Gary Lee Clark

Gary "Bunyan" Lee Clark (85), a longtime resident of the St. Maries area, passed away on March 4, 2026, in Lewiston, Idaho.

Gary was born on November 22, 1940, in Clarkston, Washington to Holmer and Elsie Clark. At the age of 18 he left school and began driving logging truck, a line of work that suited his strong work ethic and love for the outdoors. Not long after, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving four years in the Reserves where he spent time in the desert building trucks.

In 1959, Gary married Diane Morris, and the couple made their home in the Lewiston Orchards. Though that marriage later ended in divorce, Gary continued working wherever the logging jobs took him. He later married Joyce Edwards in Lewiston, and they moved to St. Maries. That marriage also ended, but as Gary would later say, the third time was the charm when he met and married the love of his life, Joann. Together they made their home in St. Maries and later in Emida, Idaho.

Gary worked hard throughout his life in several industries. He spent time working for Willett Brothers where he quite literally ran the leather off his work boots. He also drove long haul truck and worked for Jack Buell Trucking, Punk Michael Trucking and Bob Short Logging to name a few. Bunyan had numerous driving jobs behind the glass window of an 18 wheeler.

In his younger years, Gary and his brothers, along with a group of friends, raced stock cars. Gary preferred working behind the scenes as a mechanic in the pit crew, something he truly enjoyed. The outdoors always called to him. He loved camping, floating the river, riding horses, and later riding four-wheelers and his beloved side-by-side, which has since been passed down through his family. Horses were a special passion for Gary, and he made sure his children shared that love. Many treasured memories were made riding in the mountains with family and friends. As the years caught up with him, Gary eventually traded in his horses for the keys to his four-wheeler, and eventually to the first side-by-side in the group.

"Bunyan," as many knew him, was famous for wearing a white T-shirt and jeans-always. If someone ever spotted him wearing a flannel, they knew it was time to bundle up because cold weather was on the way. Though he was a big man in stature, Gary was truly a gentle giant-quiet by nature, but someone who loved his family deeply.

Gary is survived by his children: Terri (Robert "Buck") Boxleitner of Lewiston, Idaho; Heidi (John) Graham of Lewiston, Idaho; Dan (Brenda) Clark of Florida; Keven Clark of Newport, Washington; and Ty (Mel) Clark of Denver, Colorado. He is also survived by his "four sassy girls" blessed to him by JoAnn: LouAnn Cummings of Rathdrum, Idaho; Donna (Erik) Cummings of Emida, Idaho; Margie (Kevin) Goebel of Brainerd, Minnesota; and Linda Wilkinson of Selah, Washington.

He is further survived by his siblings: Terry "Butch" (Sharon) Clark of Colville, Washington; Tanna (Monty) Abbott of Clarkston, Washington; Jerry "Buzz" Clark of Benton City, Washington; "Smokey Joe" Craig Clark of Clarkston, Washington; Mark (Susann) Clark of Lewiston, ID; and Larry (Noell) Clark of Virginia; along with 32 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Joann; his brother Rodney Clark, sister Judy and her husband Glen and his daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Mike Glover.

A viewing will take place at 10:00 a.m. on March 22, 2026, at Hodge Funeral Home in St. Maries. Gary will be laid to rest beside the love of his life, Joann, at 11:30 a.m. at the Emida Cemetery. A gathering to celebrate his life will follow at the Emida Community Center.