Credit should be given to Gary

Gary W. Thacker came to Columbia Falls as a teenager and became a longtime businessman.

It seems to me that sometimes we do not give enough credit to residents such as Gary, who helped build Columbia Falls through the years.

Gary was born Dec. 26, 1933, in Cory, Pa., son of Troy and Louise Thacker. The family moved to Columbia Falls in 1946. They owned a service station and garage on Highway 40. Louise became one of the first women to drive a school bus for School District No. 6.

It was in 1962 when Gary and Edith purchased the Chevron Station owned by his parents. He later bought property across from it on the corner of Fourth Avenue West and Highway 40. Thacker's Auto Parts was built there with grand opening taking place Sept. 25, 1982. Building was remodeled and became the Corner about 1985. They had Mexican food, take-and-bake pizzas, a casino and video rentals.

Retirement years began in December, 1998. Property was purchased by Steve Ferkovich and Greg Bauska. It is now Tien's Place.

Friends described Gary as always working. He was a genial host to customers and a fair employer. His family members and friends dubbed him Mr. Popularity. He always enjoyed daily get-togethers with friends and cups of coffee at the Nite Owl Restaurant.

Gary was high-point stock car driver for years. Hunting trips with his sons, sons-in-law and grandchildren were always favorite activities. A memorable hunt was for brown bear in Alaska with his brothers. Gary always attended activities his grandsons participated in and was their No. One fan. .

Edith Oxander and Gary were married in Coeur d'Alene, Dec. 1, 1953. She died Jan. 15, 1998.

Survivors include three daughters, Thea Thacker, Newcastle, Wash., and Rela (Gene) Schneider and Mara (Ray) Williams, Columbia Falls.

Grandchildren and great-grandchildren are Lara Henderson (Bruce) Megard, Anabelle Rose Megard, Grayson Asher Megard, Seattle; Jill Henderson (Tyeson) Allum, Aria Kherington Allum, Richland, Wash.; Erica Rae Henderson and fiance, Brian Gilmore, Kent, Wash.; G.W. Schneider and wife, Meghan; Dylan, Gauge and Bianca Schneider, Kalispell; Devon Schneider, Columbia Falls; and Michael and Derrick Williams, Columbia Falls.

Gary was preceded in death by two sisters, Wilma and Nancy. He is survived by two brothers, Troy and Glenn; two sisters, Marsha Wilkerson, Kalispell, and Lois; and brother-in-law, Richard (Skip) Oxander, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Gary's corneas were donated to help someone else see. Thea commented this was absolutely the only thing that made us smile the day Gary died, May 10. Memorial services will be held here during the summer.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.