In Loving Memory
Gary Lee Gower
March 27, 1946 – September 18, 2025

Gary Lee Gower, 79, of Willow Creek, passed away peacefully at home on September 18, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him most, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Gary was born on March 27, 1946, in the now-lost town of White Bird, Oklahoma, to Fern and Tom Gower. He was the youngest of three brothers — joining William “Billy” and Doyle. When Gary was still a toddler, the Gower family moved west to Willow Creek, California, where they put down roots and welcomed the youngest sibling, Sandra (“Sandy”).

Gary grew up surrounded by extended family and the rugged beauty of the Trinity River region. He followed in the footsteps of many local men and began a lifelong career in the logging industry, working in local mills and as a faller and loader operator for several logging companies.

A true outdoorsman, Gary was most at home under the open sky. He loved hunting, gardening, horseback riding, and camping. He had a deep connection to the land and the traditions of rural life. Always in his cowboy boots and hat, Gary lived the life of a cowboy not just in appearance, but in heart and spirit.

He was also a fierce competitor and a natural at horseshoes. Every Bigfoot Days celebration, you could find him at Veterans Park, competing in the horseshoe tournament — usually with a good chance of winning.

But above all, Gary’s proudest role was being a father and “Papa.” He loved his family with a deep, unwavering devotion, and he never missed a chance to say so. Whether it was building stilts for the neighborhood kids, showing up to every family reunion and poker night, or just saying “I love you” before parting ways, Gary made sure his loved ones felt seen and cherished.

A man of many talents, Gary was also a songwriter and poet. He recorded a 45 with his original songs Gone Fishing and Push Aside My Pride, both of which could once be heard spinning on the jukebox at Buzz’s Bar. His gravelly voice, kind heart, and larger-than-life presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Fern and Tom Gower; his brother Billy; and his sister Sandy.

He is survived by his longtime partner, Kathy Woods; his brother Doyle Gower; his children Jodee Gower and Deanna O’Connell (Shawn); grandchildren Brittainy Gower (Emerson), Linzee Gower, Joseph O’Connell (Aliciana), Callie O’Connell (Colten), and Nathaniel O’Connell; and great-granddaughter Aasha Srimanoharan.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Salyer Wayside Church in Salyer. All who knew and loved Gary are welcome to attend.

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