A.W. Gaines, 100, of Vero Beach, died Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach.
Mr. Gaines was born Nov. 10, 1909, in Logan, Iowa, and moved to Vero Beach two weeks ago from West Des Moines, Iowa. After 36 years with N.W. Bell Telephone in Council Bluffs, Humboldt, Sioux City and Des Moines, he retired as the Iowa safety supervisor. He was the originator of a different and widely accepted approach to accident-free driving called the Buffer Zone.
A.W. and his 1909 Buick were featured in a PBS film named “Take Des Moines, Please,” which received a national Emmy award in 1973.
For several years, he was the lobbyist for the car collector clubs in Iowa.
He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Gnemeth Masonic Lodge AF&AM and the Des Moines Consistory and several antique car clubs over the years.
Survivors include his daughter, Mary Zier, of Eugene, Ore.; son, Stephen, of Vero Beach, six grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Mr. Gaines was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Marie, in 2002.
A memorial service will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach.
