Gary Oleson, 44, passed away Sunday, Oct. 16, 2005, at his home after a very courageous battle against cancer. At the time of death, many family and friends surrounded him.

He was born July 6, 1961, raised in Seattle and graduated from Tyee High School in 1980. He worked at E&E Meats and McDonald Meat Company in Seattle.

Gary moved to Yakima seven years ago and had worked in the garden center at Wal-Mart for the past four years. Gary lived in Yakima with his girlfriend of 10 years, Tammy Gallegos, and her children.

Growing up in Seattle, Gary had a passion for motorcycles and martial arts. He was an avid collector of martial arts supplies and Bruce Lee memorabilia. He was talented, liked to work with his hands, and enjoyed working on cars and landscaping. He will be remembered as a loving father, brother, son, uncle, and friend to so many others. Gary had a wonderful sense of humor and never ran out of stories that he loved to tell.

Gary’s immediate family would like to acknowledge all his coworkers and friends at Wal-Mart for their prayers and support. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Oleson, and his father, Irvin Oleson.

Survivors include his only daughter, Robin Oleson, of Seattle who he loved very much; step-mother Donna Oleson of Yakima; brother Vern Oleson of Yakima; nephews Jeremy and Kyle Oleson, Seattle; niece Samantha Filingeri-Oleson, Yakima; half-sister Pamela Sheppard of Seattle; half-brother Gerald Oleson of Fort Dodge, Iowa; and several other cousins, nieces and nephews.

Interment will be at Washington Memorial Park in SeaTac, Memorial Services will be held at McMicken Heights Community Center at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 2005.

At his request a celebration of his life will be held immediately following. Live music, potluck luncheon, BYOB.

He will be missed but he will always be remembered!