Obituary

Gary Lee Wilson was born in Anacortes, WA on May 31st 1944 to Wallace and June Wilson. Gary is survived by his Wife Karen Wilson of Bellingham, Brother Scott Wilson of Montana, Son Chad Wilson of Bellingham, Spouse Malinda, Daughter Brenda Ellis of Bellingham, Spouse Tom. Gary has three grandchildren Noa Harwick, Brady Wilson and Kaylee Wilson. He has two great-grandchildren Asher Harwick and Ember Harwick.

Gary attended Bellingham High School and graduated in 1962. After high school, Gary served in the Army and later the National Guard Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve. Gary joined the Bellingham Police Department in 1970 serving as a Patrolman, Range Officer, SWAT team member and Hazardous Devices team. Gary retired from the Police Department in 2001.

Gary and Karen were married for 49 years. They enjoyed riding motorcycles and took several long bike trips which included a trip to the Grand Canyon. Christmas was always a special time at the Wilson’s filled with love and warmth. Their home was like a Christmas wonderland with an open invitation for anyone to stop by. Gary and Karen spent many hours sitting out by their pond in the sunshine chatting with company and if you were really lucky you would get to see their newest family member – their turtle Mr. T.

Gary loved camping, fishing and woodworking. It was a well-known fact around the campground that if you were looking for breakfast in the morning Gary’s 5th wheel was the hot spot. Gary’s grill was always hot and he could serve up an Egg McMuffin that would put McDonalds to shame. Gary took a yearly trip to Bonaparte Lake with the Elite Fishing Squad. Rumors swirled regarding how big the fish were that were being caught but we may never know due to the conflicting stories. This was always a special time for Gary as he got to spend time with former co-workers from the Police Department, close friends and family. Gary enjoyed spending time in his woodshop creating many beautiful projects.

Gary always had time for you and always let you know that you were important to him. Gary’s children and grandchildren were very fortunate to have him in their lives. They loved being with him whether it was helping him work on something around the house, having him watch them play sports, sitting on the front porch or listening to stories around the campfire.

When you think of Gary, the things that come to mind are his infectious laugh, his sense of humor, his love for his Family and Friends, his acceptance of everyone – he never spoke ill of anyone unless you were from the lab and wanting to draw blood (totally understandable). Gary was highly respected by so many people. He was a wealth of knowledge and had great advice on most anything you would ask him about. He was such a great mentor for his children and grandchildren.

Goodbyes are often very hard but we know that Gary is no longer in pain and is now sitting with Friends and Family that have passed before him enjoying that juicy hamburger he had been dreaming about. So Gary, save us a seat on your back porch, a warm spot by the campfire or a comfy chair in your living room. (We will probably be watching something on the History or Military Channel). This is goodbye for now, we will miss your terribly but we know that we will all be together again.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, September 8th, 2018 at 2:00PM at New Song Church (4600 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA 98226).