Gary Richard REITER

1946 - 2018

REITER, Gary Richard

Gary Richard Reiter passed away surrounded by his loving family early on the morning of April 13th, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. Gary was born on October 12, 1946 in Norton, Virginia. His family moved to Yakima, Washington then on to Spokane in 1960. While in high school at West Valley, Gary taught himself to play guitar and helped form a band named "The Chancellors." Gary enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1965 during the early days of the Vietnam conflict. He trained at MCRD in San Diego, graduating from Boot Camp as a Rifle Expert. He was deployed to Vietnam shortly thereafter. His expert marksmanship allowed him the opportunity to be recruited and trained in country as an elite Scout Sniper, "The Rogues", the first ever team of its kind. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Scout Sniper with the Rogues and returned home with the rank of Sergeant. The Rogue Scout Sniper concept exists to this day. Even after his military service, Gary remained faithful to the Corps the rest of his life. He and his wife Susan married in August of 1970. Gary used his GI bill to pay for an AA at SFCC, then EWU for his Bachelors degree in Education and his Masters in Education from Whitworth College. Nine years after their marriage, the couples' only son, Zack, was born. Both Susan and Gary worked as teachers in Spokane for over 30 years, with Gary retiring from Mead High School in 2002. Gary lived his life to the fullest despite the lifelong scars his wartime experience had on both his body and psyche. He trained in martial arts, scuba dived, skydived, earned his pilot's license, skied and loved riding his Harley. Gary's sniper expertise led to a lifelong hobby of shooting, both recreationally and competitively. He had lifetime memberships with Scout Sniper Association, Marine Corps League, DAV and VFW. He traveled extensively with his wife, son and Marine Corps brothers throughout his retirement. Gary spent his summers enjoying the family's cabin on Lake Coeur d'Alene. He adored his dogs and loved spoiling his two year old granddaughter. Gary and Susan were virtually inseparable and she devotedly helped care for him in his final years. He is preceded in death by his father Kenneth Reiter, father-in-law Robert Boyer, sister-in-law Varlyne Reiter, Raymond, Vee, Richard, and Jane Till and his numerous adoring canine companions. He is survived by his wife, Susan, son, Zack (Kristin), grandchildren Brynn and Will, mother Patricia, mother-in-law Emma, brother James, nephews John Smith (Julie) and Elmer Smith Jr. (Melissa), loyal pet Boxer Buffy, and numerous extended family and friends. Gary was a man of few words but he loved deeply, had a brilliant mind and treasured those close to him. Services with Full Military Honors will be held at Pines Cemetery Mausoleum, 1402 S. Pines, Spokane Valley, WA on Saturday, May 5th at 1:00 PM.