Gary Kenneth Bunney
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Gary Kenneth Bunney, 80, a long-time resident of Mt. Vernon, passed away on Friday, December 23rd, 2022. He was born in Seattle on January 22, 1942 to Robert and Mildred Bunney. He graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1960, and soon entered the Air Force and served in Vietnam during the war. Upon his return, he worked at Lockheed in Seattle, and in 1965 he met and married the love of his life, Jan. Gary often said that the 57 years of marriage with Jan were the best years of his life.
Gary was well-known to the community as he spent 8 years at Blade Chevrolet and over 20 years at Barnett Implement as a salesman. Gary was a fan of the outdoors and some of his happiest times were when, on quite a few windy fall days, he would take his sons Jeff and Steve out of school for a day of duck hunting on Fir Island. Some of Gary's fondest memories were fishing and other adventures in their backyard at the Samish River with grandkids Kaya and Conner. Gary was a bowhunter and the times he and Jan spent on wilderness hunts with friends Bill and Jeanne Johns were always special. Gary and his best friend Bill created the legendary Skagit River Raft Race in 1976 to celebrate the bicentennial and they were local legends for their "Burford and Jim Bob" stand-up comedy routines they performed for so many over the years. Gary and Bill were honored as Marshalls of the 1978 Skagit County Fair for their civic contributions. Gary and Jan were long time members of Bethel Assembly of God (now Inspire Church). Gary is survived by two sons, Jeff Bunney of Bellingham and Steve Bunney (Megan) of Burlington; three grandchildren, Kaya Bunney of Las Vegas, Conner Bunney of Burlington and Nicko Nelson of Burlington; brother Tex Bunney (Jerri), sister-in-law Gayle Reed and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Inspire Church in Sedro Woolley on February 18, 2023 at 2pm, with a reception to follow. Flowers are welcome. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. You may offer your condolences and share memories of Gary online at www.kernfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home of Mount Vernon.