Central Oregonian

Garet ‘Gary’ Soules

October 08, 2012

Garet (Gary) A. Soules of Prineville, passed away at St. Charles in Bend on Oct. 3, 2012 at the age of 64.

He was born June 30, 1948 in Grand Forks, N.D. to Garet J. Soules and Dacotah Swett Soules.

Gary grew up in Billings, Mont. and Warm Springs, Ore. He graduated from Madras High School in 1966 and attended Dickinson State College. In 1969, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Gary served as a squad leader for a six man long-range reconnaissance platoon with the 101st Airborne Infantry in Vietnam, and as a door gunner and crew chief on assault helicopters.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, he returned to Dickinson State and graduated with a degree in Biology in 1976. He married his wife of 40 years, Carol J. Martin of Valley City, N.D. in 1972.

Gary began his career as a Field Biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1978. He worked throughout Eastern Oregon during his 32 years with the department. In 1986, he settled in Prineville where he worked extensively on habitat projects on private and public lands, building partnerships and making friends with landowners and agency personnel.

Gary was an avid outdoorsmen who passed on that love and respect to future generations through his mentoring of youth in The Boy Scouts of America and Venture Scouts, Hunter Education, Mt. Jefferson Rifle Archery and Pistol Association, Central Oregon Schools, Rim Rock Trails, and local conservation organizations. He was also an advocate for veterans, active in the VFW, Band of Brothers, the Vietnam Veterans Association, and Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association. He enjoyed Dutch oven cooking, Harley Davidson Motorcycles, and once rode a bear.

His special passion was working with Saving Grace in Central Oregon, providing support and safe haven for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. He believed that everyone has the right to live life free from violence. Gary served as a board member for eight years and as a volunteer for many more.

He is remembered for his service to his country, his community, and his giving heart.

Gary is survived by his wife, Carol Soules; daughters, Karen Soules and Diana Johnson, daughter and son-in-law, Laura and JT Cray, and son and fiancé, John Soules and Amy Abbott; he is also survived by his twin brother, Greg Soules, his brothers, Jim Soules, Dick Soules, and sister, Becky Curnutt.

Visitation was Monday, Oct. 8, 2012 at Prineville Funeral Home, 199 N.E. 10th St. Prineville.

The funeral will be held Tuesday Oct. 9, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. at the Carey Foster Hall, Crook County Fairgrounds in Prineville. A procession to Juniper Haven Cemetery for a graveside service with Military Honors will follow at 2 p.m. There will be a potluck reception following the internment back at Carey Foster Hall.

Memorial contributions may be made to Saving Grace or to the youth organization of your choice.