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BORN
1954
DIED
2012
GARY ECKERMANN Obituary
Gary was born in Bethesda, MD, August 1, 1954, to Weldon and Nelda Eckermann.
When he was just 16, he met the girl of his dreams, who later became his wife of 36 years, Portia Jean Woodside. In 1980, their first child, Talitha was born. Their son, Warren followed just two years later. He moved his family to Skagit Valley in 1989.
He loved spending time with his family, especially playing with his grandchildren. Gary was adventurous and thrived on outdoor excursions; riding motorcycles, hunting, solving mechanical challenges and helping friends fix vehicles. He felt a strong tie to Baja, loving the culture and its people. He lived life with passion and was always seeking a thrill. He was a friend to all, often taking time to chat with strangers or lend a helping hand to someone in need. His advice and spiritual wisdom touched the hearts of many. He was confident of his salvation in Jesus and looked forward to spending eternity with Him.
He is survived by his wife, Portia; children, Talitha and Kyle Ozechowski, and Warren and Jennifer Eckermann; grandchildren, Mia, Garrett, Owen and Claire; mother, Nelda Eckermann and many other relatives.
A Celebration of Life service will be held, Friday, January 13th at 7:00 pm at the Mount Vernon Christ the King Church at 2111 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon, WA with Pastor Rick Snodgrass officiating. A potluck dessert reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Mount Vernon Pregnancy Choices, the NRA or Rehema Ministries, Anacortes, WA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for GARY ECKERMANN
Charles Greene
January 21, 2012
I am so sorry to learn of Gary's passing. I met Gary through our mutual adoration of the Valkyrie motorcycle. I had the pleasure of turning a wrench with him a time or two at his home, and share a few miles with him. I also enjoyed the sharing of banter with him as we discussed technical aspects of the bike on various forums.
Portia, my condolences to you and your family at this time of loss. May God's Peace envelope you and carry you through. Godspeed my friend Gary.
Charles "Ratdog"
Dorothy Ogren
January 13, 2012
Portia: I was so sorry to hear about Gary. It has been so many years since I have seen your family, but remember the love, fellowship, and good times when you lived in Wenatchee. May Jesus give you peace and comfort through the sorrow.
Bill Austin
January 13, 2012
I've known Gary for a few years now. worked with him here at PTC and have ridden bikes with him as well. We even shared a few horse back riding stories too. I'll miss that "always positive no matter what the situation" attitude! I know his ride Home to our Father will be Gary's best adventure yet! God speed Gary!
Ray West
January 13, 2012
Very sorry to hear about Gary. I enjoyed working with him at Paccar and he was very knowledgeable in diesel mechanics, amongst many other things. He was the point man on many projects. He was very friendly, outgoing, and he will be missed. Sorry for your loss.
Jess Tolbirt
January 13, 2012
I never met Gary but in my dealings with him, he was a stand up guy.
My sincerest condolences to the family. They lost a great father and husband..
Brian Leggieri
January 13, 2012
I did not ever meet Gary in person, but he touched may lives. He inovatted products to improve Valkyrie motorcycle design and offered his products to the motorcycling community. Gary was always friendly in his dealings and he will be remembered and missed. Condolences to his family.
Joe Franett
January 12, 2012
I worked with Gary at Nordic Tugs in 2000 and 2001. In my point of view he was steadfast, smart, friendly and equally kind to all people. A great mentor and friend. He mentioned that he attended Christ the King Church. I never heard of it or had a church at the time. Then right after 9/11, I started going. 10 years later, I'm still there. I saw Gary, with his wife Portia, there just about every Sunday with that smile on his face, shaking hands and being a genuine pillar in our community. Thank you Gary for being a shining light, a great example and for sharing about things that really matter. You will be missed.
Noelle Parlier
January 11, 2012
Gary was a wonderful member of our PACCAR family. I will truly miss his beautiful spirit and appreciation for life. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Dale Scott
January 11, 2012
I went to Christ the King with Gary and his family; and I always appreciated Gary solid bold stance in sharing the love of Christ. May God Strengthen and comfort his wife, children and grandchildren. God Blessing to you, Dale E. Scott
Linda Broadgate
January 10, 2012
Gary's light will continue to shine brightly through his students and all who had the priviledge of working with him.
Dirk Balda
January 10, 2012
Colleague, Mentor, Friend - Gary, you are truely missed here at the Technical Center.
2 Timothy 4:7 - I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
John Horton
January 10, 2012
Gary was an acquaintence through the Valkyrie club and will be missed. Prayers are with the family at this time of sadness.
Kris Mills
January 9, 2012
Gary was a cherished friend, co-worker and mentor. He could always be counted on for a kind word, solid advice and a helping hand. I am most grateful for the lessons learned from his ALWAYS positive attitude! A fighter to the end. I know he's with the Lord and expecting to see each of us again in time. God Bless.
Paul Woods
January 9, 2012
Gary and family have always had a special place in my heart since meeting them in the mid '80's in Wenathcee. Our love and prayers continue to his wonderful wife and children.
Kris Mills
January 9, 2012
Gary was a cherished friend, co-worker and mentor. I could always count on him for a kind word, advice and a helping hand. I'm most grateful to have learned and benefitted from his ALWAYS positive outlook. I know he's with the Lord and excited about seeing each of us again! God bless,
Margret Mills
January 9, 2012
I worked with Gary at Skagit Valley College and found him to be an upstanding and kind man. I am sorry for your loss.
Bernie Andringa
January 9, 2012
I was Gary's partner at Skagit Valley College from 2003-2008. During that time, I grew to appreciate his work ethic and industry knowledge, as well as his sincere desire to assist students in any way he could. He was a great asset and an inspiration to everyone he came into contact with.
I'm glad to hear that he was confident of his salvation, and I look forward to seeing him again someday.
Martin Paietta
January 9, 2012
I worked with Gary and talked with him many times as we had the same interests. He was always up beat and you wouldn't have known he was sick. A great guy that I will miss.
Steve Woodrich
January 9, 2012
I was sorry to hear about Gary, he was a fine man, I had just purchased some of his motorcycle bushings he created and I was hired at Paccar at the same time frame as Gary. Gary alway had a smile and something nice to say, he will be missed.
Larry Dawson
January 8, 2012
I was sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I worked with him at Paccar. I always enjoyed seeing and talking to him, a nice man.
Mark Clauder
January 7, 2012
Although I never met Gary, I did communicate with him via email and through the VRCC forum. He was an honest man and took pride in his products. The world is a lesser place with his passing.
Chris Perez
January 7, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear. I worked with him for a short time at Paccar. He was a great guy.
January 7, 2012
so sorry what great person .. the vrcc family will really miss him. He has help many fellow riders here .. rest in peace gary .
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