Gary Frederic Gonter's Obituary
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 Puyallup Valley. He graduated Orting High School in 1955. Gary attended the University of Puget Sound and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. It was at UPS where he met his future wife, Midge Mickelson. While at UPS, Gary worked at Hooker Chemical Plant in Tacoma. In 1959, he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry and biology. After graduation, Gary taught chemistry at Charles Wright Academy, on weekends he performed as a professional musician. Gary played in multiple dance bands. His band, the Starlighters, often played at the Officers Club. Gary was a talented musician, playing piano, saxophone and guitar. Gary and Midge married in 1962 and settled in Lakewood, making their home on American Lake.
In 1965, Gary and Midge left their teaching careers to open their first retail music store, Bandstand Music. Five years later they opened Gonter's Music City, selling pianos, organs and renting band instruments. This larger store, in the heart of Lakewood, was also a teaching facility, where guitar and keyboard lessons were given and recitals were held. Gary and Midge worked side by side, along with Gary's brothers and sister, to expand their business and store locations within Lakewood but also beyond Pierce County.
Gary served on the Western Washington - Puyallup Fair Board of Directors from 1985 to 2015. He was Fair president in 1994, 2004 & 2014. Gary was involved in Grandstand Entertainment for years, from producing sound and shows to booking concerts and acts as the Entertainment Director. He knew the music industry from talent, ticket prices, venues to show production. Gary created the Rodeo Wrangler Program at the Fair, bringing Rodeo back to the Grandstand Arena. This included, in 2001, reviving the Rodeo Parade and Cattle drive held in downtown Puyallup that continues to kick off Rodeo Weekend at the Fair. Gary enjoyed traveling around to observe other fairs and rodeos. He had a knack for knowing how to make a fair successful regarding entertainment and rodeo. Gary loved "Doing the Puyallup" with his family and friends. The Fair was a special time of year.
Hobbies included golfing, boating, gardening, planting flowers, music, playing his instruments, entertaining, and spending time with family and friends. While living on American Lake, Gary enjoyed various types of boating. He was in a "boating club" with friends and was a member of the Tacoma Yacht Club. Gary enjoyed downhill skiing and family ski trips He served on PLU’s Board of Colleagues, and was a member of Tacoma Country & Golf Club. Gary was a true "Renaissance Man" of many talents, abilities, and knowledge.
Gary, affectionately known as "Papa" to his family, loved and adored his 7 grandchildren.
Gary is survived by his family: Daughter and son in law, Lisette and Mike Welk; his sons and their wives: Aaron and Maren Gonter and Laird and Andrea Gonter. His cherished grandchildren; Jake, Natalie and Drew Welk, Wes and Vivian Gonter, Grant and Chloe Gonter; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins. Gary is also survived by sister in law Hazelle Gonter, and sister in law - brother in law Nola and Clyde Sparks. Gary was also blessed to have many special friends in his life. Gary was preceded in death by beloved wife Midge, his parents and his 5 siblings.
A Celebration of Life for Gary will be on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 3:00 PM, at The Landmark Convention Center, 47 St. Helens Ave. Tacoma. Family and friends kindly invited.
Remembrances may be made in Gary's name to the Washington State Fair Scholarship Foundation, 110 9th Ave. SW Puyallup, WA 98071
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