Gary Everett Hite, 67

Gary E. Hite passed away peacefully in his home in Hauser on May 1, 2013. He was born in Spokane on Nov. 6, 1945, during a snow storm to Everett and Mary Beth (Bobby) Hite.

Gary grew up in Spokane and graduated from University High School in 1964. He then attended the University of Washington and focused primarily in engineering. Gary was the owner of Hite Crane and Rigging which is located in the Spokane Valley.

Gary is survived by his wife, Nancy, at home; his two stepdaughters, Angela Lander of Coeur d’Alene and Summer (Brian) Benzinger of Hayden; a stepson, Eric (Goldie) Lyons of Spokane; eight grandchildren; his mother, Bobby Hite of Spokane and sister Pamela Hite M.D. of Cerra, Calif. Gary’s father, Everett Hite, preceded him in death in 1992.

Gary was an accomplished flat track dirt racer winning first place nationally six times with his latest win being in 2011. He chose to race in the open age category (18 years of age and older) as he felt it gave him the maximum competition. His last first place win was won at 65 years of age in 2011 while competing against men 18 years of age and up. He later said it was the fastest he had ever raced.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2013, at Real Life Ministries, 1866 N. Cecil Road, Post Falls. Lunch and fellowship will follow the service at the Best Western Coeur d’Alene Inn, W. 506 Appleway, Coeur d’Alene.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to River City Hospice in Post Falls. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Gary’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.