10 Things You Didn’t Know About George Gund III, The First Sharks Owner
George Gund III shaped professional sports without acting like a typical owner. He helped bring NHL hockey to San Jose, influenced the direction of multiple franchises, and stayed deeply involved in art and film.
His career mixed business decisions with personal curiosity rather than public ambition. He preferred direct experiences over formal credentials and trusted instinct more than convention. People who worked with him often noticed his humor, habits, and authority before his résumé.
Surprised Executives with Freshly Caught Salmon
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During early Sharks planning, Gund met with executives to approve the first team logos at a restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf. After the meeting ended, he walked them to his truck and handed each person a 30-pound salmon. He had caught the fish earlier that same day during a fishing trip.
Art Involvement Reached Museum-Level Influence
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Gund invested serious time and leadership in cultural institutions. He chaired the San Francisco Film Society for over four decades and served on the boards of major museums. His Japanese ink painting collection ranked among the finest in the United States. Museums regularly borrowed his works for exhibitions.
Eyebrows Became a Recognizable Detail
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People often remembered the Sharks’ owner by appearance before learning his background. His thick eyebrows stood out immediately and became part of his public identity. Friends jokingly called him “the highbrow with the eyebrow,” and the nickname stuck. During later years, he underwent chemotherapy for stomach cancer. The treatments changed many things, but his eyebrows stayed intact.
Kept a Living Space Inside the Sharks Arena
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Late nights followed Sharks games, especially during the early years of the franchise. The franchise co-founder solved that problem by maintaining a private apartment inside the arena. He sometimes stayed there instead of returning home. The space remained unknown primarily to staff at the time. Years later, the team renamed it Club 525.
Used Humor During Serious League Meetings
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At an early NHL meeting, the team owner arrived with his brother Gordon, who was legally blind. George sat in a wheelchair while Gordon pushed him through the building. George gave directions as they moved. Once inside the meeting room, George stood up and introduced himself. The room froze, and the prank broke the tension immediately.
Joined Gordie Howe on the Ice Publicly
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When the Sharks introduced their uniforms and logo, the team held a press event at a local rink. Gund skated onto the ice wearing the home jersey. Hockey legend Gordie Howe joined him in the away version. The moment placed the man physically inside the sport he supported.
Received One of Hockey’s Highest Service Honors
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In 1996, Gund earned the Lester Patrick Award, which is given for outstanding service to hockey in the United States. The honor recognized contributions beyond wins or profits. His role in establishing the Sharks and supporting league stability mattered deeply to NHL leadership. Few people tied to the franchise share that distinction.
Education Took an Unconventional Route
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Importing and distributing Eastern European films gave the businessman his first real business foundation. He had left high school early, joined the U.S. Marines as a teenager, and later enrolled at Menlo College in California, though he didn’t stay long. The film venture helped fund his travels and personal interests.
Made the Bay Area His Long-Term Home
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Military service brought the businessman to San Francisco when his aircraft carrier docked for maintenance. The experience left a strong impression. After leaving the Marines, he settled in the area and stayed for more than forty-five years. Locals often saw him riding a scooter through the city while listening to opera.
Appeared in a Film Connected to His Personal Life
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The Sharks owner appeared in the movie Passionada, directed by his wife, Lara Lee. He played a fisherman who had already died before the story opened. The part aligned closely with his real interests. He spent years fishing and regularly gave away his catch to friends.