Obituary of Gary Charles Jones

 Gary Jones, an exceptional spouse, parent, and respected leader passed away on April 18, 2024.

Gary was born May 28, 1952, in Spokane, WA to Bud and Bette Jones, where he spent his days playing alongside his sisters Julie and Susan. The family moved to Edmonds, WA when Gary was in the 6^th grade where he met his lifelong friend Tim Mead. Together they were shining stars for Edmonds High School winning Conference Championships in both football and baseball their senior year. Gary went on to play baseball at WSU on scholarship, eventually graduating from UW, however, if asked he would always say he was a ‘Coug’ at heart. Running was one of Gary's passions, and he did it every day for more than 43 years, no matter the weather or the knee surgery he had the day before.  

Gary was an ambitious and driven Entrepreneur. In 1976 at 24 years old, he combined his love of business development and travel founding Westgate Travel with the mission of providing exceptional personalized service. His laser focus on client relationships propelled the agencies successful growth mainly through referrals from clients who valued the outstanding service. This included the Seattle Mariners Baseball Team, a faithful client that Gary took pride in serving for many years. Gary enjoyed working alongside his sister Julie for 38 years at Westgate Travel. In addition to running Westgate Travel, Gary was a founding member and director at the Bank of Washington.

Gary’s greatest joy and achievement was his family. He met his soulmate Kathy, and together they were unstoppable; whether it was business matters, raising children, or gardening, they could overcome any challenge as a team. He and Kathy raised two children Sarah and Cameron and he was their biggest and proudest fan. He would drop anything at any time to help with even the most minor issues any one of them had. Gary loved coaching Cam in baseball, and cheering Sarah on as she rounded the bases in softball. The family loved traveling together near and far. Later in life, Gary assisted his son in building a successful auction business in Post Falls, Idaho. If there was a business-related question Gary was always the first call, knowing that he would have all the right answers.

In 2000 Gary and Kathy purchased property the family had homesteaded generations before in Troy Montana. It is a magical place they were proud to share with their friends and family. There they created and built their dream home and lives. Gary spent his days outside grooming the immaculate lawn, hunting with his son, cutting firewood in his beloved army truck “Dewey”, and picking huckleberries for countless hours with his dog Braco. He delighted in watching his four grandkids swim in the lake, play in the treehouse, and shoot squirrels in the woods. For all who were so lucky to see Gary in Troy, you can close your eyes and picture his proud smile that proved how much he loved it there.

Above all Gary was a person of remarkable integrity.  In a distinctly old school way, his word was his bond.  His devotion to family, his wife, children and grandchildren was an inspiration to all who crossed his path.  He faced his decline with grace and dignity, with the support of his devoted family who considered caring for him an honor.  Whether you knew Gary for a moment or a lifetime, you were affected in a positive way.

Gary was taken from us too early by a terrible disease that has impacted far too many families. The family requests that in lieu of sending flowers, you contribute to a cancer research of your preference to help us discover a cure. We have linked the Fred Hutch site below.

https://www.fredhutch.org/en.html Click “Donate Now”

We will be holding another Celebration of Life in Montana around the 4th of July. Dates and times to come.