Obituary of Gary Lee Wilson

Gary Lee Wilson, 79, of Portland Oregon, passed away July 20, 2019, in the peace of his own home with his extended family and many friends by his side. Gary was the oldest of six children and was born in Warroad, Minnesota on May 20, 1940 to Norman George Wilson and Laverne Belle (Bitzer) Wilson. He was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia Kay (McConnell) Wilson; his children Col (ret.) Brandon W. Wilson and wife Marie (La Touche), and Cindy Lynn Seibt and husband Karl; his two brothers John B. and wife Sheila, and Dean Norman and wife Sharon; his three sisters Barbara Arlene Szedlak and husband Charles (deceased), Cheryl Marie Lewis and husband George, and Judi A. Callender and husband Jay. He is also survived by a grandson Skyler Wilson Seibt and two granddaughters, Samantha Rae Seibt and Olivia Renee Wilson, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Gary graduated from Scappoose High School (1958) where he achieved recognition in both wrestling and football, and where his life long love affair with automobiles began to blossom. Not content with a high school diploma (his father had only been able to attain a fourth grade education) Gary vowed to attain a college degree—and he did, graduating from the University of Oregon in 1962 and acting as a role model for his younger brothers and sisters to pursue their educations as well. At Oregon, Gary earned a place on the wrestling team, joined the Delta Upsilon fraternity, and developed many fast friendships that he maintained throughout his life. He was an Oregon Duck forever, attending campus celebrations and football games throughout his years—even appearing at his official job retirement celebration in an Oregon Ducks tee shirt. Gary built a professional career spanning forty years in the Tower Crane industry. Always striving to become better, he joined Morrow Equipment and was not satisfied until he became their leading salesman in the Northwest region before his retirement in 2004. His striving to become better also served Gary well in his real estate ventures. Throughout his life he (and his wife Patricia) built and/or renovated over thirty five properties in the Portland area. With all his professional success, Gary’s most treasured moments were spent with his high school sweetheart and love of his life Patricia and their family and many friends. Their home was always open and filled with laughter, music, wine, good food and the sounds of many people, family and friends, young and old, enjoying themselves. Ever curious, Gary was always inviting people from all walks of life and varied points of view to partake of his warm hospitality and share their perspectives on life at these gatherings. His curiosity extended to his choices of cuisine—he might grill steaks, serve home smoked salmon (as his father Norman loved to do) or dish out a Chinese meal similar to one he and Patricia had been served on their trip to that country. His musical tastes ranged from Johnny Cash to Mozart and one might hear selections from either (or both) across an evening’s gathering at his home. Gary and Patricia loved adventure and often took trips or cruises with family and friends to varied parts of the world.During their travels they visited the Great Wall of China, explored the lava fields of Kilauea and cruised the Blue Danube from Germany to the Black Sea. Gary leaves behind many friends, family and fond memories. As much as he is loved by his wife and life partner Patricia, he is also loved by his children and grandchildren. He never talked down to younger people, treated all as his equals, and learned as much from everyone he encountered as he willingly offered to them. As his grandson Skyler has said, Gary was his best friend. And Gary had many, many friends. He will be dearly missed. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children at https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/119312/#!/donation/checkout