Gary Zimmerman

~Gary passed away, at the age of 82, on October 28, 2015, at Confluence Health, surrounded by his family. Gary was born January 1, 1933, to Alviena (Koch) and Guy Zimmerman. He was raised on the family ranch up in the Squilchuck Valley. He spent his early years helping his dad and uncle in the apple and pear orchard. He graduated from Wenatchee High in 1951. He met the love of his life, Terry Johnson, at the Liberty Theater where she worked after school. The Army drafted Gary in 1953. He did his basic training in San Luis Obispo, CA. Then on to refrigeration school at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. Terry and Gary were married August 27, 1953 while he was on leave. Gary left after the wedding to his new deployment in Frankfurt, Germany. In the spring of 1955, Terry joined him in Frankfurt, where they made their first home. After his discharged in 1956, they returned to Wenatchee and have lived in the Squilchuck Valley ever since. Gary went to work for Alcoa when he returned from the service. He worked there for several years, until he joined his father doing carpentry work. Gary worked for Mission Ridge during the construction of the ski area. He helped clear the runs and then later became the maintenance mechanic on the lifts. He worked there until he was hired by Chelan PUD as a shop mechanic and later was the shop foreman. Gary worked for the PUD for 25 years, before he retired in 1995. Retirement let him be home with Terry and they filled their time helping raise/nurture their grandkids. The four grandkids helped fill in his time and kept him busy. He so enjoyed the many events that he attended with them. His grandkids especially remember the tradition of going to Jeepers for bagels and cinnamon rolls on Monday late start at school. In many ways he got to re-live his own childhood through them. There were very few skills that Gary did not possess, and as his family grew, he passed those skills on to them. When his mechanic and carpentry skills were called on, he was the first one there with his tools. He was the teacher to all and his family and has learned so much from him. He passed on his family values and work ethic down to all his children and grandchildren; he instilled honesty and integrity into all. ~Gary is survived by his wife, Terry; children, Sheila Zimmerman, Gordon (Shelly) Zimmerman, Ginger (John) Fraley, Andrew (Esther) Zimmerman; grandchildren, Kile (Megan) Fraley, Jessica Zimmerman , Daniel (Becca) Fraley, Garret Zimmerman; uncle, Max Koch. He was preceded in death by his father, Guy; and mother, Alviena; along with numerous aunts and uncles. ~A Graveside Service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park, Monday, November 9, 2015, at 1 p.m. Viewing will be held that morning from 10-12 a.m. at the Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made in Gary's name to the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Gary Zimmerman

January 1, 1933 - October 28, 2015