Gary Dean Fixsen

Gary Dean Fixsen, age 70, of Grants Pass, died Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at Royale Gardens Health & Rehabilitation Center.

A family gathering will be held. Private interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Remembrances may be made to Lovejoy Hospice, 939 SE 8th Street, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526 or Josephine County Historical Society, 512 SW 5th Street, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526.

Gary was born May 10, 1938 in Grants Pass to Loy & Florence (Ringuette) Fixsen. In 1956 he graduated from Grants Pass High School. He worked for the United States Forest Service for several summers and for Humberd’s Office Supply. In 1961 he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Oregon College and from 1961 to 1964 he served in the United States Air Force. On February 17, 1968 in Grants Pass he married Carolyn Malsberger. For 30 years he worked as a vocational rehabilitation specialist for the state of Oregon. In 1982 he received the counselor of the year award and in 1986 received the achievement award for serving the disabled.

He was a member of the Josephine County Historical Society and the Grants Pass Lions Club where he earned “lion of the year” award in 1974-1975. He also wrote “Mondays Make History” articles for the Daily Courier.

His many hobbies included photography, writing, riding his John Deere tractor, Lionel trains, antiques and history of Grants Pass.

In addition to his wife, Carolyn Fixsen, he is survived by two daughters, Tami Pritchett and Krista Englen all of Grants Pass; a brother, Clifford “Buck” Fixsen of Medford; and five granddaughters.