Gary Lynn Michael, 59
Gary Lynn Michael passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his girls on May 25, 2021, after a two-year battle with cancer.
He was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Feb. 21, 1962, to Bill and Chris Michael. After leaving the Midwest, he graduated with a degree in aquatic and fishery sciences in Port Angeles, Washington. An avid fisherman, Gary landed the perfect job as a fish biologist with Fish, Wildlife and Parks in 1982; a job that he enjoyed for 38 years. He got paid to fish! This dream job took him to countless adventures out in “The Bob” with his horse, Harley. His time at FWP brought him many dear friends who became his huntin’ and fishin’ buddies. Together, they fished the waters of Alaska, Washington, Idaho and eastern Montana.
Gary met Paula at 1st Ave. and had their first kiss at Moose’s in 1987. The two shacked up for four years before he finally popped the question in the Valentine’s Day edition of the newspaper. They married in 1991 when he became the “Bonus Dad” to Breean, Beau and Brittnee. They spent many wonderful summers camping, fishing and hiking together, memories that will be forever cherished.
Although he was known to sneak gas station burritos behind his wife’s back, Gary became known as quite the cook, as anyone who tried his pork verde or chicken and dumplings can attest. After he retired, he spent hours out in his woodshed, creating beautiful pieces that showed his artistic side.
Gary is survived by his wife Paula, children Breean (Adam) Lesko, Beau Thurber, and Brittnee (Jason) Deel; six grandchildren, Molly and Maddux Lesko, Jameson and Corbin Deel, Emma and Ayden Thurber, all of Las Vegas; mother Chris, brother Brad (Vilona), all of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; sister, Tami, of Cleveland; mother-in-law, Frances Patton, of Kalispell; brothers-in-law, Steve (Donna) of Thompson Falls and Jon (Cathy) of Polson, Josh Wood; nieces Morgan, Rachel and Sydnee, and nephews William, Ethan and Scott; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father Bill and father-in-law David Patton, who will no doubt be waiting to all go fishing together; and we know Maggee will be there to greet you with a wagging tail.
Gary touched the lives of many with his calm demeanor, quick wit, and will be deeply missed. We are forever grateful to thank all those who helped Gary through his cancer journey; Dr. Wagner, the “Chemo Girls” and Maureen.
Services will be held at Lone Pine State Park Visitor Center at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 4.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the American Cancer Society or Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund.