Gary Gornick

1941 - 2025

Gary Gornick, 84

Gary Gene Gornick

February 19, 1941 – August 15, 2025



Gary Gene Gornick was born in Livingston, Montana, to William and G. LaVelle Gornick on February 19, 1941. The family relocated to Priest River when Gary was 3 years old. Soon after that they moved to Edgemere in the Hoodoo Valley where he grew up. Gary was the oldest of four children.

Gary was a normal farm kid, participating in the household chores, 4-H, and FFA. After his dad had a prolonged illness and surgery during Gary's junior year of high school, Gary took on responsibilities for running the farm. Due to his school absences, Gary was in danger of not being able to graduate. But in 1961, Gary graduated from Sandpoint High School.

Gary married Alice Flora Bauer on July 11, 1964. Together they had 3 children: Candy, Cary "the favorite Son," and Cindy.

Always the entrepreneur, Gary had several businesses centered around the construction trade.

He served on the Bonner County School Board as Chairman for two terms. One of his favorite memories when he held this position was being able to hand his youngest sister, Debbie, her high-school diploma at graduation.

In the early 80's Gary moved to Seattle to work on several large residential construction projects. Although he did not like being away from his family, he always tried to do what was best for them. He called home to talk to Alice and each of the kids individually every night and made the long trip home every weekend to be with his family.

His accomplishments in Seattle led him to an opportunity to move to California. In 1985, Gary, Alice, and Cindy moved to the Bay Area of California. Gary eventually started his own construction company, Level Construction, building custom homes in the California hills.

In 2009 Gary was faced with another challenge, his wife of 46 years, Alice, was diagnosed with Leukemia. When Alice passed away, Gary lost his wife and his business partner.

Gary married Evelyn Ann Howard, on February 6, 2013, and together they moved to North Idaho in 2015. Gary was fortunate to be able to spend the last 10 years on the ranch he grew up on in Edgemere.

Gary, who was a disciple of Jesus Christ, found himself leading the Bible study group. His research was extensive, and he looked forward to sharing what he knew or had learned with his friends.

Three things that anyone who knew Gary would know, he loved the Lord, he would do anything he could for his family, and he loved to tease. His teasing and ribbing will be remembered fondly. And when the joke was on him, he would be the first to laugh.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Alice, and sister LaFaye Gornick. He is survived by his sisters, Marilea Boncz, Debra (Kim) Alexander; his children, Candy (Paul) Trygstad, Cary (Jennifer) Gornick, and Cindy (Harry) Parker, 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be August 30th, 11 AM, at Spirit Lake Baptist Church, 32129 3rd Ave, Spirit Lake, ID 83869.