Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Gary Grossmiller was born on Dec. 20, 1961, and passed away on Feb. 21, 2024, in the Hood River Rehab Center. He was a fifth generation Arlington, Ore., resident. He is survived by his sister Susan Logan of Vancouver, Wash., his niece Gabby (Eddie) Tim and new great-nephew, Caleb. He is preceded in death by his mother, Victoria Wheelhouse, and his father, Jake Grossmiller, of The Dalles, Ore.
Gary was part of the great class of 1980 in Arlington. He was part of many state championships and even scored a touchdown with one of Mr. Roger’s “special” plays. He loved football, and the Packers were his team. He also loved music. He almost graduated from Eastern Oregon with a music degree but was needed to care for his mother at home. The trumpet was his instrument. The highlight was playing with Doc Severinson at the band festival. He also attended Mt. Hood Festival of Jazz many times.
Gary’s true calling came when he was needed to take over running the Happy Canyon Tavern that his grandparents built in 1957, converting it to a pizza parlor. He ran it for many years with his mother, and then alone since 2007. Gary loved being part of the Arlington community. He was a city councilman for more than 10 years, also serving on the Tri-County board. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman, catching the second largest Wall Eye in the state. He helped start the Arlington Gun Club, shooting silhouettes and trap. He was a hard worker until his health went bad. He was able to cheat death three times and spent the last year in Hood River, trying to recuperate. Gary was always thankful for his town and his friends.
Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
To plant a tree in memory of Gary Grossmiller as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
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