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Gary William LeBaron, 80, of Rochester, Washington, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sept. 30.
Gary was born in Chehalis, Washington, July 19, 1946, to Donald and Caroline LeBaron and grew up in Centralia, where he played baseball, football and basketball. It is here where he implemented the lucky LeBaron No. 5 that has been passed down for generations.
He joined the United States Air Force in 1966, where he spent four years on the U.S. Air Force Base in Madrid, Spain, working for the fire department. He retired from the Air Force in 1970 and started working at Green Hill School while obtaining his AA degree at Centralia College. It was at Green Hill School where Gary met his wife. After 26 years of working as a drug and alcohol counselor at Green Hill School, he retired.
Gary married his beautiful wife, Rose, on May 17, 1975. They shared 51 wonderful years of marriage and cherished every opportunity they had to spend time together, spending many anniversaries on the West Coast at the beach. Also traveling to Massachusetts to visit their grandchildren.
Gary enjoyed camping with his family, especially taking his grandchildren to Riffe Lake in his boat. Whether inner tubing behind his boat or fishing, it did not matter; he was willing to do whatever they wanted. He also enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, clam digging and trap shooting with friends and family. Family was at the heart of Gary's life, and he took great delight in being there for the people he loved.
One of Gary's greatest joys was being there for his grandchildren. He was at every major life event, including high school and college graduations. You could also find him in the stands or on the sidelines at their sporting events, cheering them on and offering his advice and guidance, not only on how to become better athletes, but also on how to become better people. His presence, encouragement and wisdom will be deeply missed.
Gary had a deep faith in God, which gave him strength and comfort throughout his life. He shared that love with those around him, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, love and a lifetime of memories.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Donald LeBaron and Caroline LeBaron.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Rose LeBaron; his sister, Annette and Gregory Fragner; his brothers, Donald and Kelly LeBaron and Edwin and Suzanne LeBaron; his children, Kip and Lisa LeBaron, Alisha and Johan Neff, and Zachary and Monica LeBaron; and his eight grandchildren: Madison, Josephine, Kip Jr., Asher, Arissa, Adeline, Ayla and Coe.
A viewing will be held on Oct. 13 at Cattermole Funeral Home in Winlock, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at the Centralia's American Legion Post 17 on Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. We would love to see his family and friends there sharing your stories.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Don LeBaron Athletic Scholarship c/o Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 1104, Centralia, Washington 98531; or West Thurston Fire Department Station 2; or the Centralia American Legion Post 17 in his honor.
He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
