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Gary F. Bartoo, 67

Gary F. Bartoo, 67, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, left this earthly life on the 10th of November, 2018, surrounded by loved ones after a two and a half year battle with prostate cancer. He refused to let cancer define him and left a legacy that will forever impact those lucky enough to know him.

Gary was born on May 7, 1951, at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, to Harry “Duke” and Delores “Dee” Bartoo. The family then moved, along with his older sister, Peggy, to Spokane, Wash., where Gary spent his formative years. From a young age, Gary enjoyed being physically active and showed much natural aptitude and ability for many sports. He attended John Rogers High School and played on the All-State basketball team. It was during his high school years that he met Kayleen (Johnson) Florey, who would later become his wife and the mother of two of his most cherished blessings in this life, his sons Gabe and Josh. Upon high school graduation in 1969, Gary was granted a “Chick Evans Scholarship for Caddies” to attend the University of Washington, where he planned to study aeronautical engineering. However, with major layoffs occurring within companies such as Boeing, Gary decided to pursue physical therapy instead.

Gary graduated from the University of Washington in 1974 and moved his family to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. There he began his first job as a physical therapist at Kootenai Medical Center, later opening his own practice, Coeur d’Alene Physical Therapy. From the beginning and throughout his long career, Gary cared deeply for each of his patients. They could feel his extra care and concern for them and he was a staunch believer in the importance of educating his patients about their ailment. It was apparent to all that Gary possessed a special healer’s touch — and what a powerful healer he became.

Gary married Amy Pollard in August of 1986 and together they never slowed down — staying busy with many community activities, hobbies, travel and sports. Gary and Amy were blessed with the birth of Gary’s third son and precious treasure, Trey in 1997.

Throughout his life, Gary excelled physically. He was an IRONMAN before the term was even coined — running over 20 marathons and triathlons, and climbing many peaks. Gary was also an avid golfer. It was a hobby that he enjoyed with family and friends. A long-held Father’s Day tradition was playing in a golf tournament with his sons, in which Gary enjoyed getting a hole in one in 2008.

Above all Gary was a family man — a man of strength, loyalty, passion and devotion. His family was keenly aware of his deep love for each of them. He will be missed every day. His example and the lessons he taught to all of us will never be forgotten.

Gary is survived by his wife, Amy Pollard Bartoo; three sons, Gabe (Anna) Bartoo of Rochester, Minn., Josh (Kelsey) Bartoo of Hayden, Idaho, and Trey Bartoo of Coeur d’Alene; four grandchildren, Jackson and Duke Bartoo of Rochester and Teagan and Ryker Bartoo of Hayden; sister, Peggy Barteau of Austin, Texas; uncles, Buck (Joy) Fitzpatrick of Coeur d’Alene and Bill (Judy) Fitzpatrick of Youngstown, N.Y.; mother-in-law, Silda Pollard of Post Falls, Idaho; brothers-in-law, Steve Pollard of Issaquah, Wash., and Harry (Merry) Pollard of Coeur d’Alene; former wife, Kayleen (Les) Florey of Post Falls; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and countless loving friends.

Those of us who were privileged to be in his family and his friends will miss Gary greatly. A celebration of his life will be held in early summer 2019. Memorial contributions can be made to the Idaho State University Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy Gary Bartoo Student Relief Fund.