Gary A Jenkin

Gary A Jenkin obituary, Okanogan, WA

Gary A Jenkin

Gary Jenkin Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by River Valley Funeral & Cremation on Oct. 14, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

It is with great sadness and love that we announce the passing of Gary Allan Jenkin, who went to be with our Lord on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
Gary was born May 1, 1940 the second child of Dr. George W. Jenkin and Mrs. Hazel (Gray) Jenkin. From the time he entered this world until he was called home to heaven, he touched the lives of countless people, with his caring nature and eternal positivity. He will be remembered for his unwavering love, loyalty, warmth and generosity that he showed to so many during his lifetime.
Gary spent his entire childhood in Omak, enjoying a small town life of playing outside, waterskiing, hunting, fishing, and square dancing. While in school, he participated in numerous activities, including tennis, football, choir, and band. He graduated from Omak High School as salutatorian of his class in 1958, and proceeded to attend the University of Washington where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy.
On November 13, 1966, he married the love of his life, Dolores Rench. Gary and Dolores were blessed with two very lucky children, Eric Jenkin (May 31, 1968) and Nevada Jenkin (April 21, 1970). Gary enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family, hunting, fishing, crabbing, and boating. After their children graduated high school, he and Dolores began dancing as they had in their youth, and even taught square dance and round dance to people throughout Okanogan County. He always enjoyed music, playing the piano and clarinet, and even taught himself to call square dances.
In the early years of his professional life, he worked as a pharmacist in Tacoma, and then Renton. When the opportunity arose, he moved back to Eastern Washington, where he lived and worked in Cheney, Moses Lake, Ephrata, and finally Brewster, when he purchased Columbia Drug. After closing his business in 1989, he worked at Brewster Drug, and then Safeway Pharmacy in Chelan until he retired in 2002.
Upon retirement, he and Dolores sold their home, bought an RV, and went on the road full time. They travelled all over the US, from Alaska to Maine, and up into the Maritime Provinces in Canada. They even took an RV caravan through Australia and New Zealand. When they decided they needed a home base again in 2012 they settled in Coulee Dam, then eventually made it full circle back to Omak in 2023.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, George Jenkin and Hazel Jenkin (Taylor), his sister Shirley Jenkin, and his wife Dolores Jenkin.
He is survived by his children Eric (Stacey) Jenkin and Nevada (Warner) Whybark, grandchildren Ryan (Katy) Jenkin, Kyley Jenkin, and Brianna Whybark and his great-grandchildren Kein Jenkin and Kinslee Jenkin.
Funeral services will be held at River Valley Funeral Home in Okanogan on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 11 am, with a brief interment at the cemetery after. Following the service, there will be a reception sharing food and memories at the Masonic Lodge, 234 Tyee Street, Okanogan, WA. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the MS society, or the charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

River Valley Funeral & Cremation

2547 Elmway, Okanogan, WA 98840

Make a Donation
in Gary Jenkin's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

How to support Gary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Gary Jenkin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Gary Jenkin's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?