He was born on Oct. 19, 1942 in Colorado Springs, Colo. to Harold and Ireta Ransom Powell.
During his childhood, he lived in Boise, Idaho, Izee and John Day. He graduated from Grant County High School. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam era from 1961 through 1965. He then served his electrical apprenticeship through I.B.E.W. 112 and worked throughout his career as a journeyman electrician in Eastern Oregon and Southeast Washington. He married Jackie on Dec. 12, 1978 in Reno, Nev.
Gary enjoyed fishing and hunting, woodworking, going to the coast to whale watch and watching hummingbirds.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Gerri and Diana.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie; sons, John and wife Ronda, Greg and wife Jennifer, and Andrew; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017 at Westside Church of Christ, 2185 W. Orchard Ave., Hermiston.
To leave an online condolence for the family, go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
