Gary Wayne York

Gary Wayne York, 71, passed away at home on Friday, January 23, 2026, with his loving family and dog by his side, and a picture-frame view of his smokehouse, the American flag, and Mt. Baker.

Gary was born March 9, 1954, in Bellingham, WA, to parents Fern Frey (Francisco) and Virgil York. His father's work took the family to Oak Grove, OR, followed by Lynnwood, WA. Time spent in Lynnwood was the heart of Gary's formative years, and he developed friendships there that spanned his lifetime. At the start of 9th grade, the family moved back to Bellingham, where Gary attended and graduated from Meridian High School in 1972-again making lifelong, faithful friends. Gary was a gifted athlete and the only person to ever win the Tri-Sports Award (football, basketball, baseball) as a sophomore.

As the oldest of four, Gary found his place as the family enforcer and protector. He had a strong presence even at a young age-broad shoulders, tall stature, firm handshake. He was loyal, with nerves of steel, and all of that combined may have gotten him and those he loved out of a precarious situation a time or two.

Gary met his perfect match and life partner, Barbara Alexander, while she was celebrating her 30th birthday at the Coconut Grove. They were married August 7, 1982, and together with her three children, they made a home in Custer, WA. His hard work ethic earned him a living at Intalco, in construction, wielding a portable sawmill, and trapping; however, the bulk of his working years were spent with Pacific International Grout Company (PIG Co.). His time there took him across the United States, working as a project supervisor on tunnel and nuclear decommissioning projects.

Gary was the ultimate outdoorsman-rugged facial hair included. With Barb by his side for much of it, he enjoyed boating, fishing, shrimping, hunting, trapping, smoking fish and game in his smokehouse, woodworking, and tending to his garden and orchard. Gary expressed his love through sharing his bounty, skills, and deep knowledge in those areas. He also found friendships within the Lynden Camels Club and enjoyed helping organize and host its annual youth fishing derby.

Let it be said that Gary wasn't your average human. Although life threw some unfortunate circumstances his way, he never complained. In fact, he would dig his heels in, rise above, and often come out on top. Simply put, Gary was mentally and physically TOUGH. He was self-sufficient and resourceful. Gary was a guy you wanted to know-and once you did, you wanted to emulate him. He was just that cool.

While some people know a lot about a little or a little about a lot, Gary knew a lot about a lot. And if he didn't, he could likely BS his way through it. His happy place was sitting around a fire with friends and family, a cooler of cold ones, good food, and even better stories.

Gary was a pillar of his family and will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 43 years, Barbara York; step-children Robin (Greg) Fox, Bryan Cochrane, Tobyn (Reenie) Cochrane, and Shanna Cochrane; grandchildren Anna, Kate, and Davis Cochrane; Whitney, Shea, and Michael Hammons; Sisters-in-law Judy Kildall, Linda (Greg) Barlean, and Nancy (Bob) Olson; his mother, Fern Frey; siblings Ron York, Shelly (Lee) Stockton, and Mike (Lori) York; and many nieces and nephew.

A private graveside service will be held at Greenacres Memorial Park on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 10 a.m. A public memorial will follow in the indoor reception hall at Moles Funeral Home starting at 11 a.m.

Gary "Moose" York had wonderful friends and family who are encouraged to join in celebrating his life and sharing stories at the Lynden Camels Club, located at 216 E Main Street, after the conclusion of the Greenacres and Moles Funeral Home gatherings, starting at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice and the Meridian Public School Foundation.

Whatcom Hospice:

https://whatcomhospice.org/donate-online/

Mail Your Gift:

Whatcom Hospice Foundation

2901 Squalicum Pkwy

Bellingham, WA 98225