Gregory Ty Wick

Gregory Ty Wick passed away on December 11, 2020, following a fierce, short battle with brain cancer. Ty was born in Spokane, Washington, on October 20, 1951. He attended elementary and junior high schools in Spokane Valley and Freeman, graduating from East Valley High School in 1970. Ty graduated from Washington State University with a degree in animal sciences in 1974.

Ty worked for Trentwood Irrigation District No. 3 and Irvin Water District No. 6 before moving to Yakima in 1984 to work as the water superintendent for the City of Yakima Water and Irrigation Division. While there he began teaching water certification and basic waterworks courses for Green River Community College in support of the state of Washington water operator’s certification and ongoing education programs. Ty moved back to Spokane in 1994 to become general manager of Spokane County Water District No. 3, retiring in 2018. Ty was a founding member of the Spokane Aquifer Joint Board, an organization focused on creating community education and awareness to protect the sole-source water supply for the region; he was passionate about the conservation movement. Ty was a member of the American Water Works Association and took an active leadership role in the Pacific Northwest subsection of AWWA. He also joined the Washington Grange at a young age with his grandfather, Bill Spooner.

In retirement, Ty maintained active memberships in the Washington Forestry Association and Department of Natural Resource’s Small Forest Landowners program that focused on stewardship of forest lands. He participated in Washington State University’s Forestry Extension program, maintaining a comprehensive forest management plan for the family property.

Ty married Diane on June 26, 1971, in Spokane, Washington. They lived in Pullman and Spokane where their children were born, and also in Yakima. Ty played basketball with the Yakima Parks and Recreation program, and also coached local T-ball teams, marveling at the kids “dancing in the outfield.” Ty enjoyed camping and fishing with his family and grandchildren at Washington and Idaho state parks, and also hunting in Montana with his brother, Tim, and friends.

He is survived by his wife of over 49 years, Diane, daughter, Gail Wick (Ryan Orth), son, Greg Wick (Jen), and grandchildren Garnet, Edgar, Lucy, and Harriet, mother, Betty Meyer, sister, Terry Wick, brother, Tim Wick (Laura), half-brother, Glenn Wick (Leisa), step-sisters Carolyn Loy and Beverly Mickelson, step-brother Mark Meyer (Berta), numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by father, Charles Wick, step-mother, June Wick, step-father Richard Meyer, and half-brother, Tom Wick (Shryle Myers.)

Since a gathering to celebrate his life is not possible during these times of pandemic, no public memorial or funeral will be held. His family would like to express their sincere gratitude and thanks to the caregivers of Hospice of Spokane, who provided compassionate, gentle care to Ty in his final days. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of Spokane, 121 S. Arthur St., Spokane, WA 99202-2253, or to your favorite charity.