Born to Claude and Vera Whiteman Lee on March 8, 1936 in Centralia, Wash. Gary passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, July 26, 2014. Growing up he attended Centralia schools and Centralia Community College. In 1956 he transferred to Central Washington College, graduating in 1958 with a BS in education.
In 1958 he married Rosemarie Davis, they later divorced. In 1978 he married Linda Chesley Cobbs who survives at the family home in Cosmopolis. Gary taught in the secondary school system for 30 years and two years at Ridgefield and 28 years at Willapa Valley where he also coached all sports and in 1968 he started and coached the wrestling program. He retired in 1988, but due to his love of teaching, spent 14 years at Grays Harbor Community College.
Gary was a long standing member of the Cosmopolis Lions Club and passionate about Lionism and what it stands for. In 2006, he became a WSU Master Gardener sharing his love and knowledge of Dahlias. Gary was a well respected member of the education system and the communities where he lived.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Linda Childers and Connie Herrold; and three grandchildren.
Gary is survived by his wife, of 36 years; brother, Stephen Lee of Adna; son, Dennis Lee (Becky) of Riverton, Utah; daughter, Amy Lee of Long Beach; step-son, Nathan Cobbs (Laura) of Racine, Wis.; four step-daughters, Denise Bryant, Ocean Shores Wash., Debby Helm and Diane Farbo (John) both of Orofino, Idaho and Donna Johnson (Jim) of Tumwater, Wash.; 15 grandchildren; and 22 great- grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at the Cosmopolis Lions Club, 601 2nd St. Cosmopolis, WA 98537 beginning at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2014.
Arrangements are entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen.
