Gary Allen Rowles, 64
Gary Allen Rowles, 64, of Hayden, Idaho, departed Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, at the Hospice House, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was born Aug. 17, 1951, in Spokane, Wash., to Sidney and Clara (Neustel) Rowles. His father’s family came from South Wales. They divorced when Gary was about 10. His mother then married Victor Wycoff, who became his father and mentor for the next 52 years.
Gary married Jean Brock on Aug. 8, 1981, until today. He has a 12 1/2 acre farm on Rimrock Road in Hayden. He enjoyed farming and raised hay for sale. He loved Oscar — our Beagle hound. He loved horses, and enjoyed riding motorcycles, boating, snowmobiling and restoring old classic cars.
Gary spent all of his life in Hayden. He was very proud to be fourth generation. After high school, he attended North Idaho Junior College and completed a year course in auto body and fender repair in 1968. After graduating he couldn’t find work, so he went to work for Bud Lamb, owner of A-1 excavating from 1968-1973. From 1973 to 1975, he worked for Bob Miller Auto Body. From 1975-1978, he worked for Sunset Dodge. From 1978-1991, he became self-employed and started Hayden Auto Body and Wrecker service with his good friend, Sam McElroy, from Sunset Dodge. From 1991-2016, he worked for the Idaho Transportation Department.
Gary is survived by his wife, Jean and his brother, Sidney in Texas.
Gary’s wife Jean, prefers in lieu of flowers, please send a charitable donation to Hospice House, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835. All gifts will go toward listing Gary on the Donor Wall at the entrance of the Hospice House on Prairie Avenue.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2016, at Yates Hayden Chapel and Gathering Center, followed by a lunch for friends and family. Final resting place will be at Forest Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene by his mother, Clara Wycoff.
Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Gary’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfunralhomes.com.