Gary LERoy Van Lith

AuGUST 26, 1950 - March 15, 2016

Gary LeRoy Van Lith’s life suddenly ended on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, from cardiac arrest at Confluence Health in Wenatchee, Washington.

Gary was born on August 26, 1950 in Yakima, Washington, and moved to the Wenatchee area in the summer of 1964. During his high school years, Gary played basketball, but baseball was his passion. The New York Yankees even invited him to play in a developmental summer league, but he turned down the opportunity because he wanted to stay close to home. He graduated from Eastmont High School in 1968.

He is survived by his wife Pamela Dunlap Van Lith; ma-in-law Shirley Dunlap; son Corey and daughter-in-law Jessica Van Lith; daughter Lori and daughter-in-law Barb Andre-Van Lith; brother Fred (Butch) Van Lith and wife Terri; sister Joan Van Lith Allred and husband Mike, Judy Van Lith Straub and husband Marc; six nephews and three nieces; grandchildren Tanner, Hailey, Carter and Kayden; an aunt and uncle and several cousins.

He is preceded in death by his mother Lorraine Dorey Van Lith, father Fred Van Lith and niece Melissa Van Lith.

Gary and Pam had their first date at homecoming on Friday, October 13 in 1967, and he gave her his class ring that very night. The two married June 13, 1970. During their first year of marriage, Gary became a black belt in Tae Kwon Do within just 11 months. Gary and Pam became parents nearly four years after marrying. He first worked in the construction industry as a laborer for six years, then Gary became a general contractor in 1976, forming GVL Construction. After a work injury, Gary attended Wenatchee Valley College in the ‘80s and earned a 4.0 with the help of his study partner Pam. Gary started as a construction laborer and became a skilled craftsman, building 100s of custom homes over 45 years throughout the Wenatchee Valley. 

Gary coached baseball in both American Legion and Babe Ruth Leagues before his children were old enough to play. He later coached his son Corey in baseball and basketball. Gary was known for his passion and hard work ethics both on and off the field and court. The family has many fond memories of spending quality time together boating, fishing, camping, riding motorcycles and playing card and board games.

Gary was extremely proud of his kids, but his grandchildren gave him the most joy. He rarely missed an athletic event or school performance and traveled with his family throughout the country for sporting events. Gary donated numerous hours of labor toward the renovation of Morris Baseball Park in Wenatchee. He was a proud father and Papa on the bleachers, soccer field and along the fence line. His family and friends will miss seeing him in the stands, hearing his voice cheering the kids on and feeling his passion for the team.

Contributions in memory of Gary may be made to the Gary Van Lith Youth Sports Fund at Banner Bank. The family will distribute the funds to various youth sports organizations throughout the community.