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Gary Boggs Obituary

GARY GRANT BOGGS
August 26, 1941 ~ April 14, 2011

Gary Grant Boggs, 69, loving husband, father and coach, passed away April 14, 2011, from complications related to cancer. He was born Aug. 26, 1941, in Freeburn, KY to Grant and Marie (Bentley) Boggs, and moved to Vancouver, WA, at the age of two with his sister Sandra. Gary graduated from Hudson's Bay High School in 1959, where he was named Athlete of the Year.
He attended Clark College and was also Athlete of the Year, before graduating from Lewis & Clark College in 1964 with a B.S. with a major in Health and Physical Education. He was a college All American Athlete in three sports: football, wrestling and track. Gary earned a Master's Degree in Teaching from Lewis & Clark and was an accredited history teacher.
Gary retired in 2001 after serving as head football coach at Fort Vancouver High School for 34 years. He was honored with numerous awards and accolades for his leadership through the years, and was inducted into several athletic and coaching Halls of Fame. He was known for his motivational pre-game speeches, and his ability to bring out the best in his players. He frequently said that "You seldom exceed your own expectations."
His personal motto was,
"I am an enthusiastic motivator of young men."
Gary and wife of 34 years, Ellen, lived in Vancouver, WA, until 2004, when they fulfilled their dream of living on the Oregon Coast by building a house in Rockaway Beach. Gary came out of retirement to coach a final high school football season at Neah-Kah-Nie High School last fall.
Gary loved to fish and spent many years fishing for steelhead at their cabin on the East Fork of the Lewis River. He taught each of his children to fish and enjoy the outdoors. He also enjoyed crabbing and fishing at the Oregon Coast. Gary loved good food, and he and Ellen were gracious hosts, entertaining regularly at their home. He was a member of the ROMEO club (Retired Old Men Eating Out book club) in Manzanita. Gary attended United Methodist Church in Nehalem, and served on the Tillamook Futures Council.
He is survived by wife, Ellen Morrison Boggs; and their three children: Abby Boggs, Vancouver, WA, Brad Boggs, Portland, OR, and Libby Boggs, Vancouver, WA; and his three children from his first marriage: Ron (Pam) Boggs, Helena, MT, Cynthia (Fred) Thompson, Portland, OR, Heidi (John) Luquette, Bay City, OR; grandchildren, Grant, Gigi, Lilly and Zak; sister, Sandra (Rodney) Poland, Battle Ground, WA; and dogs, Lady and Duke.
A public memorial service and Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sat., April 23, at Fort Vancouver High School in the gymnasium at 5700 E. 18th St., Vancouver, WA. A reception follows in the cafeteria.
Arrangements by Vancouver Funeral Chapel with interment at Northwood Park Cemetery, Ridgefield, WA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for a scholarship in Gary's name to the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, Clark County Chapter, 12004 NE Fourth Plain Rd., Ste. D422, Vancouver, WA 98682 or the Rinehart Clinic, PO Box 176, Wheeler, OR 97147.
Please sign Gary's guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Apr. 20, 2011.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Boggs

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Ellen and family,
So very sorry to hear about Gary. He was a great inspiration to many. I worked with Gary for 12 years and it was always a pleasure to see how his players and students looked up to him. He gave much of himself to the "Trapper Family".
Know that my prayers are with you. ~Janet Hinton

April 25, 2011

I graduated from Fort in 1981. Mr Boggs was our coach at that time. I will always remember him because of my mom who used to wash and repair his football players uniforms, or I should I say I repaired them on my old sewing machine that I got when I was at school because we had sewing class back then. He was always amazed at how my mom was able to get the green grass out of the uniforms and told her many times "Dollie how do you do this?" And she always sent him back a spotless uniform which made Mr. Boggs smile and he had a great smile. Of course I did not play football but I do fondly member him. My friends and I had a lot of school spirit and we never missed a football game. I just had to share these thoughts.

Cherie Gronewold

April 25, 2011

Coach Boggs had a way of tugging at your heart and making you do things you didn't think possible. It was an honor to be on his team. He made a huge impact on how I approach challenges and life in general. One of my biggest thrills was having him coach my son in an allstar game and to have my son get a taste of what I experienced.

Lonnie Knotts

April 25, 2011

My family from Vancouver let me know of Coach Boggs passing and all the great write ups about his life. I played football (not very well!) and was a PE assistant for Coach Boggs in the late 60s. I certainly enjoyed his teaching and sense of humor. I am sorry for your loss, and I am glad that I had the opportunity to have him as a teacher in school and friend.
Terry Crockford, class of 1970.

Terry Crockford

April 25, 2011

Our dearest Ellen,
We just read on Sunday that Gary died. Some of our favorite memories are sharing Gary's and Detra's birthday dinners together. You have a special place in our hearts.
May the tears you shed and the memories you have of Gary be healing to your heart.
We love you,
Jim and Detra Swenson

April 25, 2011

Coach Boggs was my wrestling coach in 1966. He taught me to believe in myself and was responsible for much of my success. I will be forever grateful.
Kent Burns, class of 1970. (Old Fort)

Kent Burns

April 24, 2011

Ellen and family, we were really surprised to hear of Gary's passing. Gary was a special person and will always be remembered as a great coach who affected a lot of students throughout the school district. May the memories keep him alive in your heart until you see him again. Know that our prayers are with you.

John and Joan Ottosen

April 23, 2011

Ellen and family..so sorry to hear about Gary and your father. I worked with him the five years I was a school nurse at Fort. He was always a pleasure to work with. And every time I saw him he was a friendly sincere person. I know you will miss him greatly. Hugs for all of you.
Glenna Ehrlich

Glenna Ehrlich

April 23, 2011

My sincere condolences to the Boggs family in the loss of a class act. I had the pleasure of playing for Coach Boggs back in the early 70's. When coach Bogg's spoke, his players listened up. He was the type of person everyone looked up to and respected. When my time comes I hope to meet up with you again one day coach.
With deepest sympathy,
Ron Miller
Class of 72'

April 23, 2011

Ellen and family, I have no words that can express what my brothers and I feel at your loss. Gary was not only a friend growing up but also a friend whenever we have met. You have lost a really great guy, but the memories shall prevail forever. Our love to all of you, the Cudmore kids, Pat Hopstad, Vancouver, Wa.

April 22, 2011

Boggs Family,
My condolences on your loss. The community lost a great person. I remember Coach Boggs always being there to motivate me to higher aspirations. To the this day I still revert back to something Coach Boggs said to me as a junior; "Excuses only satisfy the person making them". I constantly ask myself, "Am I the only one satisfied with my response or action?"

My other vivid memory was Coach Boggs sharing that he was happy to have given my name to a reporter following a JV game. Coach knew that would encourage me and bring happiness to my spirit. I was never the star athlete, but Coach still cared enough to make me feel special with this little trivial act on his behalf.

RIP Coach, knowing you impacted and changed many lives.

Jeffrey Marks

April 22, 2011

The community lost a great member with Coach Boggs passing. I am who I am today in large part to Coach Boggs always being there pushing me to succeed.

Jeffrey Marks

April 22, 2011

Coach Boggs was a great coach, teacher, mentor and most of all a great friend. He had such a strong presence in my life. He will always hold a very special place in my heart. Coach, you will be forever missed but never forgotten. Thank you so much for all you did.

Sean Schulz

April 22, 2011

Ellen and Family, I'm so saddened with the lost of Gary. He was ICON in Vancouver Wa. Most would say do you play for Boggs in return my dad played for Boggs. My son played for Coach Boggs he always talked very highly of Coach. We moved to Vancouver when my son was going into the eight grade. Played for Gaiser. Then he said he want to play for coach Boggs. We had to get the ok from Vancouver Schools the next 4 years because Trapper lived in the River High boundries. What a great Coach for my son Travis Claridge #1 O-Line in the Nation and the #2 high school player in the Nation.State player of the year. On to USC start all 4 years 50 straight games with out a red shirt year and graduate in 4 years with two degrees. Atlanta's #1 pick in the 2000 draft.The highest NFL Draft pick to date to come out of SW Washington. Yes Coach Boggs the things you help my son Travis Trapper Claridge #71 R I P . He cant wait to see you again . Hellen, Gary was truly a very good person may he rest in peace. Like Mr. Chandler said we have lost a legend.

Bill Claridge

April 22, 2011

My father grew up with Gary as kids in the Vancouver area, and when I started to play football under coach Boggs, my father told me one thing: Boggs is the toughest guy you will ever play for. Boy was the dead on! Coach Boggs was more than just tougher than nails, he had a way of motivating, and draining every last ounce of fortitude and passion out of an athlete. I would have run and tackled a bus head on at full speed for coach Boggs, he was simply larger than life. I know I speak for every single player who played for him when I say the man was just awesome! My deepest sympathies go out to his entire family, colleagues, friends, and players who played for him over his illustrious career.

Thank you Gary for impacting my life with such gusto and toughness. I am eternally grateful for having been a player for you.

Aaron Forbes

April 22, 2011

Ellen and family, it is indeed with a heavy heart that I write this as I have fond memories of a truly FIRST CLASS person, dedicated educator, tremendous motivator and personal friend.
I was very fortunate to have been an assistant coach for Gary over a 4-year period and have many, many treasured memories in my archives. When I left Fort to become the head football coach at Columbia River, I always looked forward to a real challenge from my former mentor.
Gary will surely be missed by all those who knew him and especially by those who played for him, by coaches and teachers and by the communities in which he lived.
It was my good fortune to have been a small part of his life over the years.
Carole and I send you our very best in these difficult times.
Jim and Carole Franklin
Port Townsend, Wahington

April 22, 2011

Ellen and Family--Janice and I are so saddened with your loss of Gary. He was
an ICON in the Vancouver Community and
School District. His weight training classes at Fort were second to none.
On behalf of our children--John (played
for Gary), Rachael and Jennifer--our
deepest sympathies. Kelly&Janice Rankin

April 22, 2011

I had the pleasure of working with Gary at Fort Vancouver many years ago after meeting as an opposing football coach over many fall campaigns. A nicer man could not be found in the business. Gary was a wonderful man and a true inspiration to all of us in the profession. I am so sorry for his family at this time of great loss.

Dennis Gillingham

April 21, 2011

Mrs. Boggs and family Coach Boggs was one of my favorite teachers a th old Fort it did not matter how long it had been since the last time that you had seen coach he always greeted you like it was yesterday. He will truly be missed it was great knowing him and his humor. Class of "70" Fort Vancouver

Annette "Butch" Taylor-Fox

April 21, 2011

We will miss one of our top Football Alumni!

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Boggs Family.

Lewis & Clark College Football

Chris Sulages

April 21, 2011

Sorry for your loss. Coach Boggs was an amazing inspiration to all that knew him. He was my weight training coach all through high school. He always encouraged me to keeping pushing through. Love and prayers sent your way.

Sherry Thompson-Corona(Troulos)

April 21, 2011

I was part of the Fort Vancouver staff over 28 years. Gary always was up beat and greeted everyone with a smile. His sincerity and dedication showed in working with students and staff. Gary and Ellen were a joy to work with-God Bless!

Melle Keudell

April 21, 2011

During my 23 years as sports editor of The Columbian, there was never a better high school football coach, nor one with more class as a human being. Clark County has lost a legend.

Don Chandler

April 21, 2011

Ellen and Kids:
I am so sorry for your loss of a great husband and father. To the rest of us we have lost a great coach,mentor, and friend. I was so fortunate to have spent nine wonderful years teaching and coaching with Gary. They were the best of my professional life. Gary was always there to help me whether it be teaching, coaching or personal issues. He was a big brother to me. The games,stories, and times we shared will never be forgotten. He was truly a "legend" and wonderful human being. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He will be tremendously missed, but never forgotten.

Rick Harrington

April 21, 2011

My son played for Coach Boggs back in the late 1980's. My son and his teammates had nothing but praise for Coach Boggs and the way he treated his players. Coach Boggs taught football but he also taught life. My son is a better person because of Coach Boggs. My prayers are for the entire Boggs Family.

April 21, 2011

I worked with Gary at Fort...and was always greeted with a smile and friendship. My prayers are with you, Ellen, and your family.

Nancy Newlean

April 21, 2011

Ellen,
So sorry to hear Gary passed. What a good man. My prayers are with you.
Nola Koch

Nola Koch

April 20, 2011

I was principal at Fort Vancouver when Gary was on the staff. He was a great teacher, coach and faculty member. He brought a great attitude to work every day. My best wishes go out to Ellen and the children at this difficult time.

Michael Bruener

April 20, 2011

Gary was the second person on the Fort Vancouver staff I met as I began my career at Fort. He was from that time on a good friend, fellow coach, great resource of information, and inspiration during both the great and not so great years of our coaching careers. My sympathy and best wishes to Ellen and his family.

Bob Glafka

April 20, 2011

Tony and I send our love, prayers and thoughts to all of your family at this time of loss. You were both one of our favorite teachers and were very fortunate to have had the privillage to know and learn from both of you. God bless.

Bill and Tony Evans

April 20, 2011

My sister and I went all through school with Gary, and our remembrance of him is that, he was a really GOOD guy!! he really left his mark in this community and we're proud to have known him. He'll be missed...
Sue Sutphin/Jessup and Jo Ann Sutphin/Anderson

April 20, 2011

My thoughts are with his family for loosing a very good person. I played for him in 82 and we only won 1 game and that was against Bay, no matter what happened that year he always coached and believed we could win any game. I also remember talking with him about other sports as we would cross paths during the day away from the field. He was truly a very good person and may he rest in peace.

Greg Sollars

April 20, 2011

Gary Boggs was a great motivator and a good person. He was a real inspiration to me when I became the wrestling coach at Mac Hi in 1969. I didn't know much about the sport and Gary encouraged me to attend clinics and camps. He also shared his vast experience in the sport and made me feel positive about my new coaching venture. He followed my teams and was always positive as I had some real agonizing doubts about my coaching ability. It is because of Gsry that I stayed with the sport and attained success. I also was privileged to be a teacher at Fort and see first hand Gary's devotion to his beloved Trappers. His presence was magical and his bellowing woice made students and staff alike have goosebumps. Gary will really be missed but to this Trapper he will never be forgotten. I offer my most sincere condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

George Spear

April 20, 2011

My thoughs and prayers with the family. I'm Mr. Boggs coaching his daughter.

Darrel Haldeman

April 20, 2011

Sorry for your loss of a great man. I had Weight Training with Mr. Boggs in my first year of high school. He was very encouraging and very kind to us, I being one of the only girls in that class amongst all the male students. He lit up the halls of Fort with his presence. My thoughts and prayers with you at this time.

Brenda Hofman

April 20, 2011

My thoughts are with the family, I was fortunate to have met coach Boggs in 1977 all star game, He was a motivator and good man,

April 20, 2011

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do, even if just sitting with you.

Cindy Taylor

April 18, 2011

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Sandra Stadtmueller

April 17, 2011

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