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Gary Dean Brown, 66, died at his Elmer City, Washington home Saturday morning, July 12, 2014, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born on February 22, 1948, in Spokane, Washington to Dean and Janie Brown, Gary's first job was as a teenager working with his Grandpa Pete selling vacuum cleaners in Lewiston, Idaho. A graduate of Eastern Washington University, Gary went on to work for the Coulee Dam School District teaching sixth grade, a position he pursued passionately out of love for each student. During his 30-year teaching career, Gary had also coached the school boys' and girls' basketball teams. Beginning in 1970 Gary went to work as a summer tour guide at Grand Coulee Dam, then following his retirement from teaching, became a Tour Guide Supervisor until his retirement from the bureau in 2011.

On August 4, 1984 Gary married Kathy Lauseng in Seattle, Washington. A member of both the Grand Coulee Moose and Eagles, Gary also participated in bowling and softball leagues. While he enjoyed hunting with his dog Pokie and watching TV, Gary particularly loved camping and fishing with his family at Swan Lake. "Gary (my Dad) was an excellent teacher and an even better Dad"

Predeceased by his father Dean Brown and grandparents: Iris and Pete Brown; Gary is survived by his wife and soulmate of 30 years: Kathy Brown of Elmer City; mother: Janie Brown of Seattle, Washington; children: James Lauseng of Grand Coulee, Washington, Jill Tackitt (and her husband Dwane) of Idaho and Chris Brown of Colorado; grandchildren: Abigail and Brooklyn Tackitt; brothers: Roger (and Diane) and Craig Brown (and Susie) and nephew Davin Brown and family.

At Gary's request cremation has taken place and no services are scheduled.

His family requests that donations be made in Gary's memory to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. 1-800-227-2345.

Please sign Gary's online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington is honored to be serving Gary's family.