Gary Albert Dishman

Gary Albert Dishman, 76, of Surprise, Arizona, passed away on May 28, 2015, after a four-year long battle with oral cancer. He was born on February 13, 1939, in Missoula, Montana. He spent much of his childhood in Albuquerque, NM, and graduated from Gresham High School, in Gresham, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Addison Dishman, of Lolo, Montana, and his mother, Virginia Vera Pulliam Moots, of Mesa, Arizona.

After high school, Gary joined the United States Navy. He proudly served for six years, stationed on the U.S.S. Stoddard, and at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines. Gary spent his career in the production departments of several newspapers. He started setting type in Missoula, and rose from Mail Room Manager to the position of Production Manager. Among the many places he worked were; Portland, OR; Walnut Creek, CA; Coeur d’Alene, ID; Livonia, MI; Haverhill, MA; Trenton, NJ; Manchester, CT; Berkley, CA; Oakland, CA; San Jose, CA; Atlantic City, NJ; and Honolulu, HI.

In 1979 he married Christine Armstrong, in Sea Girt, NJ. While they had no children, they loved being involved in the lives of their nieces and nephews. The couple retired in 1998n to Fountain Hills, Arizona. From there they took up RV traveling. For 15 years they traveled to every State, and many Canadian provinces. During many of those years they joined building efforts with Habitat for Humanity.

Arrangements are entrusted to Surprise Funeral Care. No services are scheduled. In lieu of flowers, please make your charitable donations to Habitat for Humanity, in your local area, or online at www.habitat.org/support. To sign Gary's online guestbook, and to send condolences, and well-wishes for the family, please visit www.surprisefuneralcare.com.