Gary Wayne Shill

Gary Wayne Shill Wenatchee, WA Gary Wayne Shill passed away peacefully at home Saturday, June 15, 2013, at 4:30 p.m., at the age of 82, surrounded by his loved ones. With his family at his side, he fought a brave six year battle with Alzheimer's and won. His gentle spirit and faith in God could not be dimmed by this terrible disease. Gary was born in Wenatchee on June 25, 1930, to the late William R. Shill and Milla O. (Bonde). He spent a large part of his childhood helping his family tend their 20 acre farm in the Colockum area, moving with his family to Malaga in 1943, and then to Wenatchee, where he made his home. Gary graduated from H. B. Ellison Junior High School in 1945, and Wenatchee High School in 1949. The following year, he attended the University of Washington for a short time until realizing the big city wasn't for him. After returning to the Wenatchee Valley, he graduated from Wenatchee Valley College with an AA degree. He went on to attend the Wenatchee Business College, graduating in six months with a Controllers Certification. The certification he obtained was equivalent to a four year accounting degree. Gary was the office manager at Shell Petroleum for 17 years. He went on to work at the Washington State Apple Commission as the controller for 27 years, retiring in 1995. Gary and Helen's love story began in 1954, when they met at a YMCA picnic in Leavenworth. Gary said he fell in love the moment he saw her. They dated for a few months, then Gary proposed. Gary and Helen were married a year later at Grace Lutheran Church on September 15, 1956. Their marriage has been inspirational to many people. Through the years, he donated much of his time helping friends and strangers alike, never asking for anything in return. He volunteered for many positions at Grace Lutheran Church, including the Church Council, Treasurer, Trustee, Usher and Sunday School Superintendent. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together and was a member of the Christian Businessmen's Association. Gary was the guiding influence on his family and showed them the importance of a close relationship with God. He lived by the words "do unto others". Gary is survived by his loving wife, Helen; son, Warren R. Shill and daughter, Anne J. Erdmann (William); grandchildren, Emily Delaney, Jennifer Outerbridge (Nick), Jesse Erdmann, and Westin Shill; and great-grandson, Caleb Outerbridge. He is also survived by his furry friends, Handsome, Lulu, Isabel, Attie, Sammy, Jake and Zayla. His family would like to thank all the wonderful people who helped Gary on his journey, there are too many to name individually. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 23, 2013, at Grace Lutheran Church, 1408 Washington Street, Wenatchee. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Grace Lutheran Church, Central Washington Hospice or Wenatchee Valley Humane Society. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Gary Wayne Shill

June 25, 1930 - June 15, 2013