Gary Lumsden

Gary William Lumsden slipped away peacefully in the early morning of November 27, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer. Gary was born on September 12, 1946 to John Henry Lumsden and Evelyn N. (Wise) Lumsden in Wenatchee, WA, the second child of seven. Early in his life, he discovered his mechanical skills and spent his life working on, repairing, and fabricating vehicles for family and friends. He worked for Ballard Ambulance Services as their mechanic for 33 years, until he was injured on the job and had to retire. He also worked for various body shops in the area and muffler shops. He was active in automobile racing (stock car and drag racing) in various tracks around the state, including the East Wenatchee Super Oval. He loved racing of all types. If he didn't have a car in the competition, he was working on someone else's car and making it faster and better. He also raced snowmobiles. One of the great thrills of his life was when he was able to meet Bill Elliot at the Monroe racetrack. He was privileged to work in Bill's pit crew on that day. He also discovered the satisfaction of woodworking and built many projects, including a heart-shaped jewelry box for Kathy; a cedar chest for granddaughter, Carmen (Anderson) Som, a lectern for the church, a microwave cart for the kitchen and a cabinet for the bathroom wall. Gary graduated from Wenatchee High School in May of 1965. His wife, Kathy, was also in his class, but they were not a couple. Later, Gary patronized the Arctic Circle Drive-in (now Buddy LeFleur's), where Kathy worked as a counter girl. She said that he set her heart a-flutter every time he came in the door. They began dating in early 1968. They both enjoyed working on cars and drag racing whenever they had the chance to go to a race (or even race each other or friends). Gary married Kathleen Lynn DeRooy on May 10, 1969 at the Sunnyslope Church of the Brethren. They lived in Wenatchee until 1976, when they moved to Rock Island and bought a house, where they raised their four children: John William Lumsden, Jennifer Lynn Lumsden, Anthony (Andy) Joseph Lumsden, and Brian Thomas Lumsden. He was a member of the Rock Island Community Church, where he served as a board member and Sunday School teacher for many years. Gary never met a stranger. He would see someone that he thought he knew, and after speaking with them, he would find that either he was right, or he'd made a new friend. He would stop whenever he saw a motorist in trouble and usually had the right tool in his vehicle to fix the problem, or he would go home and get it or take the person to a parts store to get back on the road. He enjoyed talking with people and would spend hours in conversation with them in their shops or on the phone. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his children, John W. (Julie) Lumsden, Jennifer (David) Davis, Anthony (Dolores Gonzalez) Lumsden, and Brian Lumsden; his grandchildren, Carmen Anderson (Derek) Som, Gary R. Lumsden, Wynona McEdward, David C. Davis III, Ashley Davis, Dallas Davis, Elizabeth Lumsden, Henry Lumsden, and Braiden Lumsden; one great-grandson, Jackson Som; his mother, Evelyn N. Farley; sisters, Carolyn Bass, Kathryn Dittmann; brothers, Terry D. Lumsden, and Larry Lumsden. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Sherry Bowen-Coriell, Linda Holmes-Cook, Doris DeRooy, Diane de Rooij, Vicki DeRooy, Viola DeRooy, Debbie DeRooy Thune, and Patty Lumsden; brothers-in-law, David DeRooy, and Tim DeRooy; and many cousins, nieces, nephews. friends and his cat, J. C., who doesn't understand why her guy isn't at home any more. He was preceded in death by his father, John Henry Lumsden; two brothers, Jerry E. Lumsden and Barry R. Lumsden; his grandson, Anthony Joseph (Tony) Lumsden, Jr.; brother-in-law, Noel Dittmann; nephew, Troy Smithson, and niece, Sherry Smithson. The family wishes to thank the medical professionals and hospice workers who cared for Gary in his final days. Also, thank you to Telford's Chapel of the Valley for their loving assistance and care of the family; to Jennifer Lumsden Davis, who helped care for her father in his final days, and to the Ballard Ambulance Company, who were faithful friends to the end. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Chapel, 2200 N. Baker Ave., East Wenatchee, WA. Viewing will be Thursday, December 3, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Cancer Care of NCW and/or Rock Island Community Church Fund. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee, WA.

Gary Lumsden

September 12, 1946 - November 27, 2015