Gary Oliver Weythman

Gary Oliver Weythman, age 78, a 30-year resident of Valley, WA passed away on August 25, 2021 in Spokane, WA. Gary was born on March 27, 1943 in Washington D.C., the son of Vernet and Betty Viola (Roundtree) Weythman.

Gary was raised in the Wenatchee Valley of Washington State where he attended both grade school and high school. His life long passion for fresh fruit began during his time in the Apple capital of the country. Following his high school graduation in 1960, Gary attended Washington State University where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. While there he met his wife Geraldine (Blomgren), and they were married June 4, 1966. After they were married, Gary and Gerri moved to Laos in Southeast Asia as part of the International Voluntary Services. While in Laos, Gary designed irrigation and water systems for 2 years. He and Gerri returned to the States in 1968 and bought a farm near Baker City, OR,
where their daughter Joanne was born that same year. Gary worked with the Soil Conservation Service as his day job and pursued his dream of being a farmer in his 'spare' time. During this time, three sons (Grant, Kirby & Thane) and one more daughter (Peggy) were added to the family.

In the early 1980's, Gary & Gerri felt the call to the mission field in Papua New Guinea and the entire family moved there in 1984. Over the next 6 years, Gary & Gerri worked as support missionaries, building airstrips and housing for Bible translator families as part of Pioneer Bible Translators. This time of service had a profound effect on each of their children who have continued in various aspects of community service in their own life journeys.

Upon their return to the US in 1991, Gary and Gerri sold the farm in Baker and purchased the old Edward's place on Betteridge Road in Valley, WA. Gary could again pursue his dream of farming. In his later days, he loved growing unique plants like figs, ground cherries, lemon trees and a variety of berries. Gary spent the rest of his days on the farm in Valley, and to his last breath was still farming, even if remotely from his hospital bed. Many grandchildren have created lasting memories while growing up on the farm in Valley and Gary loved holding his grandbabies on his lap and teaching them about farming as they grew older.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and their oldest son Grant.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gerri Weythman, 4 children, Kirby Weythman (Katie) of Valley, WA, Thane Weythman (Aurora) of Aniak, AK, Peggy Doyle of Spokane, WA, Joanne Butler (Brian) of the Tri-Cities, 14 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Jim Weythman (Mary Jane), of Redbank, NJ, Kris Weythman of Wenatchee, WA; a sister, Roxanne O'Hare of Gold Bar, WA and many extended family and friends.

The funeral service for Mr. Gary Oliver Weythman will begin at 11am, Thursday, September 2, 2021 at the Grace Evangelical Free Church in Chewelah, WA, with Pastor Jim Meyers officiating. Meal to follow immediately after service at the church. The graveyard service will take place at 2pm at the Forest Center Cemetery located at 3683 Long Prairie Road, Valley, WA. Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of your choice. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.