Gary Carl Fritz's Obituary
Gary Carl Fritz of St. Helens lost his battle with cancer, July 23, 2015, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 77 at the time of his death.
Gary was born March 19, 1938 in St. Helens, Oregon. His parents were Ray E. Fritz and Nina B. (Wagner) Fritz. Gary was preceded in death by siblings, John Tatro, Carrie Littlejohn, Kitty Thomas, Maxine Holland, Joyce Addy and Marylou Eaton.
Gary grew up in St. Helens attending local schools, graduating in 1957 from St. Helens High School. He participated in sports growing up from swimming, baseball, basketball, and track; but his primary love was football. Gary varsity lettered all four years of high school, making all league junior and senior years at the position of left guard. He was co-captain of the football team 1955 and 1956 his junior and senior years. He received a scholarship in football, but opted not to attend college at that time.
He married the love of his life and high school sweet heart, Wanda Marie Silk, Bitty to her friends, on November 22, 1957 in Kelso, Washington. Together they had three children; Thalia, Larry, and Gary Fritz. They were married for 45 years, until the time of her death.
Gary worked at Crown Zellerbach lumber mill as a laborer for one year. He then worked for nine years at the Weyerhaeuser Plywood Mill in Longview, Washington as a lathe operator and relief foreman until July of 1968 at which time he began his career with St. Helens Rural Fire District. He began as a firefighter, worked his way up to captain by March of 1974. Upon retirement he held the position of Division Chief. Gary retired in 1990.
Gary loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, cutting firewood, hunting, and picking wild mushrooms. He taught the love of the outdoors to his son Gary and all of his grandchildren. He loved spending his summers camping and fishing the Columbia and Snake Rivers. He especially loved hunting elk and deer usually in the John Day area, where many memories hunting and camping with family were made.
He is survived by his daughter, Thalia Fritz Piano of St. Helens, eight grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Wanda, two sons Larry and Gary; and a granddaughter, Abby all of St. Helens.
A Funeral will be held Sunday, August 2, 2015 at 1:30 pm at Columbia Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to Columbia River Fire and Rescue Volunteer Association, or to Scappoose or St. Helens Sports Boosters.
A special gratitude to dad’s caregivers, they showed immense patience and love to him in his last days with us. Dad’s grandson, Kyle Cooper and wife Tammy for their never ending love and devotion, especially in the last few years.
What’s your fondest memory of Gary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gary?
Share a story where Gary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gary you’ll never forget.
How did Gary make you smile?