Gary Allen Cross, 54

Gary Allen Cross, 54, passed away on Thursday, May 6, 2010, at Valley Vista Care Center in Sandpoint, Idaho, with his wife Jean by his side.

Gary was born in Manchester, N.H., on July 11, 1955, to Larry and Carolyn Cross. He was then raised in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He honorably served his country as a sergeant in the United States Marines, as a guard at Leavenworth, and during Vietnam as a helicopter gunner.

After returning home, he graduated from North Idaho College with a culinary degree, and cooked locally for years.

His favorite jobs were “The Garden” and “on location” for the National Guard. He later worked for Lignetics for eight years and five years at Valley Vista as maintenance and transportation.

He loved caring for the elderly, and would always stop for a treat when taking them on outings or for a doctor visit.

Gary loved buffalo, movies, soccer, The Red Sox, history books, cooking, and making people laugh. He was a funny guy. He cherished his home, Jean, and his family of “misfits” (rescue animals, all nine of them). He was big-hearted, loyal, hard-working, and spiritual. His courage and patience throughout this four year ordeal with cancer changed people’s lives. He will always be in our hearts and was an inspiration. We will miss him now and forever.

Gary is survived by his wife Jean of 14 years, his daughter, two brothers, one sister, his mother, and his aunt and uncle Dallas of Seattle.

There will be a celebration of his life on July 17, 2010, at 1 p.m. at the Oden Grange Hall, with a military salute, and social potluck gathering.

To my friends and family:

Do not stand at my grave and weep;

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamonds glint on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there. I did not die.

-M.E. Frye

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Gary’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.