Gary Allen Gomez

1953 - 2010

Gary Allen Gomez, 56, passed away on Sunday, 06/20/2010 in Yakima, WA. He was born on 7/21/1953 in Newton, IA to Joe Charles Gomez and Betty Louise (Keith)
Gomez. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, adopted "Dad", "Grandfather" and friend. He graduated for Issaquah High School in 1971. He became medically disabled in August 2005, but never gave up trying to do things he was capable of doing and with a good attitude. A special man and friend with an outgoing personality, he never really met anyone he didn't have a smile for and was happy to meet.

The family would like to thank Gary's special guardian angel, Joe Cosgrove (Yakima) for always being available and able to lift his spirits, as well as ours, whenever he was called. Gary loved to ride horses, raccoon hunting in Iowa, working outside, camping, an avid fisherman, enjoyed square dancing, western dancing (taught in Ellensburg with Peggy Jo for 7 years), darts, and Karaoke. He was a musician and loved playing the guitar, mandolin, and banjo, singing and yodeling, and writing songs.
Member of the Blue Agate Square Dancers of Ellensburg, an 18 year member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) Ellensburg #2220, Joint Past Presidents Club
(JPPC) of #2220, a member and officer in District 2 FOE, Chairman for the WA
State Association of Past Presidents Club (2006-2007), served on the WA State Kidney Board for the FOE from 2002-2010, FOE WA State Cancer Chairman (1999-2000), FOE WA State Jimmy Durante Chairman (2000-2001), he found a large extended family in this organization and loved that they were "People Helping People". He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, the Redman's Club in IOWA, and a past member of the Loyal Order of Moose. He started the Double G Express and the Country Freedom Band playing "OLD" country music around the valley.

He worked in construction, janitorial, and farm jobs in Iowa and Washington. In
Ellensburg, he worked at the Kittitas Waste Station, Washington Beef, Ellensburg Tank, Flying J Construction, Northwest Painting, Ellensburg Security Patrol, Super One, and his last job was at Arby's, as Assistant Manager.

The family would like to acknowledge the special friends and traveling partners
Rose Jordan (adopted mom), Eileen Samuelson, John Ribblett, Mike and Bonnie Dunaway (Yakima), Clarence and Jackie Hall (Toppenish), Chuck and Carol Hunt (Yakima), Brad Cox, Juanita Osenbach, and Melinda and Rick Campbell.

Survivors include his loving wife of 25 years, Peggy Jo (Paxton), his children and grandchildren: Nancy (Perry) Cope, Kittitas (Colton, James, Andrew K), Jeremy
Gomez, Karen Gomez, Ellensburg (E1izabeth - expecting a girl in September), Rose
Conklin (Child due in 2011), Ellensburg, Rhonda Garnett, (Madison), Lake Stevens,
Shelby (Noel A) Deranged, (Malachi, Phoenix), Lacey, Thomas (Ellen) Gomez, (Sebastian) Cle Elum, and Amanda Gomez, Ellensburg. His sister, Linda Gomez and her children Carla (Joe) Trogen, Douglas (Jessica) Loupee, and Jesse Gomez. The first love of Shauna (Coles) Gomez, mother of Nancy, Jeremy, and Thomas. John and Denise Winn (Pop and Mom), aunts, uncles and cousins in IOWA. Numerous "adopted" kids and grandkids.

Preceded in death by his parents and two older brothers, Michael Joe and
Kenneth Lee, of Iowa. His "adopted" dad and best friend, Neil Jordan, Ellensburg.
Gary's final resting place will be in Iowa with his parents.

A celebration of life and memorial will be held at Ellensburg F.O.E. #2220, 701
S Main, Ellensburg, Sunday, July 11 at 1:00 p.m., a potluck dinner will follow. In lieu
of flowers or plants, donations may be made at the Lodge (FOE #2220) for Kidney or
Heart Charity in Gary's name.

Arrangements by Affordable Care in Ellensburg.