Gary O.D. BUMGARNER

Spokane - It is with a heavy heart that the Bumgarner family announces that Gary passed away peacefully at home in his trophy room, surrounded by loved ones. He battled his cancer long enough to celebrate his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife, Sylvia.  Gary was born and raised in south Spokane, the eldest son of Dr. Leslie and Laura Bumgarner. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1956, completing undergraduate studies at Gonzaga and Whitworth and a Doctorate in Optometry at Pacific University. As President of the Shadle Lion's Club, he actively supported the Spokane Blind Society. He was a passionate second-generation Optometrist, providing care for thousands of patients in the Spokane area and also serving as the President of the WA Optometric Association.  Active in too many clubs and associations to name, his driving passion was wildlife, the outdoors, and conservation. He founded Spokane River Expeditions and Indian Canyon Corrals with his family and friends to share the local beauty of Spokane during Expo '74. He served as the first President of the Spokane Safari Club International and initiated the Private Land Wildlife Management organization. He was an accomplished artist, sculpting wildlife bronzes and creating taxidermy. A big game hunter, his taxidermy and art-filled one of the happiest places in his life, his trophy room. In his retirement, he enjoyed singing with the German American Society Concordia Choir at Oktoberfest and "prosting" with his homemade beer steins. His Barbershop Quartet, "The Outdoor Four," serenaded many lucky ladies on Valentine's Day. With a portable sawmill and the trees from the property, he expanded his Coeur d'Alene Lake home to accommodate the growing family. He rarely missed an opportunity for a duck or pheasant hunt or deer camp with close friends. Gary always had a tall tale to tell by the campfire.  A lifetime dog lover, he competed and won many field trials with his German Shorthair Pointers. Later, he and his rescue dog, Tug, spent many hours together at the lake and home, feeding the birds and deer, gardening, and building a beautiful Koi Pond. He and Sylvia enjoyed sitting by the pond and feeding the fish while watching the wildlife that he encouraged.  He was a big personality with too many interests and not enough time to pursue them all. As a son, brother, uncle, husband, father, friend, and grandfather (Boompa), he was fun to be with and encouraged excellence from all. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jean Mimnaugh; brother, Ken Bumgarner; and daughter, Shelli Greenland. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; daughter, Stephanie Utt (Steve); grandchildren, Haylee and Austin (Alayna) Utt, Brittney, Joey, and Josh Greenland.  A private family service will be held at The Veteran's Memorial on September 20. Celebration of Life will be held this fall. The Bumgarner Family would like to extend a big thank you to all of our wonderful friends and neighbors for the prayers and many months of care. If you would like to make a memorial gift in honor of Gary, please consider The Spokane Chapter of the German American Society.  "Ein prosit zum Wohl und Gesundheit!"