Gary Spath, 75, of Olympia, Wash,. has moved on to the heavens. He passed away on March 15, 2017, after a long illness.

Gary lived his life with passion and certainly a little fire. He was born in Kodiak, Alaska, on Nov. 17, 1941, to Lawrence (Larry) and Ethel (Woodin) Spath. He grew up in Mossyrock, where he met and married his first wife Elizabeth (Betty) Kaiser. They raised their children Shelley (Ghan), Stephanie (Hill) and Rob Spath in Elma. His later years were mostly spent in Walla Walla with his third wife, Wanda.

He was preceded in death by both his parents and brother, Ronald Spath. He is survived by his three children, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Gary had a long career with Washington State as a wildlife agent and correctional officer. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and was known as a pretty smooth dancer. He had a deep caring soul especially for his family and will be missed by many. His parting words were “I’ll be waiting for all of you with a fishing pole in one hand and a drink in the other”.

Services will be held at Newell-Hoerling’s Mortuary in Centralia on April 10, at 11 a.m.