Gary Dale Jorgenson, 77

Nov. 2, 1944 — Dec. 12, 2021

Gary was born Nov. 2, 1944 in Clarkfield, Minn., to Dale and Alice (Koepp) Jorgenson.

In the spring of 1954, his family moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where he attended the Coeur d’Alene schools graduating in 1962 from CHS. Following graduation Gary attended North Idaho Junior College graduating in 1964 with an A.A. degree and then the University of Idaho in 1966 with a bachelor of science degree in history and physical education. Gary earned a master’s degree in school administration from Eastern Washington University (1981).

In 1966 Gary was hired by the Tonasket School District in Washington to teach history/government and coach basketball and track, where he took teams to state in each sport. In 1967 he started a successful cross-country program winning the Washington State Class A Championship in 1977.

While in Tonasket, he met and married Vernabeth (Babb) Jorgenson on Aug. 12, 1967, and they have been married for 54 years. Gary and Vernabeth have five children: Heidi McCormick (Jerry) of Rathdrum, Idaho; Jennifer Larsen (Scott) of Sherwood, Ore.; Stacey Lamond (Don) of Maple Valley, Wash.; Todd Jorgenson (Danielle) of Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and Matt Jorgenson in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Gary and Vernabeth were blessed with 13 grandchildren: Cassidy Hall; Nick, Taelor, Jordan, Blake and Eryn Larsen; Megan, Drew, and Mason Lamond; Isaac, Ruby, Luke and Fiston Jorgenson, and great-grandchildren: Tessa; AJ; and twin boys due in February.

Gary’s education career spanned over 38 years as teacher, coach, and school administrator. Thirty-one years were at Tonasket High School where he spent the final 20 years in administration before retiring in 1997 as the high school principal. From 1997 to 2004 he was the high school principal at McCall-Donnelly High School in McCall, Idaho.

Gary was honored in 1991 as the Washington Athletic Director of the year and elected to the Washington Athletic Administrators Hall of Fame in 1998. He served on the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Representative Assembly from 1986-91 and on the WIAA Executive Board from 1991-1997.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Dale Jorgenson, and Stepmother Laura Jorgenson. He is survived by his wife, Vernabeth, his five children, 13 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren; his sister Linda (Bob) Aavedal of Sandpoint, Idaho; step-siblings, Sue Clow, Greg Mills, Steve Mills, Sydne Trueblood, Sharon, and many nieces and nephews.

Gary attended Tonasket Community Church and Real Life Ministries of Post Falls.

Memorials in Gary’s name may be made to the Tonasket Community Scholarship fund or to a memorial of your choice. Tonasket Community Scholarship Fund: PO Box 41, Tonasket, Wash. 98855.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit Gary’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at yatesfuneralhomes.com.