Gary "Billy" HORAK

September 21, 1941 - September 28, 2025

Spokane - We are sad to announce the unexpected passing of Gary on September 28, 2025. He was born to Louis and Mildred Horak in Odessa, WA, on September 21, 1941. He was raised in Columbia Falls, MT. He moved to Spokane after high school and became a machinist. He worked as a machinist for over 35 years at Bitco, which then became Kaman Bearing. He married Brenda Eckhardt on January 18, 1964.

They were married nearly 58 years until her passing on January 4, 2022. Gary took excellent care of Brenda the last two years of her life.

To say Gary was a "car nut", would be an understatement. He had raced motorcycles and a sand dragster. He also had built many sand rail dune buggies. He loved to watch all motorsports, especially drag racing. He could fix almost anything and was never shy to step up to help anyone in need of assistance. Gary was a loving brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and cousin. He was a true "gem" and will be dearly missed by many family members and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Brenda; daughter, Connie; infant son, Bobby; sister, Helen; and brother, Jim. He is survived by his sister, Maxine (Fred); daughter, Barbara (Herb); and son, Brian (Shori). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tiffany, Hilarey, Grant, Peter and Lydia.

A celebration of life reception will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at noon, in the gym at Assumption Catholic School, located at 3618 W. Indian Trail Rd., Spokane. Lunch will be provided. Please bring your favorite memories of Gary to share.