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Gaylen Doyle Dice passed away on Monday, May 29, 2023, at his son's home in St. George, Utah surrounded by family.

Gaylen was born on July 5, 1940, in Wilbur, Washington to Bernadine Wachter and Daun Dice. Gaylen was the grandson of two local pioneer families, the Haden's and the Wachter's. Gaylen spent most of his time with his grandparents William and Nettie (Haden) Wachter. He grew up spending a lot of time outdoors hunting and fishing with his Uncle Rodney. Gaylen went to school in Wilbur and then joined the Navy and served on the USS Fletcher.

In 1960 Gaylen stopped to help Faye Flowers when her car broke down coming home from the Shaffer Ranch. He was her knight and shining armor and she became the love of his life. Faye and Gaylen married and spent the next sixty years together. They went through the ups and downs of marriage and life together side by side.

Gaylen started his law enforcement career as a police officer in Grand Coulee, where he was promoted to Chief of Police. He also worked as Deputy Sheriff and Undersheriff for Lincoln County. Gaylen finished his career in Kittitas County as Undersheriff where he retired in 1980. After Gaylen retired they spent time living in different parts of the country from Oregon, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. After all their travels the couple chose to spend their remaining years in the place they called home, Grand Coulee. They enjoyed spending time at the Coulee Dam Casino where they got to know many of the employees and patrons.

Gaylen leaves behind his five sons: Troy, William (Marsha), John, Wayne and Dan (Nicole); 15 grandchildren: Quinn Dice, Cody Dice, Kayla (Cory) Jaramillo, Kristy Dice, Joshua Dice, Harlie (Jeff) Neiman, Dalton (Laura) Dice, Walker Dice, Payton Que, Dustin Dice (Raelyn Dennis), Brady Dice, Makaylah Dice, Ashley Johnson, Carlie Dice, and Paige Dice; 15 great grandchildren: Nevaeh, Bailee, Kennedy, Jordan, Alana, Paisley, Becca, Maia, Oakleigh, Bennett, Brenan, Jaxon, Lillian, Raygan, and Bentlie.

Gaylen was preceded in death by his wife Ida Faye Dice, daughter Torrie Ellen, and his parents Bernadine Wachter and Daun Dice.

Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers please make a donation to your local VFW or Lions Club. Any stories or condolences can be sent to Dan and Nicole Dice, PO Box 756, Newport WA 99156. These memories would be much appreciated.