Gary Wayne Roetman, 59, a Concrete resident passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon.
He was born on May 20, 1949 in Park Rapids, Minnesota to Tim and Dorna Roetman. He came to Washington State as an infant, with his family, and settled in Marblemount. He attended Marblemount Grade School where his Mother taught for many years. He was a cub scout, a boy scout, and enjoyed the usual boyhood games. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Vernon, WA. He graduated from Concrete High School in 1967. He was chosen ‘Class Speaker’ for graduation, not only for the intelligence that was so easy for him, but the comedy and wit that was even better! He was a true ‘character’ he developed the ‘Family Speak,’ our own special language that we all still use effortlessly. Even the newest members of our family became fluent quickly. That is part of his legacy. He was the comedian, so witty, and always ready with an opinion.
Those that knew him in the younger days will remember ‘The Eliminator,’ the big blue car with the fins, and later the corvette hard top convertible that blew through town! The handsome boy that was always ‘up to something’ we used to say! Oh, the stories his pals could tell!!
He attended Washington State University, and in the middle of the Vietnam era, was drafted in the US Army in 1969. Soon after, he found himself in Viet Nam, like everyone else in the service at that time. He came home after a year and tried to rejoin society in ‘the world,’ joining his Father as a General Contractor. He continued with Dad until his disability forced him to retire, just recently. He didn’t discuss his service years often, but I won’t forget the little bonfire in the back yard, soon after he came home, when everything Viet Nam related went up in smoke, and Mom got there just in time to save the dress uniform. But forgetting did not come easily, and a life of torment and despair began.
Eddie, Lewis, Bob, Barb-you all came to the hospital often to see him, and it cheered him so much to see you. Dad and I are so thankful for that support. Also, the compassion and caring demonstrated by the nurses and Doctors at Skagit Valley Hospital was something that we will never forget. He fought long and hard, but now ‘Gar’ is finally at long last at true peace.
He is survived by his Father, Tim Rose Roetman Sr.; a sister and brother-in-law, Vicki and Michael Frank; two nieces, Dianne Doug Aamot and Danielle Frank; two nephews, Michael W. Kimberly Frank and Tim Shannon Roetman III; several Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Mike was his favorite and only brother-in-law. Dianne became a substitute for her namesake that he lost so young, and missed until his last day.
He took Michael Wayne fishing and every time they both fell in. Danielle was ‘the baby’ and was always treated as such.’Timmy three’ just tried to keep him in line.
He was preceded in death by his beloved sister Dianne, his Mother Dorna, and his brother, Tim Jr.
Dad, you did your best—he loved you so. You were always his hero and best friend. I promised Mom that I would take care of you, Brother. I tried. Go in peace Gar.
The road is long with many winding turns
That leads us to who knows where
But I’m strong, strong enough to carry him
He ain’t heavy—he’s my brother.
Neil Diamond
Vicki…I was in the Army with your brother. He was a good friend. Contact me for stories if
you’d like…
Sorry to see he’s passed. I hadn’t seen him in years. I’ll miss him.
Scott