Gary Throop

After a long and courageous battle with COPD, Gary Throop passed away peacefully March 16 at Sunbridge convalescent home while surrounded by loved ones.

Gary was born in Walla Walla on Dec. 17, 1935. Hew grew up in Walla Walla and graduated from North Central High School in Spokane where he met JoAnn. The two were married in August of 1955. The couple then moved to Pullman where Gary completed two years at Washington State University. In June of 1956 they moved to join Gary's father in the family business, eventually leading to Gary starting his own construction company, Paulan Construction. Gary and JoAnn had two sons, Terry and Jeff, who were born and raised in Moses Lake. Both sons later joined the family business.

Gary was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Elks Lodge, former member of the Moses Lake Golf and Country Club, and he served eight years in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Gary enjoyed golfing, fishing, being with friends and family, and especially his work and business. He had a tremendous sense of humor, always ready with a joke and a smile, and an infectious laugh that no one could resist. During Gary's years in Moses Lake, he had a wide range of extended family and friends, including the Palmer family, Jane, Beth, Susan, Bill and Brian. He enjoyed a close knit circle of friends who were very dear to him "and you know who you are."

Gary is survived by his wife JoAnn, his son Jeff, Jeff's family Roxanne and sons Ethan and Tiernan, a special 2-year-old Lauren, granddaughter Christine, daughter-in-law Gayleen, brother-in-law Robert Wright, nieces Pam, Julie and Nancy.

He was preceded in death by his son Terry, his parents Dorothy and Buell, and his sister Charlotte.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday, March 22 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1142 W. Ivy St. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the American Lung Association, 2625 Third Ave., Seattle, WA 98121 or to the charity of your choice.

Gary, you can breathe now. Golf with your dad and fish with your son. We all love you so very much.