Gary Dean Sheldon

Gary was raised in Eugene Oregon and attended North Eugene High School. He served in the Oregon National Guard during the Vietnam era. Later, he studied at Southern Oregon College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. He continued his studies at the University of Oregon where he graduated with a master’s degree in education.

While Gary’s future husband, Doyle, was visiting his mother in Portland, friends took him to their favorite gay bar, Hobo’s, in northwest Portland. Not a drinker and insisting he did not do bars, it was there he saw (but did not meet) Gary. On a subsequent visit to Portland, his friends again took him to their favorite bar and this time Doyle asked to be introduced to Gary. It happened to be Gary’s 50th birthday, and in a relatively short period of time they became a couple. They were married on October 10, 2018, at Gary’s home in Portland, Oregon.

In his teaching career, Gary was an elementary reading specialist. He was active in the Oregon Education Association promoting reading skills and as President of the Tigard Education Association. He attended the National Education Association Assembly as a delegate.

In retirement, Gary and Doyle started traveling abroad extensively, beginning with satisfying his life-long (since 3rd grade) fascination with Egypt. Together, they continued their travels to Jordon, Australia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Alaska, Easter Island, Macau & Hong Kong, Machu Picchu, Dubai, Kenya, Greece, Croatia, Turkey, Venice, South Asia, India, Panama Canal, China, Singapore, Iceland, Ireland, Gibraltar, and Spain.

When Gary was not adventuring in his many travels, you could find him with a book in hand as he was a voracious reader. Gary also had an appreciation for fine arts, jewelry, orchids, etc.

Some of Gary’s favorite donations were to the Portland Japanese Garden, Portland Lan Su Chinese Garden, Our House of Portland (time, service, financial support), and Portland Gay Men’s Chorus.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Elsie Sheldon, and brother Rex Sheldon.

Gary is survived by husband Doyle, twin brother Cary Gene Sheldon & sister-in-law Darlene Sheldon, nephew Scott & wife Lisa Sheldon, nephew Shawn & wife Anne Sheldon, Niece Shannon & husband Jarrett Clark & grand-niece Dalaney, nephew Troy Sheldon, brother-in-law Gary & sister-in-law Treva Forister, nephew Eric & wife Julie Forister, grand-nephews William and Maxwell, and grand-niece Clara.