Obituary of Gary Eugene Dries

Gary Eugene Dries, age 87, died December 30, 2021 at Gresham, Oregon. Gary entered the world on May 6, 1934 on a farm near Ashton, Iowa, one of 15 children born to Frank and Maybelle (Guertin) Dries. Raised in Ashton and Sibley, he graduated from Sibley High School in 1952. He spent his adult life in Minnesota, Oregon, Orange County, California, and the Portland area permanently since 2005.

Gary is survived by his Oregon family, his daughter Michelle Criscola; four grandchildren: Dawn Sikhamsouk (Robert), Rocky Criscola (Courtney Burger), Micayla Gresham, and Caleb Brown. Also great-grandchildren: Oliver, Theo, and Avery Sikhamsouk, and Carson and Gavin Criscola. Remaining siblings are Daryl Dries (LaVerne), Madonna Christensen (Gary) Shirley Fitterer (Cyril), and Dennis Dries. Also four generations of nieces and nephews, and scores of friends. In awe of nature’s beauty, Gary enjoyed a view of Mt. Hood while sitting by the window working jigsaw puzzles and listening to country music. He was well-read; a news-hound who kept up on current events via television and newspaper. Gary enjoyed writing and at one time held somewhat of a record for published Letters To The Editor. He also published memoir in newspapers and other publications. His eulogy at his youngest brother’s memorial service was eloquent in content and delivery. Gary once remarked that he’d like to have more money than he needed so he could dole it out to those in need. That wasn’t just talk; it was genuine. He also commented that there are worse things than death (which he called The Grimy Reaper). He endured much of the worst during the past couple of years, but rarely complained or spent time feeling sorry for himself. In the 1970s, after recovering from alcoholism at Hazelden Foundation in Minnesota, Gary entered their trainee program and became a certified counselor and mentor. Among the places he worked in Oregon are St. Joseph’s Hospital in Vancouver, and Forest Grove Community Hospital. In 2012, Gary published a story in The Oregonian about his return (32 years sober) to Portland’s Blanchet House for the free Christmas dinner offered to the homeless. He wrote, “I stood in line at Blanchet House, cold to the bone, playing a role that once represented my life.” In 2021, during pandemic isolation, Gary quietly observed 51 years of sobriety. He was a tireless advocate for the 12 Step AA principles. His faithful attendance at meetings in the Gresham AA community and his longevity earned him the affectionate title “Pops.” Robert says, “He was a major part of my life and helped get me where I am today.” Gail says, “He lived a good, long life and knew he was loved and respected and that he helped countless of us find sobriety.” Another friend addressed him as “Sir,” and another called him, “The elder statesman in our group.”

Rest in peace Gary, you were a good man.