Gary MESSINGER

October 3, 1940 - August 30, 2024

Spokane Valley - MESSINGER, Gary R. (Age 83) passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 30, 2024.

Gary "Ruggy" grew up in Winona, WA, where his parents were central to the heartbeat of the small Palouse town. As a youngster, Ruggy devoted his free time learning to hunt, fish, and process game. These were skills and passions he passed along to his own children. He graduated from Endicott High School in 1958, where he was actively involved in FFA, ASB, and was an accomplished athlete. Following graduation, he spent some time at Washington State University, and then enlisted with the US Army, where he proudly served four years including a memorable deployment in Germany.

After his return, he married Carmen Cobo and began a family that grew to include three children, Michael, Monica, and Michelle. They settled down on acreage near Bigelow Gulch, where raising livestock with his family brought him great joy. Ruggy also served 35 years with Union Pacific Railroad as a trusted brakeman and conductor. Following his retirement, he traveled and spent time with his family.

Ruggy was passionate about cars and in his early days he pursued stock car racing and later restored a 56 Chevy that he proudly took to rallies and competitions. He also fiercely supported NASCAR, the WSU Cougars, Seahawks, Mariners, and Zags in good times and bad. However, his most avid support was saved for his children and grandchildren and their pursuits.

Ruggy was a regular at Dave's Bar Grill up to his final days. The nonstop banter with his cronies was the backdrop for laughs, tears, jeers, and cheers that allowed for memories of a life well lived that we should all hope for.

Ruggy was preceded in death by his parents, Robert "Bud" and Iola "June" Messinger, and his brother, David Messinger. He is survived by his three children, Michael Messinger, Monica Henry (Darin), and Michelle Sheley (John); his sisters, Vicki Knapp (Neil) and Bonnie Cooper; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews.

There will be no public funeral service at his request. Gary will be inurned in a memorial bench at his parent's gravesite in Pines Cemetery in the Spokane Valley.