Obituary

Gary Everett Minaker, age 73, passed away at North Cascades Health and Rehabilitation in Bellingham on November 25, 2018.

Gary was born on March 2, 1945 in Bellingham to Everett “Bud” and Lorraine Minaker. He was the oldest of four children: Gary, Steve, Linda, and Gayle.

Gary grew up on a farm on the Delta Line Road between Custer and Blaine. He attended grade school and junior high in Custer and went to high school in Ferndale.

When Gary was 17, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard and served four years from 1962-1966. After his time in the military, he was a boat builder for most of his career and later worked as a security guard.

Gary had a love for the outdoors. He enjoyed puttering, growing a few vegetables and flowers, cooking outside on his grill, making apple cider in the fall, hunting, and fishing. He also liked to read, listen to country music, and sleep.

For the most part, Gary was quiet and reserved, a little “grumpy” at times, but that was “just Gary.” Under that rough exterior, he had quite a sense of humor and could always make us laugh. We loved him and he will always be missed.

Gary is survived by his daughter Tracie Minaker, grandson Jared Olsen, great-grandson Triston Olsen, brother Steve Minaker, sister Linda (John) Boyer, and many nieces and nephews.

Steve and Linda would like to thank the staff and caregivers at North Cascades for all their love and care for our brother.

A memorial service will be held on Friday March 29, 2019 at 12:00 PM at Moles Greenacres Memorial Park – 5700 Northwest Dr. Ferndale.