Gary McCann

Gary Lee McCann, 81, of Renton, peacefully passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2023, at his forever family home in Renton surrounded by family. Gary was born on April 30th, 1941, to Arthur and Lillian McCann in Oakes, North Dakota. He was the second born of four children in the McCann family.

The McCann family decided to move and make a new life when Gary was eleven years old to Renton. Gary attended both St. Anthony’s and Renton High School.

After high school, Gary worked for his father at Art McCann & Sons alongside his brother, Bob. He was a truck driver and operator of heavy equipment. In 1972, he started Gary McCann Trucking which is still operating today. In 2022, Gary McCann Trucking celebrated its 50-year anniversary with wife, Paula, sons, Kevin and Tim, and daughter Tina. They all worked side by side with him for the many years at Gary McCann Trucking and loved the business as much as he did. His legacy of trucking in the Puget Sound will continue to grow with his kids and grandchildren.

Gary stuck to his roots of farming/ranching where he grew up in North Dakota and took pride in building a small farm and family home in Renton, WA where he and Paula raised their beloved family. He enjoyed raising livestock and not only had a true passion for “farm life” with his family but loved horses. He loved to ride horses, drive ponies, participate in parades driving his horses, competing in Crazy “8” competitions, and had several racehorses at Longacres and Emerald Downs.

Gary also built a legacy of horses with his fourth child, daughter, Trisha. Gary bought her first horse at four years old and was at her side for every horse event from then on through all her competitions. Proudly, this passion has now transferred to his granddaughter, Chloe with her devotion and love of riding and showing. Gary has also inspired other family members with livestock.

Gary had many more hobbies and passions; showing his antique Mack Trucks, antique cars, and hot rods which he collected over the years. He belonged to many clubs and made many great friends along the way. However, Gary’s greatest joy came from his large family. He had a sparkle in his eye every time family was around.

Gary was truly loved and respected by so many. The Renton, Maple Valley, and Enumclaw communities would recognize his mint dump truck that he drove around to parades. He will be so greatly missed and live forever in our hearts. Gary always had a smile on his face that could light up any room. He always preached forgiveness and was a great believer of the Lord. He had a positive attitude and had a ferocious will to live; always a “I won’t give up” and “I want to live” mentality even in the worse times and until the end of his life. Gary had a strong love of faith which served him well during his long, difficult battle with cancer. His love for God, family and people was so evident and visible with his every action.

With great sadness, Gary, husband, dad, papa, brother, friend, we say goodbye and we love you always and forever.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob McCann; sister, Linda Fjeld; grandson, Matthew McCann. He is survived by his high school sweetheart, Paula McCann (married sixty years!), children, Kevin (Stefanie) McCann, Tim McCann, Tina (Keith) Benson, and Trisha (Brian) Smith; sister, Judie Ingram; sister in law, Mary Jo (Ray) Conwell; grandchildren, Justin McCann (Courtney) Deter, Cody McCann, Nick McCann, Levi McCann, Jacob McCann, Josh McCann, Luke McCann, Taylor Benson, Torre Benson, Karsen Benson, Kylie Benson, Conner Smith, Chloe Smith, Cameryn Smith, Charley Smith, Camila (Coco) Smith and Camden Smith; great grandchildren, Maverick McCann and Maylee McCann.

Funeral services will be held at the following: Funeral (mass) at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Renton on January 23rd, 11 am, Burial at Greenwood Cemetery, Renton, 2 pm, and Celebration of Life at Meridian Valley Country Club, Kent, 4 pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenwoodmempark.com for the McCann family.