Gary Max Rivers

Gary Max Rivers died peacefully at home the morning of July 19th 2012 at the age of 73. Gary was preceded in death by his loving wife and the mother of his children, Wanda Earlene Rivers and a son, Robin Ray Rivers.

Gary was born January 31, 1939 in Dallas Texas to his parents, Atlas Wade Rivers and Bertha Mae Saunders.

Gary joined the Navy in 1959 and shortly there-after, was married to the love of his life, Wanda Earlene Marlar on July 2nd, 1960. Like many military families, the Rivers’ moved often, making new friends and memories along the way. In 1970, Gary and his family moved to Whidbey Island, making Oak Harbor their permanent home. Gary retired from the Navy in 1979.

A long time employee of Boeing, Gary retired in 2006. Not long after, Gary and his wife purchased a camper and began following their lifelong dream of traveling across the country.

Gary was a talented craftsman and greatly enjoyed wood working, building and flying RC Model Airplanes and working on his vehicles. His greatest automotive passion was for his 1970 VW bus, which he rebuilt numerous times over the years.

Gary is survived by his two brothers, David and Ronnie, his sisters Wayden, Linda, Diane and Elizabeth of Texas. By his 5 children and their spouses: Martie and John Gallagher of Birdsview, Wash.; Tommy and Marilyn Rivers of Mount Vernon; Becky and Walter Thomas of Vermillion SD.; Brian and Andrea Rivers of Oak Harbor, and Richard and Michelle Rivers of Naples, Italy. His 15 grandchildren: Phillip and Matthew Mangiacopra of Southington, Conn.; Adam Rivers of Bellingham, Sarah and Tim Doherty of Westfield Mass.; Rebekah and Matt McGarrah of Ellensburg.; Rachel and Sean Wilkinson of Mt Vernon ;Elizabeth and Nick Fallis of Sequim, Hannah, Abigail and Joshua Rivers all of Mt Vernon, Shawnet and Brad Palmer of South Dakota, Derek Thomas of California, Keoni, Bailey, Maile Rivers of Oak Harbor, and also by 4 great grandchildren, Corbin Blais, Zoe Palmer, Christian Fallis, Mallory, Hailey, Jamison Doherty and Tucker McGarrah.

The memorial service for Gary Rivers will be held Thursday, July 26th at Livingword Fellowship in Oak Harbor at 3:00 p.m. Donations for Gary can be made directly to the Livingword Fellowship.