Gary Lowell Thomas a lifelong resident of Colville, WA passed away suddenly on Nov. 10, 2023 in Colville due to cardiac event.  Gary was born on August 1, 1948, in Yakima, WA, the only child of James "Curley" and Margaret Johanne (Briskey) Thomas.

Soon after his birth, the family moved to Colville, where Gary's parents both began working at the newly built Mt. Carmel Hospital.  Gary attended school in Colville and graduated as a 12-year senior from Colville High School in 1966 – Go Indians!  He enjoyed keeping in touch with many classmates over the years.  On June 14, 1970, Gary married Janet Nichols in Republic, WA.  Together they made their home in Colville and have been members of the community for over 53 years.  Over the years, Gary worked in many different places, in and around Colville.  He found his niche in commercial construction and would be away from home for several weeks at a time.  He was good at what he did and had great attention to detail.  Gary's accuracy of measurement and blueprint layout earned him the nickname "Right-On."  He loved the crews he worked with as though they were his own family.  Soon after retirement, Gary found himself surrounded with 10 grandchildren followed then by 4 great-grandchildren.  They were his pride and joy.  He would often shake a grandchild's hand on their birthday and slip them a little extra cash with a whisper, 'Now don't tell your grandma about that."  They never did.

Gary had a love for the outdoors.  Fishing and hunting were his favorite "manly" pastimes.  For many years, he would go with good friends on annual elk and deer hunts and fishing trips.  He had a love for, and a keen understanding of: guns, cars, fishing rods, coaching softball, tools, baseball, trading cards, metal detecting, and football… then God laughed and blessed him with two daughters.  Luckily for him, his girls had a love for many of the same things, and tolerated the other interests, if it meant they got to spend time with their dad.  His two daughters, Shiela and Lindsay, will each tell you they were his favorite, and they are both right.

Gary loved his family fiercely.  He was a quiet presence that gave everyone a sense of peace, safety and security. He is survived by his wife, Janet Thomas, at the home; two daughters, Shiela Lee (Brandon) of Clayton, WA, Lindsay Thomas of Colville, WA; 10 grandchildren, Jason, Madilyn, Jacob, Megan, Jared, Malorie, Melanie, Joseph, Meredith and Kinley Joy; 4 great-great grandchildren, Benjamin, Blake, Bodie and Addy; several nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and friends.

A memorial service for Gary Lowell Thomas will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 25, 2023 at the Ag-Trade Center in Colville.  Gary will be laid to rest at the Mountain View Park Cemetery in Colville, WA with his parents.  Memorial contributions may be given to the Colville Food Bank in memory of Snow Plow Gary.  Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.  Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.