Gerald W. (Garry) Rice September 24, 1938 - November 5, 2022

Gerald Wayne Rice passed away Saturday, Nov. 5, at his home in Seeley Lake of natural causes.

He was born at home in Metropolis, Ill., on Sept. 24, 1938, to Louis and Pauline Rice. As a young boy, the family, now including sister Sharon, moved to The Black Forest outside of Colorado Springs, Colo. Garry often talked of his many adventures he, his horse and dog enjoyed while roaming all the open land near their home. He attended the local schools.

After graduating from Lewis Palmer High School, he was pleased to accept an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy in Groton, Conn. He left the Academy after his first year. He joined the Coast Guard Reserves and began attending Seattle University where he received his Civil Engineering degree.

Garry's parents, and now sister and brother Terry, had moved to Vashon Island, Wash. During those four years at Seattle University, he met Carole Egness, a friend of his sister. They began a three-year courtship culminating in their marriage on Vashon Island in April 1962.

Upon graduating from Seattle U in 1961, Garry began a career with the Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, which lasted until his retirement in 1993. During his 32 years with the Corps, he worked on estimating, relocation and design. He retired Chief of the Design Branch and became a literal encyclopedia on the Libby Dam.

Garry and Carole lived on Vashon Island, growing their family until 2001 when they decided to leave Vashon Island and join their daughter Kari and family in Seeley Lake. Their daughters Robin and Rhonda and son Garry were all young adults with their own families by then.

Life in Seeley Lake has been so rewarding and we loved calling this home. A major attraction to the living here was the outdoor hunting and fishing opportunities that Garry loved so much. He loved spending time in the woods and on the Blackfoot River.

After retirement we bought a small travel trailer and traveled all over our beautiful America as well as many countries throughout the world. About five years ago we began to stay home more when Garry's dementia began to take its toll on his body.

These past few years we have been blessed with wonderful caregivers for Garry to enable him to stay in our home. He had a smile for everyone who came through our doors. Having grandchildren nearby who would pop in occasionally was a joy for him. Oh how he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren!

Our family all agree that he was a very modest, humble and honest man. He taught us how we should treat others. He was fair and said there are always two sides of the story and to give people the benefit of the doubt. Most importantly though, Garry showed by his example how vital it is to have a personal relationship with Jesus and God, our Heavenly Father.

Survivors include: Carole, wife of 60 years; daughter Robin (Scott) Dowell and their children Sam, Molly, Will and Neela; daughter Rhonda (Randi) Ackerman and their stable full of horses, dogs and cat; daughter Kari (David) Nicholas and their children Kaitlyn, Noah (deceased), Quinn and great grandson Kade, 3 years old, Micah, McKinley (Lauren), Malachi, Ari, Mia, Eli and Rory; son Garry (Toni) and their sons Stephen (Samantha) and Ryan; sister Sharon (Ray) Raymond; brother Terry (Marcy); nieces; nephews and cousins.

Thanks to our caregivers Kristin Mason, Jon Helsa, Coleen Peltier, Rachel Homen and Elizabeth Wayne and to the Partners Hospice Team.

A family graveside service took place on Friday, Nov. 11.