GARY LORRIMAN PENCE
January 16, 1937 ~ July 29, 2018
~In loving memory ~
Gary was born in Spokane, WA to Carl and Margaret (Lorriman) Pence. He graduated from the University of Washington with a Business degree and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa and Beta Gamma Sigma Honorary Societies.
After his 4 years of Navy ROTC, he received a commission as an Ensign USNR, Supply Corps, and attended the Naval Supply Corps School in Athens, GA. He was the Supply Officer for a Mobile Construction Battalion on Okinawa.
Gary returned to Spokane in 1961 and went to work in Sales for his father at the Brownie Baking Company.
He married Alma Henden in 1963; Tricia and Michael were born in Spokane. In 1968, they moved to Portland where he went from cookies to Industrial Chemicals for Van Waters & Rogers. He worked for them also in St. Paul, MN, again in Portland, and Branch Manager in the Tri-Cities, WA before retiring in 1999. They returned to Vancouver, WA to be near their children and grandsons. His interests were water skiing, boating, fly fishing, golf, Elks, Clark County Newcomers' activities, reading, working on house and yard projects, traveling in America and Europe, and especially loved his family.
Gary is survived by his wife of 55 years, Alma; son, Michael of Vancouver; daughter, Tricia Cox (Steve) and grandsons, Justin and Brendan of Gresham, OR; sister, Caryle of Bellevue, WA; 14 special nieces and nephews, and beloved families.
A private memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to your favorite charity.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Gary and I had many cold days playing golf in the winter time but had lot's of fun. We often had lunch after. I will always remember him with affection.
Alma please take care of yourself.
Jim Tabler
August 31, 2018
When I was in college, I mused that some of the science seemed unreal: stuff no one could actually see. Uncle Gary told me that it didn't matter, if what we did know allowed us to build models that worked, that was good. You had to have faith in the science. He helped me open my mind and changed my outlook. I will miss him.
Sheri Loomer
August 19, 2018
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your entire family. Please know that the God of all comfort has loving concern for you at this time, at Psalm chapter 34 verse 18. I know you will miss your precious loved one every day, may God give you strength, peace and loving memories. Ann Smith
August 14, 2018
On behalf of Clark Skamania Flyfishers, we want to offer our condolences to Alma and the family. Gary was a great member and could not participate much in the past years but enjoyed the meetings and the newsletter.
Susan Cox
August 13, 2018
Alma, my deepest condolences on the passing of Gary.
You and Gary were one of the first people that we met on our first Newcomers trip to the Clam festival. He was always so pleasant the times that we have met since then. I know he has not been well for awhile, and finally he is at peace.
You are in my prayers and thoughts.
Pat & Tim Stremel
Pat Stremel
August 12, 2018
Everyone who had the pleasure of working with or seeing Gary at the many social events he and Alma attended knew him as a quiet, thoughtful, calm and pleasant man who treated everyone well. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Pat and Ron
August 8, 2018
Dear Alma, I am so sorry to hear of Gary's death, although I know that he has been struggling for awhile. Byron and I send our love and hugs to you and your family on the passing of this gentle, wonderful man. We look forward to seeing you at Newcomer events in the future. Much love, Arlene Hett
August 7, 2018
I was sad to hear of Gary's passing but knew he hadn't been well for quite a time. He was such a nice and gentle man for the time I knew him. Alma, I will have you in my prayers and thoughts at this time while you grieve. May your friends and family surround you with love.
Sam Mikel
August 7, 2018
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