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Gary Showalter Obituary


GARY WESTON SHOWALTERBR April 4, 1939 ~ March 3, 2017

Gary Weston Showalter, age 77, passed away peacefully at the Ray Hickey Hospice in Vancouver, WA on March 3, 2017. Gary was born in Vernonia, Oregon on April 4, 1939 to Pauline Zimmerman and Wynn Showalter. He married his childhood sweetheart, Kathy Dalton on May 17, 1958 and lived with her in Vancouver, WA for the past 53 years.

Gary's life philosophy was to never let a moment be wasted and to let every day count for something. He spent his life helping others and being an inspiration to many. Gary proudly served his country in the Navy from 1956-1960. His love for the water was reflected in his career choice as a tugboat deckhand and captain for Willamette Tug and Barge from 1960-1978 and as a Columbia River Pilot from 1978 until his retirement in 2005. Gary was the captain of the Steamer Portland when it was a working tugboat; something he took great pride in. Gary was a man of many talents and interests. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, woodworking, blacksmithing, flying, gold mining and riding his mules in the Idaho wilderness. He was a true mountain man and muleskinner. He was especially interested in history, and was a voracious reader of anything that taught him about the past. He was a lifelong learner and passed on a passion for learning and reading to his children and grandchildren.

More than anything, he loved spending time with family and friends, sharing his many adventures and passing on his life skills to the younger generations. He lived a truly full and rewarding life and will be missed by many. Gary is survived by the love of his life and wife of almost 59 years, Kathy; his daughters, Michelle VanAllen and Sherine West; granddaughters, Lacey, Ashley, Stephanie and Shivon; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many surrogate children whose lives he enriched.

For information about his memorial service please contact [email protected].
Please sign Gary's Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Mar. 12, 2017.
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I was very sad when I heard that Gary had passed away. You have the complete support of family, friends, and neighbors and I hope this will be of some comfort for you in this very painful loss. Priscilla Hodges

Priscilla Hodges

April 1, 2017

Kathy and family,
Jim and I were saddened to hear of Gary's passing. He was indeed a unique spirit. He'll be long remembered through stories told around campfires and through the legacy of his family.
Thank you for being good friends and neighbors - Our hearts are with you.

Jim and Sunny King

March 20, 2017

Just wanted to say our thoughts are with you from Sydney Australia. I still remember Gary taking me to fish at Glacier Lake. Wow! Wonderful guy.

Eric Bolin

March 17, 2017

Cathy, you are in our thoughts. What adventures you both shared with us! Idaho, airplanes and mules! Hugs to you and many thanks for all the memories! Vicki and Paul

Vicki Coles

March 16, 2017

Kathy, I am so very sorry for your loss. If you don't remember me, I am Joyce, who used to be your hairdresser for many years at Mane Design. I am living in Vancouver now. I have such fond memories of you and your love for Gary. What a wonderful marriage you two had for so long.

Joyce Pfleger

March 16, 2017

My thoughts are with you.

Bonnie Tracy Appel

March 14, 2017

Gary has been my father figure when I had none; my living template of the representation of hard work and dedication; my role model of duty and fidelity; my friend, counselor, and guide throughout my younger days. Gary and Kathy's unselfish benevolence has touched us all. Know that your lessons and gifts have been passed onto my family as core values.
I love you both.

Gordy Scherdnik

Gordon Scherdnik

March 9, 2017

Gary was a wonderful guy to work with.

Captain Phiilip Massey

March 9, 2017

Kathy ~
I am so sorry to hear of Garys passing. I wish for you peace and comfort at this time and through the years following. You two had it all and this is a sad time! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.....Kathy, Shelly, Shirene,and Irene too.
Cathy Johnson

March 8, 2017

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