Gary Duane Campbell

We are deeply saddened with Gary’s passing Tuesday, September 1st at home in Yakima, WA. After years of dealing with health issues, metastatic cancer ended Gary’s life.

Gary was born September 25, 1947, to the late Jim & Fontella (Walker) Campbell. Gary admired his late older brothers, Roger and Bob, who were outstanding athletes in Selah School District.

Inspired by his brothers, Gary began his many years of competitive swimming proving himself to be one of the outstanding swimmers in Central Washington! At one point, he held 11 of the 12 Selah pool records and coming within one-tenth of a second of national records. With dozens of trophies, ribbons, medals, and so much promise; Gary’s competitive swimming career unfortunately ended abruptly due to complex illnesses.

Fortunately, Gary played basketball in high school lettering twice, alongside his lifelong best friend, Chris Carlson. When they were four, they met at Sunday School when Chris invited Gary to wrestle. This invite was jestingly repeated over the years when they saw one another whether at a formal event or one another’s home. Chris became another brother growing up together with tons of fond memories. Any time with Chris and his wife, Diana, has been delightful filled with lots of laughter, stories, and marvelous food. Coming from Spokane to our home for our last visit, we shared a lifetime of remembrances, which was a beautiful tapestry of humor, unforgettable milestones, and solace.

While in high school, Gary and friends, including Chris, Roger Henderson, and the late Wayne Turner played in a rock n’ roll band called the Knights of Baghdad. They entertained at weddings, high school dances, grange events, and birthdays (inclusive of the Yakima Country Club). Like many great bands, there were times when life necessitated they all take a step back from the music and yet, despite it all, the friendships born from these musical experiences were strong enough to last a lifetime. This was perhaps no better exemplified than at Roger’s Annual Festivus party where they would all get together and play for friends and family. In more recent years, the late Howard Moore and late Mick Zarana played with Terry Petersen sitting in at times. Roger and Gary visited by phone checking on the news, politics, and family events, as well as reminiscing. When Gary was no longer able to talk on the phone, Roger came to visit him every few days and was patient when Gary couldn’t stay awake.

Gary dedicated his professional life to helping others. At 18, he became the YMCA Swim Coach with over 100 kids, a major feat! He graduated from Selah High School in 1966, attended YVCC and completed his M.Ed. in Psychology at CWU. Gary served as a school psychologist in Yakima, West Valley, and Selah School Districts. While working with Dave Jaeger in West Valley, they developed a lasting friendship. When Gary’s complex health issues began, Dave would text a few times per week and intermittently call. When Gary was no longer able to use his phone, Dave made routine visits chatting with Gary and often remaining for an entire dialysis treatment.

Gary also developed his private practice serving children, teens, adults, couples, and families. He sincerely loved working with people and found it to be incredibly rewarding. After his public-school retirement, he continued his private practice. When Gary’s ill health prevented him from continuing, it was extremely difficult to close his private practice as he missed seeing his clients.

While Gary was completing his degree at CWU and began his professional career with YSD, he also served in the Army National Guard for six years as a medic. It was during this experience he developed a friendship with a fellow medic, Dr. Dennis Byam, which remained strong as ever, lasting right up until Gary’s final days. Dennis frequently visited Gary during his extended illness, sitting with him during dialysis, and even delivered urgent chiropractic treatments. Dennis and his wife, Kathy, were always so loving and kind, frequently reminding Gary and his family that they are “only a phone call away.”

In his life, Gary was gifted with several friendships providing steadfast companionship wherein, by the end of his time here, a comfortable silence transcended words.

While working with YSD, Gary met Karen (Young-Gardner), in a night class. A few years later while serving a special needs student, he again encountered Karen, a first-grade teacher. Gary and Karen were married July 4, 1981. In marrying Karen, Gary proudly became a father to daughters, Nicole (13) and Danielle (9). With their marriage, the family blended with the addition of two German Shepherds and two cats. Gary has often said how much he treasured and cherished his daughters, who deeply enriched his life in so many ways that only they could.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Karen; daughters, Nicole Simon and Danielle Huber; son-in-law, Casey Huber; Grandchildren: Ashley, Cade, and Alex Huber (Clarissa Mendoza); Braeden and Hannah Simon, Cassandra Fiorina (Jake) and their father, Jeff Simon. Great Grandchildren: Arlo, Luca, and Cora Fiorina; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Roger & Jan Bates, Al & Debra Chronister, as well as several beloved and adored nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Gary’s greatest joy in life was being “Bapa” to his grandkids loving each for their unique personality. Many hours and miles on the road were spent attending their sporting events, surgeries, birthdays, and shows. He passed down his passion for music and playing the drums teaching Ashley to play, who then in turn taught Cade to play. In addition to the years spent jamming in his band room, the later sounds of Cade and Ashley’s band practices were helpful in making some of Gary’s dialysis treatments more tolerable (and even less tolerable some days, depending on their playing). Luckily, Bapa was still able to provide some extremely helpful, after practice guidance.

Many memories were made with family at various beaches with several at Seaside, Mt. Rainier, hiking, and Boulder Cave to name a few. Campfires, making s’mores, and telling stories was a favorite way for the family to spend time on these excursions. Popcorn and cookie filled movie nights with the family also served as another series of Gary’s most deeply cherished memories. Our annual Halloween dinner and trick or treating together has been hysterical at times with crazy costumes and too much sugar, always making sure we made it to the McCarthy’s for special treats and hugs. Gary also loved the 25+ person Christmas celebration that he and Karen hosted each year.

Gary’s “happy place” as he called it was Maui. He loved everything about the beauty and relaxing atmosphere of the island but especially enjoyed watching the whales. His absolute favorite activity, however, was barbecuing while looking at the ocean and meeting interesting people from all over the world.

With the training and ongoing support from Davita Lake Aspen Home Training Clinic, Gary was able to have dialysis at home. We have a tremendous appreciation and respect for the Davita team. Thank you! Most notably, Gary’s RN, Rachel Clayton was on speed dial, always quick to respond with her incredible help and positivity. She and Gary had an ongoing teasing relationship giving one another a big laugh each time they interacted. In addition, Gary had a dedicated dialysis technician, Charlotte Zito, whose wonderful sense of caring and warmth has supported Gary and Karen cannulating at the beginning of each session and has also assisted during the last phase of care. In her absence, Erikka Perault, would step in with smiles and laughs, all while sharing her skills. In the early days of dialysis at home, Brenda Garcia served as technician being highly dependable and patient, as well as supporting the newness of dialysis at home. These people were amazing enabling Gary to be at home for dialysis for which he was enormously grateful.

Gary’s family has tremendous gratitude for MultiCare Hospice in providing the stellar expertise to enable Gary to pass peacefully at home. This team is extraordinary in their immediate home services, e.g. recognizing needs that were not readily apparent and the abilities to quickly show how to do some challenging procedures. Most importantly, one never felt alone or at risk as they were available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The consistent help in resolving minor issues and urgent situations will be forever appreciated.

During these last years, Gary had to make several ER trips and experienced extended admittances at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital. With each event, Gary and his family were impressed with our Yakima Fire Department and ambulance services. Each ER event was comforting with the excellent care provided. When admitted and during his stays, Gary encountered several wonderful doctors, RNs, CNAs, and support staff. The second floor east and west wing became his preference due to the climate with the staff appearing happy, wanting to be there, working hard, supporting one another, and most importantly wanting to take care of him with skill, kindness, and grace. MultiCare provided exceptional care with a superb staff!

In addition to these outside agencies, we would be remiss to not express our appreciation for our wonderful family. Specifically, Ashley who checked in daily to assist with whatever was needed, e.g. running labs to Fed Ex and consistently helping to fill Gary’s nights with love and laughter. Additionally, the rest of our family has been so tremendously generous, kind, and thoughtful with frequent treats, meals, and companionship, along with any other help needed throughout Gary’s illness. In the lead up and immediate nights following Gary’s passing, Casey and Danielle have spent what time they’ve had after their busy days, at the house offering not just material help but more importantly, their affection and devotion. Their love is forever cherished.

Life will never be the same without Gary’s presence. We were blessed to know him, love him, and enjoy him. Gary often said, “I am such a lucky man. I’m so blessed to have such a loving family and great friends. I feel cared about and loved.” Gary was well known for his sharp sense of humor and making even the most serious situations a little less intense. As he was nearing the end, when we often thought he was sleeping, he would interject with a supremely clever and humorous comment surprising us all and making us laugh! Up until the very end, Gary kept us laughing and feeling loved. His presence on this earth will be greatly missed.

Gary’s memorial service will be held at 3:00 Friday, September 25, 2026 at Keith & Keith Terrace Heights Memorial Center located at 2807 Terrace Heights Dr, Yakima, WA. Afterwards, his life celebration will be at the Yakima Country Club at 500 Country Club Dr, Yakima, WA with music, food, and beverages.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your own favorite charity or one of Gary’s: March of Dimes, Donor Service Center, PO Box 8972, Topeka, KS 66608-9958 -Yakima Union Gospel Mission at yugm.org