Gary Gehling

Sunday July 21st, Gary Gehling passed away at home under the branches of a cherished cedar tree that he had chosen. His family was at his side for his peaceful transition.
On November 30th 1958 in Detroit Michigan, George and Gloria Gehling welcomed their third son, Gary, into this world. Gary spent his childhood in Detroit until at the age of 18 a yearning for wild places and a sense of adventure brought him to Washington state, a place he loved for its mountains and trees, rivers and ocean.
His early years in Washington were spent exploring the Olympic and Cascade mountains and rivers and cultivating relationships that would last his lifetime. He worked a variety of jobs before beginning work at Great Western Sawmill in Everson. And it was there that he was inspired to teach himself how to build a home for himself and his young family. That little cedar home was soon followed by a succession of similar homes, each recognizable for its rough sawn cedar siding, efficient design and built on a plot of land with trees left to stand and grow. Later Gary refined his woodworking skills, establishing Slide Mountain Millworks, his cabinetry and woodworking business.
Gary was known for his generous spirit and gave himself freely to his family, friends, and his community. He had an immense curiosity for the world around him and beyond. And his unique ability to teach and share his skills with others enabled him to motivate people to do things they didn't think they could. Besides the mountains and trees, his family, friends, and community, he loved music and had a special bond with the guys in his music circle. And not to be forgotten were his Jack Russell mixes that have been affectionately dubbed "Gehling Jacks".
Though Gary had serious health challenges the last couple of years he continued to refer to himself as a lucky man. Lucky to have been able to have lived his life on his own terms with the family and friends he cherished in a place of mountain splendor.
Gary is survived by his wife Ellen, his father George, siblings Greg, Geoff, Jan, and Dan, his daughter Sarah, son Les, grandchildren Jessiah, Mason, Berlyn, Bodhi, and Jaxson, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A celebration of his life will be held in his honor on Saturday, August 17th from 4 - 7pm at his home in Maple Falls.
Memorials may be made to Whatcom Land Trust, Whatcom Hospice, or End of Life Washington.