Gary Lee Findling

1946 - 2024

Gary Lee Findling MAY 15, 1946 - JUNE 27, 2024

ONTARIO

Gary Lee Findling passed away peacefully on June 27th in Boise, Idaho after fighting a long battle with a rare form of Cancer. Gary was born May 15th, 1946 to Cecil Findling and Lurane (Koehler) Findling in Marshalltown, Iowa. When Gary was 3 the family moved to Nyssa, Oregon and eventually settled in Ontario where Gary attended Conklin Elementary, Ontario Middle School and graduated from Ontario High School in 1964.

In 1966 Gary joined the Oregon National Guard and completed Basic and Advanced Infantry Training. Soon after his return, he met and married Kathy Bost. They had two children; Brian and Darin. Gary and Kathy worked hard and loved to spend time outdoors with their boys. In 1977 the family suffered a traumatic loss when their oldest son Brian died of Lymphoma. This put a significant strain on the marriage and they later divorced.

In 1980 Gary married Maryann Webster. They had 3 children; J.C., Dustin and Cassie. The family built a home on the Oregon Slope and enjoyed raising several animals to include cats, dogs and Gary's beloved cows. They later divorced. Gary was married again in 2001 and later divorced.

Gary spent most of his career as a freight pickup and delivery driver. First with Silverwheels Freight Lines, then Viking Freight System until it was purchased by Fed Ex Freight where he spent the remainder of his career. In 2013, he retired with over 43 years in the industry. Over the years, Gary won 9 State truck driving championships and one National award for his talent and skill as a driver. Gary was proud to say he "never had an accident while working" and was awarded "Driver of the Year" several times. For years, Gary delivered freight across the valley. Always smiling and willing to help others, he never knew a stranger.

After several years single, Gary met his current wife Evelyn. In 2016 they were married and have enjoyed spending retirement together. They loved travel, camping, fishing, entertaining on their boat, playing cards and having fun with friends and family. Sadly, they separated shortly before his death.

From early on, Gary loved cars. He owned several classics when he was young. As his family grew, he traded his hot rod for a sensible vehicle and built himself a fishing boat. Gary loved to fish and spend time outdoors. He enjoyed going to the Oregon Coast and made many trips with family and friends over the years. Gary has maintained close friendships with several of his high school buddies. Together they've had many adventures including a trip taken every summer and this year was no exception!

Gary is survived by his children; Darin Findling of McDonough, GA; Jeff (JC) Findling of Nampa; Dustin Findling of Ontario; Cassie Findling of Boise: 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, his half siblings; Julie Judson of Boise, Julie (Findling) Thorstad of Baker City, Karl Findling of Bend and his best buddies, Mike Poole, Bob Smith, Dennis Cindell and Gary Griffin.

Gary was preceded in death by his son, Brian; dad, Cecil; mom, Lurane and good friend, Greg Beck.

To remember Gary, he requests that you give flowers to someone you love and tell them that you love them! Gary would like you to know that over the past year he learned an important lesson; possessions don't matter. The only thing that matters is love. That being said, he will sure miss his fishing boat.

Graveside service for friends and family on Jul 20, Evergreen Cemetery, Ontario Oregon at 10am. A celebration of life will immediately follow the funeral at the Ontario Train Depot, 300 Depot Lane, Ontario Oregon, estimated to start around 11:30.