Gary Hernkind, 67, died June 11, 2009, at Harborview Hospital in Seattle after a brief illness. He was born June 3, 1942, in Portage, Wisc., to Lester H. and Sylvia Murier Hernkind.

Gary’s first job was on a farm at the age of 13, but after finishing high school he started what would be his 26-year career in the U.S. Navy. He was an ordnance man and served several tours in Vietnam, along with various stations throughout the world, the last of which was Whidbey Island Naval Air Station where he retired in 1986 as a master chief.

In 1965 Gary met and married June Cuyo in Hilo, Hawaii. Together they raised two sons. Gary loved many things, but at the top of that list was his family. He loved coin collecting, fishing, hunting, camping, gardening, old western movies, reading Clive Cussler books and watching NASCAR, his favorite driver being Jeff Gordon. He was a great letter writer and while serving our country in the far reaches of the world, he would send letters, flowers and poems to his loving wife, who was always on his mind.

Gary loved to gather friends and family together. The holidays, the hydroplane races and the annual July family camping trips were among his most favorite times. His favorite music was from the “Big Band Era,” and his favorite saying, since childhood, was, “I’m in charge.”

Gary’s great sense of humor would always find a way to make you smile. He was a practical joker, picking on his kids and grandkids, usually with a lesson to be learned from the experience. He always had a stash of candy for the kids or anyone who would stop by.

Gary is survived by his wife of nearly 44 years, June, at the family home; sons Gary and Matthew Hernkind; grandchildren Gary Hernkind, Jr., Krissy McGill, Cody Hernkind, Mirinda Hernkind, Jonathon Hernkind and Alex Hernkind; and great- grandson Allen Hernkind.

He also leaves sisters Crystal Walker, Dawn Hernkind and Gay Miller; uncle Leonard Hernkind; special longtime friends Orin Schepp and Donald Beyer; along with many other extended family and friends.

Visitation for Gary was held June 17 and funeral service and interment were held June 18, with full military honors. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, where friends and family may visit www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a guest register and leave memories.