Terry Tracy, model for "The Big Kahuna," was an easygoing, fun-loving surfer who inspired the "Gidget"
movies and television series. He helped make surfing an international
sport — in the process becaming the embodiment of the cool alternative
lifestyle of sunglass-wearing beach bums. Tracy, aka "Tubesteak," died on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at his home
in San Clemente, Calif. He was 77.
Read the Full NY Times Obit.