Josh Fry

Josh Fry-a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother--died Feb. 20 after a lengthy illness. His passing was peaceful as he was surrounded by his loving family.

In addition to caring family members, Josh is mourned by countless friends who remember him for his good nature and sharp wit. His warm smile would brighten any room he walked into.

Daniel Joshua Fry was born March 14, 1954, into a prominent Salem family, whose roots in the city go back centuries. His parents were the late Daniel Joshua Fry and Peggy Gumbert Fry. Josh, as he was known through his life, attended South Salem High School and University of Oregon, majoring in business. Shortly after, he married the love of his life, Gina Fry. After working as a real estate broker for his father-in-law, Richard Grabenhorst, in Salem, the family moved to Vancouver in 1986. Josh worked as an appraiser for PGP where he eventually became a partner. He then went into business for himself and enjoyed a more leisurely lifestyle of fishing, hunting, Neskowin trips and his favorite new role as a grandpa to Carson and Kailey Oaks. He took such pride in being a fun, kind and involved figure in their lives.

His early years in Salem were spent roaming the hills of Candalaria in south Salem, with a bevy of neighborhood pals, and walking the beach at Neskowin, where the family has a cherished home. He also loved to hunt around the FMF duck lake out south. Throughout his life, Josh was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish and clam dig. His search for game took him to Canada, Montana, Alaska and all parts of Oregon, and his family enjoyed the success of his labors. He also loved to cook his game or catch and was known for his smoked salmon, among other delicacies.

His family was everything to him, and Josh was always there for them. He especially enjoyed his time as a coach for DJ's Little League teams, and loved watching Jenny and DJ play soccer, tennis and golf while growing up.

Josh's brother, Blake, remembers his big brother could be a terror as a kid, but he grew out of his mischievous phase and among friends and family he was known for his kindness, compassion and solid one liners.

Surviving are his wife, Gina Fry, children D.J. Fry and Jenny Oaks, son-in-law Kevin Oaks, grandchildren Carson and Kailey Oaks, brother Blake Fry and sister-in-law Lorna Fry. In addition to his parents, Josh was preceded in death by his brother, Curtis.

The family plans a celebration of life in his honor on Tuesday, March 14 at noon at the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver.