Gary Walson, 73
Gary Dale Walson, 73, passed away Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
He was born July 28, 1949, in Hope, Idaho, the son of Lawrence C. “Buster” and Alyce (Ely) Walson. He grew up in Dover, Idaho, and attended Sandpoint grade schools and graduated from Sandpoint High School. He enjoyed cars and trail motorcycles. His ultimate hobby was fishing the area streams and swimming.
Gary lived a life of service and adventure. He attended North Idaho College and enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country during the Vietnam War, worked for his dad, L.C. ‘Buster’ Walson on his equipment and worked on the Sundance Forest Fire in 1968, building firelines. He later worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad as a gang laborer, machine operator and track inspector.
He married Robin Byfield in 1973 and they divorced in 1982. He later married Corrine Stuart, and they moved to California. Gary enjoyed driving cross country, delivering custom Hunter sailboats from Florida to California with his beloved cat to keep him company.
He relocated from California to Florida, working as a welder fabricating oil platforms on shore when he was struck by lightning, retiring soon after. Gary and Corrine moved to Idaho in 2019, making their home in Bonners Ferry. He enjoyed feeding the deer at night while sitting on his porch under the stars. His beloved wife passed away in 2020.
Gary is survived by his daughter, Marci Walson-Darling; sister Susan (Steve) Kent; Aunt Vivian ‘Babe’ (Wes) Olson; and nephew Craig Kent; and numerous cousins in the area also survive. He is also remembered by his dog, Scooter; his cats, Smokey, Juno and Allie; and his friends, Wayne and Jeannie, Tammy and Jeremy, and others who cared for him. He was a son, husband, father, friend and animal lover.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and lifelong, friend, Ed Critchell.
No services will be held.
Memorial may be made to any animal rescue, animal shelters or the charity of your choice.
Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Gary’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guest book.