Gary James Wills

January 19, 1939 ~ September 18, 2022

September 18 saw the passing of a great man.  Gary James Wills was born on Jan. 19, 1939, in Vancouver, Washington.  The second son of Wilfred and Wilma was a confident, independent, and precocious child. At age 5, he self-enrolled in a Beautiful Baby contest, announcing his victory to his family when he came home on the bus wielding his trophy.

Gary was more than his good looks.  He was smart, graduating first from Vancouver High School, and later from the Central Washington School of Education.  He spent his professional life teaching, nurturing, mentoring, and coaching young people as a PE Teacher and as a middle and high school coach in the Vancouver School District. (Middle School Football and Wrestling and High School Wrestling) He was teaching when he met and married his soul mate, fellow educator, Barbara Fritz.

Gary and Barbara enjoyed a long and happy marriage.  They traveled Europe on their honeymoon, and would continue traveling in Europe, the United States and Mexico for the rest of their lives.  They had two children, who later gave them eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.  These children and grandchildren were a source of enormous pride to Gary.  He loved being a father, a grandfather, and a great grandfather.

Gary was an outgoing man who made and kept friendships wherever he went.  He enjoyed fishing with his sons and his friend Larry Drury.  Gary and Larry took frequent fishing trips, both in Washington and Alaska.  In addition to time with family, Gary enjoyed music, reading (especially mysteries), taking walks, and watching sports.

Gary is survived by his brothers, Dennis and Robert, and his sister Judy.  He is also survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Barbara; Sons: Greg and Jeff; Grandchildren: Nicole, Danielle, Nathaniel, Brandon, Rebecca, Michaela, Elise, and Caleb, and Great Grandchildren: Ruben, Grace, Mia, and Citlali.  Gary was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, fisherman, teacher, coach, neighbor, and friend.

He will be missed by many.

To honor Gary's memory, we are holding a service at 11am on Sept. 29 at St. John's Catholic Church 8701 NE 119th St. Vancouver, WA 98662. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be sent to the Columbia Land Trust, where it will assist in preserving Vancouver Lake and the local nature that Gary loved. http://www.columbialandtrust.org.