Gary Elmo Littlefield

Gary Elmo Littlefield came into the world on July 25th., 1937... Franklin D. Roosevelt was president... That was the year of the Hindenburg disaster and the disappearance of Amelia Earhart... The Glenn Miller band debuted...the Golden Gate Bridge was completed, and a gallon of gas cost 10 cents… Gary was born in Burly Idaho to parents Elmo Devoss and Dorothy Lucille Littlefield... He was the oldest of 5 children, along with his siblings Barbara, Ted, Pam and Danny. He spent his earliest childhood in Idaho, then around the age of 7 came to Portland with his family—his father came to find work in the shipyards during the war. Gary attended Lincoln High School. After high school, he found work delivering dentures around town. While doing that, he met Ruby in 1954 at a dance at Division Street Corral. It was love at first sight...and many said “oh, it will never last”... But three and one half months after meeting, they were married...and shared life and love for 61 years. He and Ruby brought six children of their own into the world: Gary (who they tragically lost a few years ago), Joe, Ted, Guy, Cindy and Sam. He was a good father and worked hard to make sure his family was provided for. He next found work at Nicolai doors as a “sawyer”...moved up through the ranks, and after 10 years, went to work for Georgia Pacific driving truck. He'd learned how to drive on his own. A warehouse manager showed him the truck, how the gears worked and he taught himself. He really enjoyed driving—it allowed him plenty of alone time, and he loved seeing nature in all it's diversity as he drove around the Western States. After Georgia Pacific he worked at Sequoia for another 10 years, then he and Ruby managed their two adult foster care homes. He'd cook and clean and help out. He always got up early and made the best breakfast. They continued their loving care of older adults until they were no longer able. When not working Gary loved to play the guitar—whether electric or folk didn't matter.. He played some Beatles...but loved Ray Price and the songwriters of his generation. He liked to shop -when he and Ruby were caring for older adults, he did all the grocery shopping and was expert at finding lots of bargains and deals. He owned a boat which he tried to use often but didn't get as much time as he might have liked -work was first. He took his boys fishing when they were little and taught them to enjoy the water. He loved a good movie...or to read the newspaper... and always enjoyed cooking or helping out in the kitchen...

Gary was a grandfather to six and great-grandfather to six more...and enjoyed his grandchildren. He was a person of action—he didn't care to just sit around...so he always liked to keep doing things. He taught his kids that “just laying around won't get you anywhere...get up and do something even if it's wrong”… He was quiet, but had a good sense of humor... He was a bit hard of hearing and didn't hear conversations easily...so he was not overly outgoing...instead enjoying projects around the house...remodeling or spending time with Ruby—they were deeply in love and always enjoyed each other's company. They rarely argued—and less and less as the years went by. Gary was a man who didn't put up with much nonsense. He was a straight shooter who was respectful of women and all people. He was also a man who loved his parents—and was especially close to his father. Who made the world a better place for the family and friends who knew and loved him.

Now today, as we struggle to say our goodbyes to Gary, we are thankful for his life...that we knew and loved him and were blessed to share in all his life was and meant. We take hope that he is in a better place, reunited with loved ones. And we take comfort in knowing that he will live on in our hearts and minds through the memories we share and the stories we tell.

Written By: Doug McCleary - Certified Celebrant