Gary Wilkins, 81

Gary Wilkins, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, in Kalispell on Feb. 8, 2018.

Gary was born Nov. 4, 1936, in Hollywood, California, the son of Ted and Betty Wilkins.

Gary was a 1954 graduate of Van Nuys High School and a veteran of the United States Army.

He was a huge motor sports enthusiast. His biggest passion was anything with a motor. He raced motorcycles in the desert and had a dragster. He was the first driver to have a parachute on his dragster. He was also a private pilot.

He retired in 1998 and moved to Lakeside with his beautiful wife Dorothea. She was the true love of his life. His grandchildren brought much happiness to his retirement years. He thoroughly enjoyed taking them boating and tubing, and watching them ski. He loved to be trackside to cheer them on at their motocross races. Forever the motor sports fan, he was the pit crew for his son in-law at the Speedway races. He was a dedicated loyal fan of NASCAR and never missed watching a race.

Gary loved to entertain and socialize. He was very quick to make friends. All that knew Gary will miss his gregarious conversation and adventurous stories. He will be very much missed by all!

There will be a visitation held for Gary at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, at Lakeside Community Chapel, with services to follow at 2 p.m. A private family burial will take place at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

Please send any donations to Columbia Falls American Legion, VA Retirement Home/Hospital, Attn: Mike Shepard (406) 250-9806.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.