Gary Oster

1939 - 2022

Gary Allen Oster, 82, passed peacefully in his sleep at his son's house on Saturday March 26, 2022. As was his nature, he never complained or put himself first during an unflinching battle with aggressive pulmonary fibrosis. He never expected more than he gave, but this bar was very high, and we are all better for it. He suffered the discomfort and indignities of dying with the same "roll up your sleeves" approach he used during lifelong challenges that made him the rock that he was. He was a man devoted to his faith and was very comforted by the many friends that came to share in that faith. We are very thankful for the untiring assistance of Laura and Debbie of Providence Hospice, that made it possible to keep him with family until the end. Gary was born on Dec 16, 1939 to Harold and Bertha (Carlson) Oster in Monroe, WA. He attended Monroe High School (Class of 1958) and had fond memories of the gang that would help him win numerous trophies drag racing his motorcycle in the early '60s. Marriage, children, and financial responsibility in the mid 60's saw him trade the roar of the racetrack for climbing spurs, a razor sharp ax, and the drive to provide.

A lifelong logger, he learned from many Pacific Northwest woodsmen before eventually becoming logging superintendent for Miller Shingle, Co, where he forged lifelong friendships that were typical of an earlier era. Gary was contracted both domestically and internationally, once as far as New Zealand, for short periods to demonstrate tree harvesting methods for Washington machinery manufacturers. In 1994 Gary and his son incorporated Oster Logging, where he still loaded logs at 81 years of age. His word was gold, his course was steady, and his counsel calm. He will be missed every day.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 16, 2022, 10:00 AM at Purdy & Kerr Funeral Home, 409 W Main St, Monroe, WA 98272. Refreshments to follow. The service will also be available remotely.

December 16, 1939 - March 26, 2022