Gary Duane McAlvey October 17, 1934 – May 05, 2019 Share this obituary Send Flowers View/Sign Guest Book| Send Private Condolences| Send Sympathy Card After a morning spent enjoying his yard with family, Gary, 84, passed away in his beloved home, May 5, 2019. Gary was born October 17, 1934, in the Methow Valley to Bill and Alice McAlvey. He grew up with two brothers, Vern and Doug, and a little sister Norma.
All preceded him in death except his brother Doug. After graduating from Pateros High School, Gary served in the U.S. Navy. Upon discharge, he completed barber school in Spokane then returned to Pateros to barber, serve as a volunteer fire fighter, and was the town’s Justice of the Peace.
In 1970, he moved to Walla Walla and worked at various barber shops. He opened Gary’s Bull Pen which he owned and operated for more than 30 years. Gary had the privilege of cutting the hair of multiple generations within the same family for many in the Walla Walla area.
His customers were an extended part of his family – he loved his “job”. His daughter Linda continues to operate the business as “The Bull Pen”. The joy and foundation of his life was his family, passing on life lessons that will be cherished by all.
He took great pride in his beautiful yard and garden and passed that joy onto each of his children and grandchildren. He was a talented artist, creating intricate tooled leather works and award winning wood carvings. He was a life long member of the VFW, a proud member of the NRA and also Elks, Eagles, and the Walla Walla Carvers club and spent many summers traveling with the Winnebago Club along with his sister and brother in law.
Survivors include his loving wife of 36 years, JoAnn, daughters Linda (Dale) Gehrke, Terri (Bob) Cantrell and son Eric McAlvey. Grandchildren Jessica (Chad) Avery, Meghan (Tyler Koch) Cantrell, Michael Cantrell, Tess (Anthony Bentley) Cantrell, Noah Gast, Jared McAlvey, Grace McAlvey, Cassandra (Junior) Barroso, Kaila (CJ) Harmier and 7 great grandchildren. He is also survived by special friend, “adopted son” Wes Ohler.
He was preceded in death by his youngest daughter Lisa Petersen and baby grandson Joshua Cantrell. A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, June 1st at 1:00 p.m. at Blue Mountain Community Church, 928 Sturm, Walla Walla. Please join the family in wearing casual, comfortable attire and bring a favorite story to share.
Gary loved sharing his talent for woodcarving. He taught beginning carving at Walla Walla Community College for several years right until his death. We ask that Memorial Contributions be made to the Walla Walla Wood Carvers Club through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St. Walla Walla.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
