Gary Wayne Harpe, age 59, died at home with his brother by his side on February 25, 2023  in Sedro-Woolley, WA.  Gary was the first child born to John and Melinda (Saranto) Harpe on May 20, 1963 in Walla Walla, WA.  He and his brother Steven and sister Rhonda grew up in Touchet, WA.  Gary worked after school and summers for his Uncle Charles Saranto on the ranch changing sprinklers, operating & repairing equipment, harvesting grain & alfalfa seed.  He graduated from Touchet High School in 1981.

Gary was a master carpenter, woodworker, and draftsman.   Gary worked for Northwest Custom Cabinets in Burlington, WA for 32 years.

At Northwest Custom cabinets Gary and owner Derek were, “…collaborating on some of the most expensive and technically challenging cabinet projects in the country.   Day after day for over 3 decades, quietly and reliably, whether building it or drawing it, Gary played an integral role in the production of the cabinetry that fills many of the most luxurious homes in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world.”

Gary enjoyed fishing with family and friends, clamming on the Long Beach Peninsula, and attending family reunions.  He loved maintaining and repairing antique John Deere mowers, building and piloting drones, and gardening.

He is survived by his mother, Melinda (Lee) Crowley, of Long Beach, WA; brother, Steven Harpe, of Sedro-Woolley, WA; sister, Rhonda Harpe, of Bend, OR; grandmother, Marjorie Saranto, of Walla Walla, WA; uncles and aunts, Kathleen Garbe, Charles Saranto and Sheri Reiswig, Dean and Odie Harpe all of Touchet, WA.,  Cynthia Hexum of Apache Junction, AZ, Lester Harpe, of Las Vagas, NV, Lyle and Sally Harpe, of Hood River, OR, Jim and Ruth Harpe of Trout Lake, WA; and numerous cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father, John S. Harpe.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 11:00, Friday, April 14, 2023 at Mountain View Cemetery in Walla Walla, followed by a luncheon, fellowship, and sharing at the Touchet-Gardena Lions Hall.  Bring a story to share.  Sharing begins at 1:00 p.m.   In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Touchet Educational Foundation, PO Box 272, Touchet, WA 99360 or to a charity of your choice.    Share memories of Gary and sign the online guest register.