Gayle T. McGarry passed away Monday, April 8, 2024, at his home in Lewiston. He was born June 18, 1930, in Bainville, Mont., to William and Elsie McGarry. He lived in Bainville the first six years of his life until his father died. Gayle and his mother then moved to Wolf Point, Mont., where he attended school. When he was 18 years old, he and his mother moved to Missoula, Mont. He worked various jobs and learned to drive truck.
In 1954, he married Dorothy Ballinger in Kalispell, Mont. They had a daughter, Beverly. They divorced in 1956.
In 1957, Gayle married Mildred Lobell in Missoula, where they made a home for the next 12 years.
They were blessed with five children — Bill, Brenda, Kerry, Gayle Ann and Trina.
In 1967, Gayle purchased a van trailer of his own and hauled produce from the state of Washington to the East. In early 1969, he went to Alaska and worked on the North Shore oil rigs.
In 1969, Gayle and Milly moved their family to Lewiston after purchasing a trucking business — Eagle Transfer which was previously owned by Ken Wyatt.
Gayle was actively involved in politics throughout his life. He was appointed by Gov. Cecil Andrus as chairman of the CEDA Board in the 1980s. From 1994 to 1998, he served as mayor of Lewiston. He continued to be involved in city council and other community services after his term as mayor.
Gayle and Milly were members of the First Church of the Nazarene in Lewiston for many years. He drove the Sunday school bus and sang solos during Sunday church services.
Gayle is survived by his wife, Milly, of 66 years; his son Bill and his wife, Judy; his daughter Gayle Ann; and his daughter Beverly from his first marriage. He has 10 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and three of his daughters — Brenda, Trina and Kerry.
Gayle was baptized as a child in the Catholic faith in Montana. He had recently reaffirmed his faith by going through RCIA classes and became a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Lewiston.
Cremation arrangements have been made and a service is planned for the Summer.
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