With loved ones by his side, Garry Dale Sorensen passed peacefully at Providence Holy Family Hospital on August 30, 2015.

Garry was born to Stella and Alfred Sorensen on November 22, 1940 in Edmonton, Alberta. He grew up in Holden, Alberta where he spent many days learning to love nature. He attended the University of Montana and graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science. While at the university, Garry met his wife, Esther Vallejo and they married shortly after graduating on June 12, 1963. That fall, Garry and Esther moved to Oroville to teach at Oroville High School. Garry taught Biological sciences for 17 years. He felt great appreciation for the many fine students he taught.

Garry always enjoyed growing things, and realized a dream when he retired from teaching to grow fruit in the Oroville area. He loved learning about all the new fruits and varieties throughout his 28 years of farming and enjoyed growing a wide variety.

Some of Garry’s favorite things were his fishing trips. He went on annual fishing trips to the coast with his family and friends, the Helms. More recently, he had many great fishing trips with his son, Scott, and brother David, which they enjoyed for 30 years. Over the years, he and his wife Esther also enjoyed trips traveling together to many different countries. He also took great pleasure in spending time with his children and grandchildren on various trips to Mexico and other vacation places.

Garry was a loving and supportive husband, father, brother, and son. He had immeasurable love and pride for his two children Lisa and Scott and their families. He was a loyal friend who enjoyed having his friends come to his beloved home on the lake for a glass of wine and some homemade sausage or smoked fish.

Garry is survived by his wife, Esther Sorensen; his daughter and son-in-law, Lisa Vallejo Sorensen and Gregorio Amaro and grandchildren Simón and Sofia; his son and daughter-in-law, Scott, and Elizabeth Sorensen and grandchildren Chloë, Camille, Lily, Micaiah and Willow; and his brother David and Ann Sorensen, nieces Shelly and Gail. Garry was preceded in death by his mother and father, Alfred and Stella Sorensen.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2015, at Faith Lutheran Church followed by a luncheon.

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