Gary Eilers Obituary

King Cove resident Gary K. Eilers, 68, died April 16, 2009, in Spokane, Wash. He was born April 30, 1940, to Bernice and Ray Eilers in Milwaukee, Wis. When he was 5 years old, he and his mother moved to Ketchikan, where they lived through his teenage years. Gary worked as a fisherman on the Rio Grande with local skipper Spike Murphy. He then decided to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1959. Gary served until the end of 1960 and returned to Alaska to continue his career with police work in the City of Wrangell and honorably worked his way through the ranks, accepting his first chief of police position for the City of Palmer in 1971. He also worked in other cities including Sitka, Seward, Bethel and Klawock. After more than 30 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2005 from his most beloved City of King Cove. Family wrote: "Gary will be remembered for many reasons, but mostly for his kind heart, passionate eyes, and his cowboy way. "My heroes have always been cowboys; we will miss Chief always. " 'The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.' Psalms 29:9." He is survived by his daughter, Erica and her three daughters, Hanna, Morgan and Lexy; and his son, Lance and his two sons, Colton and Carter.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Jun. 28 to Jun. 30, 2009.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Eilers

Sponsored by Javier Santos.

Not sure what to say?





I am so sorry for your loss.This is truly a difficult time for Eilers family.But our comfort can come from Almighty God's loving kindness .May the family be strengthen by the love God shows to all.--Psalms 117:2
Rigoberto

February 9, 2018

My Dad, Papa, Jack Powell and I have been friends with Chief for years....my Dad, for far longer. They spent many years working and sharing a special bond of friendship together. Papa passed away February 20th, 2003 in Yakatat, AK while on duty for the PD there. Gary and I were the last two to talk with him before He passed away. (Other than the Emergency personel). Gary and I kept in contact regularly for several years. He was an amazing man, Officer and Friend! I'm quite certain that He and my Dad are keeping Heaven hopping!!!
I didn't know this site was here until now, so I wanted to share. Much love to Gary's Family, Departments and many Friends!

Cindi Harris

August 6, 2017

I was a Sgt with Sitka PD when Gary returned there and joined the department. That Gary was a man of honesty, integrity and that truly cared for people were all absolutely bed rock solid in Gary's personality. When he arrived in town, My friend, another Sitka Officer named Eric Olson who had known Gary some years prior let me know that Gary was for awhile plainly strapped for cash. So, having been as poor as one gets while growing up and with the three of us knowing hard times before, it was not a matter to talk about to get him able to handle things until paydays rolled by.
Gary, I learned was deeply affected by the helping hearts of his two buddies. As time passed, it became obvious that this soft spoken, courageous and good man was used to giving a helping hand or putting some money into a hand that was in real need.

So, when he asked how to pay, we agreed he would just keep the circle going by using the money being discussed to help another officer or fire- fighter in serious need. if not one of them, then anyone in need was fine.

Little did I know but soon understood that Gary's life was a history of helping others out, whether with just some talks, or anything between but including financial help with what he had.

I moved to Anchorage, and not much later found Gary had joined Seward PD. We visited a number of times and at last he lwarned that Palmer PD needed an officer of ability, experience both as a cop and as a administrator. Not long thereafter, Gary became Chief of Police, and a very good and well respected Chief as well.

He had surgery at one point and rather than pay the exorbidant fees of the hospital, I asked him to stay at my place. In the time he was at my home, I saw a Gary I didn't know. He simply hated being confined to bedrest and especially not being able to get around and talking with the good people of Palmer. But, at last his physician allowed him off of bedrest and Gary headed for Palmer without a moment's delay !

As time, job demands and life passes, sometimes people who truly care for one another and just as in Sitka Gary and I had special friends but time did draw our duties and needs to distant work areas, so we began seeing one another only rarely. I was badly injured on the job and was retired and not long before retirement, Gary and I met and had a really good talk. That was in, 1979, I think and just after that my wife abd I moved to the Seattle area.
I never saw this fine man, who lived with a code that seems to have been molded by the same design as that of a cowboy. Treat folks fairly,
Give them respect,
be extra polite to ladies and to young kids,
I f you have work to do, go do it, and do it till it's done roght and all done.
I f you take a stand, then don't move from it. Keep your head up,
But, don't swagger and don't forget you're just a man who happens to believe in helping others,
A man who defends people because it's the right thing to do,
Don't back up from doing what should be done.

To me,that was Gary Eilers. I never saw him again after that last talk and though much has happened to include many surgeries, strokes, prosthetic devices and so on, I know that I missed the kinship I had enjoyed with this very fine.
So, I conclude with telling all the highest compliments I can give a man.

Gary Eilers was, in my mind and heart a superb friend a fine man and a true gentleman.

Gary Eilers was also truly, " A Good Cop."

Patrick Partridge

September 20, 2011

Gary was my uncle, I stayed with him when he was police chief in palmer, and also worked with him when we worked for safeway steel in seattle.
Gary was humble, kind and generous.
he wore his heart on his sleeve.
a good man. he will be missed.

Kurt Eilers, jr

August 22, 2011

If you know someone who knows Chief E send this too them.

Thanks.

Javier Santos

August 3, 2009

Me and my family knew Gary. We met him in April 95 in King Cove. He became like a dad to me and loved him so much. My husband worked for him as a patrol man in King Cove. We then moved up to Bethel with him and my husband became a LT. up there. We were there for that school shooting and not long after that Gary moved back to King Cove and offered a job back down there to my husband. So we then moved back down there. My husband was a Sgt. in King Cove and worked along side Gary. When he moved south we missed him but my husband kept in touch with him. He then came to Prince of Wales Island and I was so happy to see him. I will never ever forget him he is in our hearts and memories. I'm so sorry for your loss to the family. But I feel what your feeling. We knew him for 14 years. He was a dad to us and a granddad to our boys. We love and miss you Gary.

The Ely Family

Deb Ely

July 11, 2009

The community of King Cove has very fond memories of Gary. The Chief helped our family and others during some tough times, and he was a great friend. He will not be forgotten. Bless his soul, as he blessed our lives.

Ernest Weiss

July 4, 2009

Thanks.

Mark Harreus

June 29, 2009

I had the honor of working for Chief Eilers in King Cove. He was an exceptional man whom I looked up to and respected not only as a boss, but as a friend. God Bless you Chief.

June 29, 2009

I'm from Unalakleet. Chief worked there for a short period of time, but I looked up to him, and felt like I knew him for a long time. I miss you everyday Chief. We'll meet again.

Garrett Cooper

June 29, 2009

I'm from King Cove and wanted you to know that Gary was the best we loved him here and each time he came back we were happy he was back I thought of him often and will always remember him. He was an exceptional kind Police Officer and held alot of respect here in this community.

June 29, 2009

The absolute best chief of police an officer could ever work for. What a great human being. Such a kind hearted man. God bless you Gary. RIP. Myron Kline

Myron Kline

June 28, 2009

Gary had a heart that bore compassion and love for his fellow man. I only knew him for a short time, 13 years, but during that time he was a special friend that was willing to help at the drop of a hat. He also had a great sense of humor and was willing to mentor and guide when needed. Gary, my wife Sherri and I will never forget you.

Gary, rest in peace, you have taken your last call and are now with the angels. Your tour is complete. May your soul rest in peace.

Mark & Sherri Lapinskas

June 28, 2009

'To know him is to love him'...our song in 1957. My heart is weeping. Rest in peace Gary.

June 28, 2009

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

Make a Donation
in Gary Eilers's name

Memorial Events
for Gary Eilers

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Gary's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Gary Eilers's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more