Dr. Gary C. Frederick

After a brave battle with cancer, long-time Kittitas resident Gary Carlin Frederick, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, dedicated coach and friend, passed away at home surrounded by his family on January 25, 2024. Gary was born on July 16, 1937, to Henry (Hank) Frederick and Catherine Frederick in Raymond, Washington. Gary spent his childhood growing up in Raymond, WA, learning to swim in the sloughs, and playing as many sports as he could.

In 1951, Gary entered Raymond High School as a 4 ft. 11 in. freshman. During his time at Raymond High, he was a three-sport letterman; in football, basketball, and baseball.

After high school, Gary attended Central Washington College. As a Wildcat, he excelled in athletics, lettering on the football team for 3 years, earning 2nd team all-conference as a junior, and 1st team as a senior. It was during his freshman year that he met Carla Libby and they were married in the summer of 1957. They lived in Thorp, WA, while Gary was finishing his degree and Carla was teaching 3rd grade. After graduation he taught history and coached at Thorp, and their first son, Gary Brooke, was born.

In the summer of 1961, Gary was hired to teach high school and junior high history, and coach at Waitsburg High School, where he stayed for 3 years. It was at Waitsburg that Richard (Rick) and Robert (Rob) were born.

In 1964, Gary was hired by Central Kitsap High School as a history teacher and head football coach, and would later become the head baseball coach. He spent 4 years at CK, but would soon move on to his college alma mater.

During the summer of 1967, Gary was hired by Central Washington State College to be the head baseball coach, assistant football coach, and to teach in the P.E. department. Although he had many great teams, it was during his 1st year as baseball coach that he had one of his most successful seasons. The team placed 3rd at the NAIA tournament in Saint Joseph, MO. Gary would go on to coach the baseball team for 11 seasons, finishing with 234 wins, breaking a Central record. He would continue to assist in football for 17 seasons, even after he became the chair of the P.E. department in 1978.

About the time that he became the P.E. chair, he met and married, Barbara (Bobbi) Chilcutt Zirkle. They were married in 1979 and Gary embraced his second set of children, Anna and David Zirkle. After almost 30 years of marriage Bobbi passed away from ALS in 2008.

Not long after he was married to Bobbi, Gary was offered the opportunity to become the athletic director at Central and he was happy to serve at his alma mater in another capacity. During that time, he continued to coach, taking over the women's basketball team from 1983 to 1993. He amassed another 164 wins to add to his resume. In the 1987-88 season, he led CWU to a 31-5 overall record and it's only District 1 title. While under Gary's leadership CWU Men's Athletics were ranked in the top 8 in the NAIA for ten consecutive years 1983 to 1993, winning the All Sports Title in 1986-87.

After a short break from coaching while AD, he became the head women's softball coach in 1995. He led the Lady Wildcats for 16 years, winning another 320 regular season games. His most successful team was during his final season as head coach in 2010. They went 40-15, won the District title, and were within one win of reaching the National tournament. After giving up the head job in 2010, he continued to serve as the assistant coach for Mallory Holtman, who had been a player for him and later his assistant. He finally retired from Central in 2014.

During the time that he was assisting Mallory, Gary met Joye Simister on the dance floor. They were married in Cle Elum, in the fall of 2011. Gary's coaching career continued at Cle Elum High School, as assistant football coach for 2 years. He then coached two of Joye's granddaughters, Katelyn and Marissa, in basketball and softball. He was the head girls' basketball coach at Cle Elum for two years before finally retiring at the age of 83 in 2020.

Gary earned many honors. He received his Masters Degree in Physical Education from CWU in 1965; and his Doctoral Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Idaho in 1974. He was the District 1 Coach of the Year in baseball 3 times, twice District 1 Coach of the Year in basketball, and twice GNAC Coach of the Year in softball. In 1988-89, he was the NAIA National Administrator of the Year. Gary is in both the CWU and NAIA Halls of Fame. The softball field at Central is named after him and Bobbi. In 2011 the Washington State House of Representatives passed a resolution recognizing Gary for his 'exceptional accomplishments as a student-athlete, teacher, coach, and administrator at Central Washington University.'

Gary loved his family and cherished his time with them. His favorite activities included coaching sports, analyzing sports, and watching sports. No one knew the rules, the game within the game or the players better. In his later years he became a fantastic dancer and loved long road trips with Joye. He was greatly respected by his peers, his players and his community. He will be remembered for his integrity, the impact he made on others and the heart he shared with his family, players and friends. He truly loved each of them - and if you knew him, you knew it. He will be dearly missed.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Catherine Frederick; brothers Henry and Richard Frederick; wife Bobbi and son Richard Frederick. He is survived by his loving wife Joye, sons Brooke (Mary) Frederick, Robert (Andrew) Frederick; grandchildren Jamie, Cameron, Ashley, Brandt, Mary Margaret; great-grandson Quinton; step-children Anna, David, Brian, Tonya; 9 step-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests you make a donation in Gary's honor to the CWU Foundation--Gary Frederick Endowed Baseball Scholarship or the CWU Foundation--Gary Frederick Softball Scholarship (Central Washington University, University Advancement, 400 E University Way, Ellensburg WA 98926); or a charity of your choice.

Gary's celebration of life will be at 1pm on Sunday, March 10, 2024 in Nicholson Arena; located at 715 E Dean Nicholson Blvd. Ellensburg, WA. Everyone is welcome.