Gary L. Rose
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September 2, 2021
July 3, 1951-August 20, 2021
Throughout his life, Gary had a tremendous capacity to enjoy himself wherever he was and with whomever he was sharing that moment. Born under the sign of Cancer, he loved all things relating to water: swimming, boating, waterskiing, cruising to Alaska or through the Panama Canal. He especially enjoyed spending time at the family property overlooking Lake Merwin.
He had a rare gift for friendship, making friends wherever he went and then keeping them throughout his life. At its end, he was still in contact with people from high school, college, and his travels.
He was born to Ed and DeLyla (Donna) Rose in Vancouver on July 3, 1951. He graduated from Hudson's Bay High School, and received a Bachelor degree from Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Oregon, then a Master of Divinity from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, followed by a career of over thirty years in public mental health.
He retired as administrator of the Timberlands Regional Support Network in Cathlamet in 2008, when diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a progressively debilitating and terminal neurological disorder, and assumed a leadership role in supporting other people living with MSA.
He continued to display grace and courage living for another 13 years with the degenerative disease, to celebrate his 70th birthday, surrounded by family and friends who will survive him, including his wife and best friend Kris Rose of Portland, his partner David Oliver of Longview, brother Alan Rose of Woodland, and his children and their families: Aaron Rose with wife Robyn and children Logan, Zachary and Annabelle of Portland; Renee Rose Scherdnik with husband Nick and daughter Eliza (Ellie) of Port Orchard, Washington; and Ryan Rose with wife Jennifer and children Kelvin and Halley of LaCenter. He now lives in their hearts and memories.
Donations in Gary's memory can be sent to the Multiple System Atrophy Research Coalition.
- Paid Obituary -
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