Gary Albers, Sandy area resident for 46 years, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, October 8, 2018, after being confined to his recliner for many weeks. He was born to John & Elsie Albers on November 1, 1947, in Brush, Colorado. From there the family moved to Kuna, Idaho; Gresham, Oregon; and then to Brownsmead, Oregon. Gary attended George Fox College, where he met Janet Lund. They were married on December 30, 1969.
Following graduation from George Fox in 1969, Gary attended OCE (Western Oregon State College) to earn his teaching degree. In January 1972 Gary began his career in the Sandy area schools as a third grade teacher. Over the course of 30 years he taught in Firwood, Kelso, Sandy Grade, and Sandy Ridge schools. A few years into his teaching career Gary attended Lewis & Clark College where he was awarded a Master's in Education. Teaching was his passion, and he loved his students. Gary retired in 2002.
To augment the family income, so Janet could stay at home with the children, Gary found various summer jobs including teaching in a migrant education program, weighing berry trucks at Smucker's, and working as night-watchman at Vanport Lumber. Each August, the family took a trip to Colorado where Gary spent a couple of weeks helping his father-in-law on the farm. In 1987 Gary & Janet purchased 20 acres and started raising Christmas trees. Gary always looked forward to December when his u-cut customers would come, and he could visit with them as he helped load their trees. That was a happy—and busy—time of year.
Music was a major aspect of Gary's life. He was a vocalist, meeting Janet in college choir. Gary also played the trumpet and French horn. During the summer of 1968 Gary was part of a quartet that traveled for the college, singing at various churches and summer camps. They even made a record—just for themselves. Gary & Janet did music together--singing duets, leading worship at church, and participating in choirs. Later in life Gary enjoyed listening to music whether he was working in his shop or falling asleep with ear-buds in place. His favorite genre was Southern Gospel.
Woodworking was another of the pastimes Gary particularly enjoyed. He made special wooden boxes for family members and still had one in process at the time of his death. Gary also enjoyed hiking with friends, and was an avid reader, particularly of novels.
Gary had gotten a taste of summer mission ministry by working at Kokrine Hills Bible Camp prior to retirement. In 2001 he and Janet traveled to London on a short-term mission. After retiring they returned a second time. In 2008 Gary had the privilege of traveling with Tom Lyman, a former missionary to The Philippines, to visit various places Tom and his wife had worked as Bible translators. For three weeks Gary enjoyed “carrying Tom's suitcase” and meeting his Filipino friends. That was an experience of a lifetime!
Gary was eager to learn to know God and as a follower of Christ, he read the Bible through once a year for 20 years! Gary was also devoted to the prayer ministry of his church, meeting weekly with a group who prayed for people’s specific needs. Gary was blessed with many friends through this ministry and was able to continue visiting with and praying for those who stopped by during the long months he was confined to his recliner.
Gary and Janet enjoyed traveling; their destinations were usually determined by the location of family members they wanted to see. They visited Alaska, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Georgia, and Colorado, as well as driving through many other states. They enjoyed exploring Denali National Park, Yellowstone National Park, the Tetons, Acadia National Park, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon—their favorite. When heading home on the long drive from Colorado to Oregon, they would frequently choose “a road less traveled” just to add some adventure to the trip they made many times over the years.
Family was Gary's main focus, first as a dad and then as a grandpa. His first grandchild was born in 2001, and the most recent arrived in 2017. Gary doted on his grandchildren, building into their lives by reading stories, fixing pancake breakfasts, playing games, and doing outside projects with them. His interaction was geared to the interests of each specific child. Being Grandpa was a “calling,” not just a fun aspect of his life. Gary poured himself into his children and later his grandchildren, all 13 of whom were able to spend quality time with him during the last year of his life.
Gary is survived by his wife, Janet; his daughter, Bethany (Brett) Siegalkoff, and three sons, Rob (Erin), David (Nicole), and Tim (Jenny); along with 13 grandchildren, each of whom was a special treasure to him. He is also survived by his siblings Don, Mary, Myrna, Aeden, and Loren.
To honor Gary, donations may be designated to the Christian School for the Deaf Children of South Haiti. Make checks payable to Haitian Mason Project, 13203 SE 172nd Avenue, Suite 166, PO #14, Clackamas, OR 97086.