Obituary of Gary L. Derry
Gary L. “Tyke” Derry (70) longtime resident of St. Maries, ID passed away at Benewah Community Hospital on September 9, 2024. He was born to Lawrence and Sharon (Carpenter) Derry on July 30, 1954, in Spokane, WA. Tyke grew up in St. Maries and attended the St. Mary’s Catholic School. He also attended the Seventh Day Adventist Church School before enrolling into Heyburn Elementary. Tyke was a quiet kid; however, he enjoyed playing the drums in the high school band. He graduated from St. Maries High School with the class of 1973.
Following high school, Gary held several different jobs. He spent many years in Coeur d’ Alene working for Koerner Furniture. He also spent time in Klawock, AK working on the float camps and in a laundromat. He even served as a part time bartender for the Korner Klub in St. Maries. By far his most favorite job was in the bakery at McLaughlin’s. When he was older, Tyke volunteered for the Senior Mealsite under the guidance of Billie Machado. He washed windows, cleared tables, unloaded freight and helped organize their supplies.
Gary was extremely interested in science and space. He followed every space mission and program that NASA was involved in. He built his own models of spaceships that completed missions around the world. This interest started when he was a young boy. He and his friends spent many nights looking at the moon and stars with his telescope. Tyke’s other passion was watching, following, and cheering on the San Francisco 49ers. He collected their memorabilia, and you could catch him watching re-runs of older games. It was a blessing when they played the Denver Bronco’s in Spokane, WA for a pre-season consolation game. Tyke got to go watch them and had the time of his life.
When he wasn’t watching the 49ers play or the moon and stars, Tyke enjoyed older movies and tv shows. Some of his favorites included the old Star Trek shows, Perry Mason, and Seinfeld to name a few. He loved the oldies, country music, The Beatles, Ricky Nelson, Credence Clearwater Revival, and was a big Elvis Presley fan. Another blessing came his way when he was able to see Elvis perform live. Tyke spent over 25 years at Valley Vista’s Assisted Living where he had his own apartment and enjoyed the friends he met there.
Tyke is survived by his siblings Darla Dawson of Wasilla, AK and Ronald “Mouse” Derry of St. Maries, ID; niece Amberlee Dawson of Eugene, OR; Aunt Marketa Apperson of Hamilton, MT and Uncles Butch Derry of Richland, WA and Paul Derry of Coeur d’ Alene, ID; and numerous cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents Mark and Myrtle Derry and Lee and Eva Carpenter; and his brother in-law Ronald Dawson.
A graveside service will be held on September 14, 2024, at 11:00 am at Woodlawn Cemetery where Tyke will be laid to rest.
