Gary M. Thoren

Gary Thoren passed away peacefully in the early morning of Jan. 22, 2025, just short of his 80th birthday. Gary was born Feb. 11, 1945, to Cecil and Naomi (Evers) Thoren in Amira, Wash. The family moved to dryland wheat and cattle ranch near Bridgeport, Wash. He was raised with brothers John, Denny and Bob (deceased) and sisters Betty and Donna (Deede).

Gary graduated from Bridgeport in 1963. He participated in football and basketball, played trumpet, was in FFA and 4-H and was senior class president. He attended a junior college in San Bernadino, Calif., and Wenatchee Valley College. He joined the SeaBees and took a tour of duty in Vietnam. During this time, he married Barbara Lake. Although they would separate, they had two sons, Gary and David. He later married Pat Fletcher. They celebrated their 30th anniversary shortly before his death.

Gary is survived by his wife, Pat; two sons, Gary Jr. and David; granddaughters Lily, Lenee and Daniella; and four great-grandsons. He has a stepson, James Fletcher. He has step-granddaughters Jacqui Jones, Breanna Norby and Cassandra Fletcher and two step-grandsons James and Anthony Fletcher and two great-grandchildren. He has a special grandchild Ashley Sirek and her son. In addition, he is survived by his aunt, Betty Hagy, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gary was a typical truck driver; he enjoyed talking to people and could tell you about almost every road in the continental United States. He enjoyed coffee at the senior center, breakfast and steak night at the American Legion and meeting with the SeaBees.

A memorial is planned for May 3, 2025, at the Moses Lake Senior Center from noon to 3 p.m.