Gary Van Aken, 66

Gary Van Aken, of Whitefish, died Sunday, April 29, 2012, at the cabin near Lake Koocanusa.

 He was born in Whitefish on Feb. 5, 1946, to Pete and Lois Van Aken.

 In August of 1965 he and Della (Buck) were married in Coeur de Alene, Idaho. They have two children, Pete and Michelle.

Gary worked as a brakeman for the railroad, in snowmobile and auto repair, at the Van Aken Gardens and as a logger. He retired in 2001.

He raced cars at Deer Park Raceways, raced snowmobiles and spent many summers flying above in his hang glider. He traveled with Della to New Zealand and Australia and Hawaii along with Montana adventures, the California coast and to Washington to visit his daughter and granddaughter.

 Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Lois; and by his son, Pete.

He is survived by his wife, Della, at their home in Whitefish; daughter, Michelle, of Puyallup, Wash.; and granddaughter, Maya. He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends.

 There will be a gathering from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 4, at the Saddle Club in Whitefish. Donations may be made to North Valley Search and Rescue.