Gary L. Strope, 78

Gary Strope left this world to be with his Lord and Savior on Oct. 29, 2015, with his wife, Mary Jo, and his daughter, Michelle, by his side.

Gary’s life adventure began Nov. 17, 1936, in Wallace, Idaho, as the second child born to Lloyd and Dorothy Strope. He grew up in the Silver Valley and that was where he learned how to hustle and be a leader. He was the oldest boy in a family, school and church. Gary was a devoted Catholic attending St. Alphonsus Church and started his first quest for knowledge at the Lourdes Academy in Wallace.

Gary graduated high school and shortly after he joined the Air Force. Most of his time in the service was spent in Japan, which he loved.

After the service, Gary began his life in California where he married Carolyn (Cornelius) Strope in 1963. They have five kids: Sherri Cheaney, Michelle Strope, Melissa (Joel) Green, Stephen Strope and Richard (Pat) Strope. He put in 27 years as a L.A. County Deputy Sheriff.

In between family and work, he would attend more college classes. Gary loved to learn and in 1989 he graduated from Gonzaga University with a B.A. in general studies.

When he retired, Gary volunteered for St. Vincent de Paul and became a member of The Knights of Columbus. He loved the volunteer work, but wanted to do more. He saw a bigger mission for St. Vincents and when he became president he wanted to start a men’s shelter, transitional housing and so much more. Gary and a few others had a vision and he got things moving.

Gary’s later years were spent being with and enjoying his large family. In 1991, Gary married Mary Jo (Hughes) Strope, bringing her three children, Jason (Darcy) Betzer, Jerod Betzer and Casandra Assels, into the family. In 1998, Gary was reunited with a daughter he gave up for adoption many years before as Teri Wright was welcomed to our family. Together they have 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Family was very important to him.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Dorothy Strope; brothers Larry and Jim; sisters Marlene, Marianne and MaryJoanne. Gary is survived by his sister, Linda McKnight of Missoula, Mont., and sisters-in-law Nancy (Larry) Strope and Debbie (Jim) Strope; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

We will all miss Gary’s wacky sense of humor and the love he had for his family and friends.

Gary’s memorial Mass will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 2015, at St. Thomas Church in Coeur d’Alene, officiated by Father Roger LaChance. Inurnment will be held at a later date at St. Thomas Cemetery. Please visit Gary’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.