Gary R. Wallingford

 

Last updated 11/14/2013 at 4:53pm

Gary R. Wallingford

Oct. 15, 1941-Nov. 4, 2013

Surrounded by his family, Gary passed away after a long and valiant battle against prostate cancer. He will always be remembered as a proud and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great friend to many. He knew no strangers and had a smile that would not only light up a room, but warm it as well.

Born in Spokane to George and Irene Wallingford, he was the oldest of seven siblings. He later moved to Cusick where he courted Joyce (Cannon) from Newport and graduated from Cusick High School in 1960. They married June 17, 1961 at St. Anthony's Church in Newport and from that day forward he always referred to her as his bride.

In his early days he worked construction on Wanapum Dam and missile silos, owned a hay trucking company, and raised horses and cattle. After settling down in Cheney he and six other men founded the Cheney Rodeo in 1967, which just celebrated its 47th year. He also enjoyed participating in amateur rodeos during his association with the Cheney Junior Chamber of Commerce during his time there.

In 1971 he moved with his family to Vancouver where he was employed at Vancouver Fast Freight. After 20 years there he retired so he could follow his passion full-time with his business, Westgate Landscaping. In 2009 he retired from landscaping, although he never quit working and was always busy with some project.

He was a champion trap shooter, a member and longtime President of Wolverton Mountain Gun Club, as well as a Patron Life Member of the NRA. He lived to hunt and fish and passed that love on to his son and grandchildren, Alicia and Jared.

Gary is survived by his loving bride Joyce and was so fortunate to have such a wonderful caring wife by his side for 52 years. He also leaves behind his three children Tammy (Marty), Sherri (Randy) and Terry (Kari), four grandchildren, Jenna, Katie, Alicia and Jared, his mother Irene, six siblings Richard, Kaye, Joe, Dennis, Connie and Bill, his dog Luke, a large extended family and many friends. John Wayne said that "Courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway." We are all so thankful that Gary saddled up and fought such a courageous battle against cancer for 12 years! He will be missed greatly by all that knew him.

There will be no service at his request. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in his memory to your favorite charity.

 

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