Gary J. Allen

Gary J. Allen, 77, of Oroville passed away on Monday, Feb. 14, 2011 at the North Valley Extended Care in Tonasket.

He was born to parents Don and Murl (James) Allen on Sept. 19, 1933 at the family home that was built by his father and grandfather at 1016 Golden in Oroville. Gary attended both elementary and high school at Oroville. He entered the U.S. Army in 1953 and served as a mechanic in Korea. Following an honorable discharge from the military in 1955, he returned to Oroville. On Sept. 10, 1955 he married Lory Wood of Okanogan at Coles Corner, Wash. He, Lory and daughter, Peggy lived in Brewster where Gary worked for the railroad. They later moved back to Oroville, living in a home that Gary remodeled on Jennings Loop Road. In 1972, the home was lost in the flood and they moved with their two sons, Rick and Dick to their current home on Lake Osoyoos. Gary ran a plumbing business called Northern Trades until the late 1960’s when he and Lory began the Sears Merchant Store on Main Street in Oroville. Together they ran this business for several years. After selling the business, Gary was a Jack of All Trades; working as a carpenter and a motorcycle mechanic. From the time Gary could ride a bicycle he had a love for motorcycles. He and Lory traveled by motorcycle thousands of miles all over this country. From a very young age, Gary loved to fish and hunt. He loved his family, friends, community and country. Gary had been a volunteer fireman and EMT in Oroville. He was a member of the Oroville American Legion and the Kiwanis.

He is survived by one daughter: Peggy (Robert) Kirk of Wenatchee; two sons: Rick Allen of Chesaw and Dick (Elizabeth) Allen of Laredo, Texas; one sister: RaeJean Wyatt of Oroville; five grandchildren: Brayden Kirk of Leavenworth, Kindall (Joseph) Wilbur of San Marcos, Calif., Lizzy (Andy) Butler, Jessica Newsome and Jesse Newsome all of Laredo, Texas; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Lory and a niece, Candy.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011 11 a.m. at the Oroville American Legion Hall with military honors by Hodges Post #84. A potluck luncheon will follow the services. Interment will be held at a later date at the Okanogan Valley Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Oroville Ambulance or to the Okanogan County Hospice.

Bergh Funeral Service of Oroville/Tonasket in care of arrangements.