He was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon on July 7, 1935
He passed away peacefully at home on July 18, 2026 with his loving daughter in law Kathy by his side at the age of 91.
Gary spent most of his childhood in Klamath Falls, Oregon. His parents moved to Crescent City, California in 1950. Gary attended Del Norte High School. During his Senior year he decided to be rebellious and grow a beard. He was told he could would be expelled from graduation. His mother ( Jane) went to the school board and won for him to graduate with his beard.
Gary graduated from Del Norte High School in 1953. He joined the Army Dec. 1953, He was stationed at Camp Hanford Army Base in Washington. He went to Harbor Craft School in Ft. Eustis, VA, this was a U.S. Army Transportation School to become a heavy vehicle driver. He received 2 medals while in the Army one was a National Defense Service Medal and the other one was a Good Conduct Medal.
He came home on leave and married his first wife Jan in 1954. They lived on base after they got married and had their first daughter Pamela in 1954. They moved to Crescent City when Gary got out of the Army in 1955. He went to work with his dad (Virgil) at the Crescent Plywood Mill in Klamath. Gary and Jan had their second daughter Cynthia in 1956. Cynthia passed away at 1month and 17 days due to crib death. In 1956 Gary’s Dad (Virgil) and Mom (Jane) moved to Korbel as Virgil got a job at Simpson Timber Co. Gary and Jan soon followed them and Gary also got a job at Simpson Timber Co. They had their third daughter Tammy in 1957 and their son Wade was born in 1959. The marriage did not survive and they got divorced in 1959.
Gary’s parents bought some land in Blue Lake in 1959, where Gary moved in with them after his divorce and helped build the family home. Gary built a room on the back of the house which he called home for 20 years.
Gary filled in as a bartender on occasion at the M & M Club when needed.
Gary bowled league for a couple of years at E & O Lanes in 1977 and 1978 with his Sister-In-Law Sharon, but he gave it up due to it getting in the way of his Hunting. Gary was an avid hunter. For 28 years he took 6 weeks of work to go hunting. He loved going to the Gun Club at Pilot Rock. Wade’s fondest memories are going to the Gun Club with his dad and all the great talks they had. Gary enjoyed hunting with his son (Wade), his good friend Stu Schnieder in Idaho, and his Uncle Wayne in Oregon.
Gary met his second wife Mardell and married her on Feb. 14, 1980. He gained two Stepsons Mitch and Mike. They were married for 30 years before Mardell passed away in Aug. 2010. Over the years they took about 2 dozen cruises to various points around the Western Hemisphere. They would get family members and good friends to go with them on their cruises.
Gary and Mardell bought the Alibi Lounge in Arcata in 1976 and ran it and the restaurant until they sold it in 1998 and they both retired. They also owned and operated the Red Carpet restaurant in Eureka for a short time.
Gary worked at Simpson Timber Co. for over 45 years. He loaded rail cars with lumber and later moved to maintenance of the mill. He was a dedicated employee.
After Mardell’s passing Gary enjoyed his Traveling adventures with his best friend Ron Roland. Gary loved to tell the stories of their travels together and how much fun they had.
Gary also cherished his time going to his son Wade’s house for 49er’s football games and spending the holidays with Wade, Kathy, and their kids.
Gary was a beloved member and supporter of the Moose Lodge in McKinleyville for 28 years. He would go to the Moose Lodge every afternoon around 3:00 pm to visit with his good friends Larry Connolly and Allen Guiles. He would have his 2 beers visit for an hour and then go home. He always had friends coming up and talking to him while he was there. He enjoyed this camaraderie with all his friends there.
Gary was a devoted Son, Husband, and Father.
Gary is proceeded in death by his daughter Cynthia, parents Jane & Virgil Blickenstaff, sister Coralie (Corky) Smith, nephew Brian Netz, niece Michelle Calvert, great niece Wendy Nemcosky.
He is survived by his Son Wade and Kathy of Arcata and their children Desree, Katrina, & Chad, and Wade’s daughter Malania, his daughter Tammy and Rodger of Ramona, CA and their children Kris & Keith, his daughter Pam Robblee of Arcata and her children Misty, Veronica, & Ryan. He also has 16 great grandchildren and 4 great, great, grandchildren. Plus numerous nieces and nephews.
In Gary’s own words: HE SAID HE HAD A GREAT LIFE WITH NO REGRETS.
The family would like to give a special thanks Donna Johnson, Gary’s next-door neighbor for the love and care you showed Gary over the last 20 plus years.
The family would also like to thank Hospice of Humboldt for all their support and care of Gary.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the local American Cancer Society in Gary’s name.
There will be a Wake for Gary at the Moose Lodge in McKinleyville at 1791 Sutter Rd., McKinleyville on Saturday – August 22, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.
It will be officiated by Ron Roland
Color Guard by Mad River Community Verterans Honor Guard
Food will be served at 2:00 PM