Gary Lee McLaughlin

In the afternoon on November 13, 2015, Gary went to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior. He was born in Bremerton, Washington on October 20, 1943 to Jerry and Jean McLaughlin. He grew up in Spokane and after graduation from Lewis and Clark High School he continued his education at the University of Idaho as a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He served in the United States Army and as 2nd Lieutenant in the Washington National Guard. For 51 years he was employed by Banner Furnace and Fuel, Inc. a third generation, family owned business, of which he was owner and President for the past 16 years. He was active in the community throughout the years as a member of the Kiwanis Club, Lilac Festival Association, Spokane Club and Spokane Country Club. He also held several Oil Industry Offices and was honored as Boss of the Year. He was so grateful for his loyal employees over the years, as they were like family to him. The ocean was one of his favorite places; as well as Priest Lake and Lake Roosevelt. Hunting, fishing and golfing were at the top of his to-do list and a Hole-in-One at the Spokane Country Club was among his treasured memories. Football, baseball, snowshoe softball, volleyball, skiing, swimming and white water rafting came naturally for Gary. He also enjoyed following the Mariners, Seahawks and the Gonzaga Bulldogs Basketball teams. Besides his family and friends, Gary had a heart for the Veterans and supported Honor Flight. He never failed to acknowledge a serviceman with a word of gratitude or pass up an opportunity to help a person in need. Gary is survived by his loving wife Mary Lou of 31 years. Daughters: Shawna (Randy) Russell, Molly Hollis, Shelby (D.J.) Funk. Stepchildren: Kevin Oberst and Julie Whetzel. Grandchildren: Rylee, Ryan, Megan and Emily Russell; Sawyer Hollis; Makenzie and Jaymon Funk. Sister: Gail McLaughlin. Brother: Mike (Marianne) McLaughlin. Sister-in-Laws: Liz (Perry) Morton, Colleen (Pat) Gibbs and Lois Hare. Brother-in-Law: Michael Hare. He also had numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. He will be remembered as a very caring, compassionate man with a good sense of humor. He was very generous, had many great friends and lived life to the fullest. Gary had a tremendous impact on our lives and will be in our hearts forever. A viewing service will be held on Friday, November 20, 2015 at Riplinger Funeral Home 4305 N Division St in Spokane from 9:00am – 5:00pm. Funeral Services will be held at The Lincoln Center 1316 N Lincoln St. in Spokane on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 12:00pm. Interment will follow with Military Honors at Greenwood Memorial Terrace. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Union Gospel Mission, Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery or woundedwarriorproject.org.