BOMBER MEMORIAL

GARY WAYNE CHRISTIAN ~ Class of 1967
November 24, 1948 - June 24, 2024



Gary's passing was posted on his Facebook page on June 25, 2024. "Yesterday we said goodbye to a great man. He was an amazing husband, dad, grandpa and father-in-law. You are loved by many and will be missed. Thank you, Jesus, to no more pain and suffering."


Gary was born to Sanford and Lena Johnson Christian on November 24, 1948. He passed away on June 24, 2024.

He graduated with the Class of 1967 from Richland's Columbia High School.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sharon ('62); sister, Sandra; and brother, Wayne.


Written by Gary for the 40-year Class Reunion in 2007:

"Well, I will give you just a brief background of myself. I have lived in the Vancouver area since 1983. I worked for a training company and functioned as both the West Coast Manager and company computer illustrator and animator.

In 1994, I met the love of my life and soul mate, Deborah. She brought two sons into our marriage, and I consider them my own sons and they consider me their father. They are both married now with children of their own. I am teaching the grandchildren to fish the same way I taught their parents.

In 2004 I was diagnosed with OPMD but was probably showing symptoms of the disease since the year 2000. OPMD is an extremely rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. The gene for OPMD is passed down through families, and I can now trace the disease back to my Norwegian ancestors from around 1700. The disease is so rare, I can guarantee that I am the only Bomber to ever have it. The disease is not life threatening but will put me in a wheel chair eventually, and it did mean the end of my employment as I could no longer travel for the company.

We have moved from our bigger home in Vancouver to a more suitable home in Washougal that is more accessible to me with little maintenance. Though slowed down, I still am able to get around, and my wife and I spend time at the Oregon coast and exploring the Columbia Gorge. I also continue to draw pencil portraits of people as I have done for many years. I also dabble in fiction writing as time allows. I consider raising my two sons to be good men and being a father as my greatest achievement in life."



File put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).