Gary LeRoy Anderson, born August 1, 1941 in Republic, Washington to Charles and Ruth Anderson, died unexpectedly on June 1, 2017.
Gary graduated from Republic High School in 1959, and graduated with honors from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York in 1963 with a degree in Marine Engineering and a commission in the Naval Reserves.
In November 1964, he married Pamela S. Cornelius and they moved to Kearny, New Jersey, where Gary worked in New York City for the Lummis Corporation as a systems engineer. Their daughter Michael Anne was born in 1965 and son David Gary in 1966. In the fall of 1966 they moved to Richmond, VA., where he worked for the Betchel Corporation as a project engineer. Gary and his family returned to Republic in 1968 to work for Anderson's Grocery and their son Scott Charles was born in 1969. In 1976, Gary and his brothers Carl and John D. purchased the business and became the third generation of family owners.
Gary was very active in the community and the economic development of the Republic area. He was a 35 year member of the Republic Volunteer Fire Department, 25 years with the Republic Chamber of Commerce, an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church, and member of the Republic Historical Society, Parks and Recreation, and Booster Club, as well as, many other local and state organizations. Through these organizations Gary helped develop and support the Stonerose Fossil Interpretive Center, Golden Tiger Pathway, Prospector's Days, Winter Carnival and the Main Street Beautification project.
Gary sailed extensively to foreign countries with the Merchant Marine and with the Naval Reserve in training exercises and leadership positions. He was a Naval Academy Blue Gold Officer and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Information Officer. He remained active in the Naval Reserves, retiring in 1991 as a Navy Captain after 28 years of service.
An avid outdoor enthusiast, Gary loved hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, snowmobiling and huckleberry picking (a family tradition). He often enjoyed these activities with his brothers, children and grand-children.
Gary and Pam spent their retirement winters in Lake Havasu City, AZ., where he golfed, they traveled and enjoyed the company of family and friends.
He leaves behind his wife of 52 years Pamela, daughter Michael Anne (Tim) Braun, Spokane, WA., son David Gary (Jill) Anderson, Bend, OR., son Scott Charles (Mike) Anderson, Seattle, WA., grandchildren Hannah, Quinten, Sarah, Joshua, sisters Ruth (Royce) Satterlee, Karen Villarreal, brothers Byron (Pauline) Anderson, John D. Anderson, sister-in-law Ruth Anderson and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday August 5, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Republic School, officiated by Donna Beal.
Gary was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary's memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at www.michaeljfox.org to donate in tribute or P.O. Box 5014 Hagerston, MD 21741-5014 or in memory to the Republic Cemetery.