Birth date: Sep 18, 1937 Death date: Mar 27, 2017
Gary F. Gonter, 79, of Lakewood, unexpectedly passed away on March 27, 2017. Gary was born in Tacoma on September 18,1937 to Bernhardt and Nellie Gonter. Gary, the youngest of 6 kids, was raised on a hop farm near Orting in the Pu Read Obituary
Just received "arches: the UPS magazine and was saddened to read of the passing of Gary. Life has meaning because of the experiences we share. My life was enriched by the many experiences I shared with Gary. So many good memories. My condolences to you all.
Rick Rose
Steve and I are so sorry for your family's loss of Gary. We have long admired his energy and enthusiasm for his passions, and will always think of him inviting us to fair activities. And his love for music even inspired him to put together a swing band for my parents 50th wedding anniversary. And we always experienced his love for his great kids and grand kids. Steve has some slightly daring memories of some boat trips, especially the Marauder that invaded the San Juans. A gifted man, who lived life to the fullest. We pray your memories of his humor and free spirit will carry you all through your sadness during these coming days. Lovingly, Sandy and Steve Anderson
Gary and I have been friends for some years now. Originally meeting him through the wranglers at the WSF. He has become a close friend of ours and like family to us. We've spent many a night spinning tales well into the evening. Gary was full of life and truly a magical friend. The life of the party that man was and the story's he told and often became part of at the party will live on forever. Our hearts and minds will never be short of a good Gary story. He is truly missed already. I hope he has found rest and peace in the after life. I'll never be able to drink a glass of whiskey again without thinking of him and toasting to his life. Such a sad loss for the world. May his family find solace in the fact he is reunited with Midge and may his friends and companions find solace in the truly remarkable life he lived and how he deeply touched each of us.
GONTER FAMILY- We are sad to lose our great friend Gary last month. He truly was the "renaissance" man in his music business, as well as heading the Wash. State Fair in Puyallup, and many other worthy projects that he started. Our friendship goes back to high school days growing up together in Orting, WA, a bit at UPS (CPS), then around Tacoma & Lakewood plus many trips together and other special events. Connie and I will greatly miss the Sunday dinners at our house, the Fair Shows, and Husky Football games especially in Arizona. We are glad to know that Gary is now back with his lovely wife Midge again, and is probably playing in the BAND up there, "Ghost Riders in the SKY!" He had a great mind plus wonderful talents, and will be sorely missed- ROB & CONNIE WEKELL
My deepest condolences and prayers go out to Gary's family, especially his three kids, Lisette, Aaron and Laird, and his wonderful grand-kids: Jake; Natalie; Drew; Wes; Viv; Grant and Chole.
Gary and I were close friends for 10 years. I experienced a lot of new things for the first time because of him. The one thing that bonded us was Jazz. We had a mutual love and passion for music, so much so, we went to a lot of concerts and Jazz festivals together. He loved a great garden and the last thing he did for me before passing away was plant a garden of vegetables and flowers (chives, onions, garlic, primroses, sunflowers and tulips). I miss him deeply and his absence in my life has left the deepest hole. He had a great sense of humor and his knowledge of the entertainment industry was vast. when my garden starts to bloom, it will be a constant reminder of my best friend and companion for a decade.
With humble thanks for the amazing friendship we shared, I remain...
Yours truly,
Ruth
