Gary Frank

Gary Benjamin Frank died July 15, 2005, in the Seattle, Wash., area.

Born in Billings, Gary moved to Whitefish with his parents Reuben (Snub) and Blanche in 1942. There they opened a small grocery store called Snappy's. Gary was an excellent meat cutter and managed the meat department when he was only 15. He loved talking with the sales reps who called on the store, and he eventually took that career path.

An avid skier, Gary was on the ski team at the high school as well as being on the Ski Patrol at Big Mountain.

After graduating from Whitefish High School, Gary spent a year at Montana State before enlisting into the Marine Corps. He loved the Marines and served four years, part of the time flying with Air America into Laos, just prior to the America's involvement.

In February 1974, Gary married Kay Petrovich, who was employed at Flathead Travel. He also began a new career with MidAmerica Research Chemical Corp., and the couple moved to Spokane that May.

It was in Spokane that his second daughter was born in 1986. In 1988, his wife was rehired with Delta Airlines and the family transferred to Kennewick, Wash. It was there at the Tri-City Country Club that Gary achieved his ultimate goal — two hole in ones. Gary continued his career with MARC until 2002, when the progression of Alzheimer's forced him to retire.

Gary was a kind spirit who loved life and his family. There was always room in his house and heart for the many stray cats and dogs they took in. We all greatly miss him.

Gary is survived by his wife of 31 years, Kay, of Kent, Wash.; children Gary Jr. and wife Karen, of Spokane, Jeanette Riopelle and husband Mike, of Eugene, Ore., and Johanna, of Spokane; brother Bob, of Whitefish; seven grandchildren; one great granddaughter; and aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces.

Services were held at All Saints Lutheran Church in Auburn, Wash. There will be a memorial service in Whitefish at a later date.

Memorials may be sent to Highline Hospice, 12844 Military Road South, Tukwila WA 98168 or the charity of choice.