Gary Velikanje

I’d like to tell you about my husband, Gary.  I want you to see why I love him so much.

Gary Velikanje was born in Yakima, Washington on December 27th, 1948. Early in his life he went to the Le Rosey School in Switzerland, a life altering experience that sparked his love of travel, language and people around the world.  He returned to Washington and attended Washington State University and then on to Thunderbird School of Management in Arizona.  Eventually, Gary became an entrepreneur in Portland, Oregon where he established a number of businesses.  He resided in Vancouver, WA where he died peacefully on November 18th, 2022 after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s Disease and cancer. 

Although Gary grew up wanting for nothing, met royalty from around the world during his time away at school in Switzerland, and could afford fine things, he preferred the simple things in life.  Gary was most happy with his feet in the sand, hiking and breathing fresh air in nature, and enjoying a good beer or a cold glass of lemonade with friends.  He had a quick wit, loved to shock people with his quirky sense of humor, and loved a good dirty joke from time to time.  I had to warn people that they may be offended!

He was humble and down to earth.  He’d often drive me crazy, wearing clothes with holes in them! People would think I wasn’t taking care of him. But he sure loved that old shirt with holes!

Although Gary would never ever talk badly about anyone, he disliked pompous people who put on airs. He was drawn to authentic people.  You’d really get his special dry wit treatment if you came off as arrogant or dishonest; or he’d just walk away.  Gary respected people who were honest and loyal.  He believed in underdogs.

Gary took pride in his businesses, and especially his last company, Wood Kote Products.  He wanted his product to be the best.  He valued hard working people who ‘did the job’ and wouldn’t show off.  He loved to put things together, help others, fix things, puzzle things out, and connect people.  The theme of connectedness ran throughout his entire life.

When I first met Gary he tolerated surprise parties but ended up loving them, because, well, he loved a party!  He enjoyed good French food and great BBQ.  

Gary loved to travel. Every birthday was a new destination: Brazil, Hawaii, Seychelles, Cabo San Lucas, any place with a beach. He loved to feel the sand beneath his feet.

He loved his floating home, his bachelor pad, which, in time, had pink towels all over the place. 

He loved to fly, ski, boat and play polo.

He loved to dance and loved exotic music. His absolute favorite song was “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.

He loved to watch classic tap dancing with modern music overdubbed. 

He loved John Mulaney’s “There’s a horse in the hospital” which always made him laugh. He loved the news as well as late night television. 

Gary had a knack for languages and spoke French, German, Spanish, and some Portuguese.

He loved to buy cheap things and enjoyed expensive things. He had an eye for the future for everything and everyone. He’d help people by seeing their prospects and promises. He was always looking out for everyone and their brother and trying to help them in any way they needed. Gary enjoyed life and helping people. 

Our hearts are tight and heavy for the loss of such a wonderful husband and friend. 

God bless your soul and may the party keep going in heaven with all your friends looking good in bikinis and making margaritas while dancing.  

This and more was my dearest husband, my love, my soul and partner forever.  Love you, Gladis.

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