Gary Henry Griffiths was born Aug. 24,1932 to Herbert and Evelyn Griffiths at their home in Omak. He passed away Aug. 4, 2012 at his home in Okanogan. He grew up in Omak participating in music and sports and graduated from Omak High School in 1950.
          After graduation, Gary enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served on four ships: the U.S.S. Jason, U.S.S. Guadaloupe, U.S.S. Rupertus, and the U.S.S. Mansfield. Gary spent time in Korean waters and in Japan. After his honorable discharge from the navy, he joined the U.S. Army National Guard where he had additional schooling. In 1956, He then joined the U.S. Army where he served as an MP in Georgia and went to language school in California. After learning the Turkish language, he spent time at the NATO base in Turkey as an interpreter.
          Gary loved music and through the years played with several bands locally and throughout the state. He was known as “that left handed bass player”. Many local families enjoyed watching him play while seated on his bass fiddle.
          Gary was preceded in death by his father; his mother, Evelyn Laughary; his step-father, Clarence Laughary; and step-brother, Sonny Laughary. He is survived by his five children, Gary Griffiths II, Steve Griffiths and their families of the Tri-Cities, Mike Griffiths DeCamp of Omak, and Shawn Griffiths and Michelle Griffiths and their families of Idaho Falls, Idaho; sisters, Colleen (Clyde) Pock of Okanogan, Mildred Jewell of Omak, Darlene Laughary Smith of Oregon and their families; his beloved companion of 16 years, Vivian Olsick; and extended family, John Olsick, Don Olsick, Josh Olsick of Ephrata, Tammy Strite of Moses Lake and Elaine Howell of Conconully and their families.
          Gary will be missed by his family and many special friends. At his request, he was cremated and there will be no public service. Memorials in Gary’s name could be sent to Okanogan Presbyterian church floor fund or to a charity of one’s choice.
          Special thanks to Dr. Bryant, Gary’s hospice caregivers, Barbara Barr, Chris Warren; his special
     caregivers, Elaine and Rob; and his own personal nurse, Heather.
          Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel and the Okanogan County Crematory, LLC are entrusted with the arrangements.