks.
Mr. Paulos also received a humanitarian award from Time magazine for his service to the community.
Mr. Paulos was also known for his sense of humor. Many people don't know, for example, that the top of the head that appears in advertisements really belongs to Dave Thomas, who runs the advertising agency that handles Gus Paulos Chevrolet. Thomas said that around 17 years ago he filled in for Mr. Paulos, who couldn't make the shoot. "It's been my head ever since," said Thomas. "He had a great sense of humor."
Mr. Paulos was born Sept. 23, 1941, graduated from Cyprus High School in Magna, attended the University of Utah and served with the Marine Corps.
It's expected his son, Greg Paulos, will take over the business, which already employs several family members.
Through his two-year battle with cancer, Mr. Paulos remained upbeat.
"He had the best attitude," said Debbie Paulos, wife of Greg Paulos. "He was always in good spirits, he was never depressed over it." His focus in his final days, she added, was on the various charities he supported. "He was always giving, giving, giving."
Mr. Paulos requested before he died that in lieu of flowers people should send donations to a cancer charity of their choice. Funeral services are pending.