Gary Reed McCrummen, 70
Gary Reed McCrummen, 70, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2019, in Hayden, Idaho.
He was born June 26, 1948, in Van Nuys, California, to Helen Offord and John Rives McCrummen.
He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Cheryl “Cheri” Berggren, son Kevan and daughter-in-law Brenna McCrummen of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and son John and daughter-in-law Katie McCrummen of Everett, Washington, and three beloved grandchildren, Ayla, Sawyer and Rives. He is also survived by his beloved sisters,
Diane DesJardins of Bozeman, and Donna Capka of Sherman Oakes, California, and many nieces and nephews.
Gary grew up in California, attended some college, and then enlisted in the Air Force. He especially enjoyed his deployment in Germany and time spent traveling in Europe during that detail. Not long after leaving the Air Force he met Cheri, the love of his life, on a blind date playing tennis and they were married in 1975. He attended the University of Colorado-Boulder (CU) to finish undergraduate schooling, and then graduated from dental school at the University of Colorado-Denver where he received his DDS degree.
After graduating from dental school, his love of the outdoors brought him to Bigfork where he established a private dental practice in 1982. While practicing dentistry, Gary was very active in the community. He established and was president of the Bigfork Gun Club, president of the Bigfork Development Company, acted in community theater, was president of the Chamber of Commerce, was an “elf” with the Bigfork Christmas decorating committee, and wrote countless informational and entertaining dental articles for the local newspaper.
Gary deeply cared for his dental staff, the Bigfork community, his patients, and his friends. He was known for his friendliness, generosity, and professionalism and he loved his role as husband, father and being “Poppy” for his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family.
Gary enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, shooting, camping, shopping on Amazon, and traveling the world with Cheri and his sons.
His loving family was with him when he passed after a long battle with a neurological degenerative disorder.
Gary was cremated per his wishes, and a private memorial celebration will be held in Bigfork at an undetermined time.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of North Idaho in Coeur d’Alene, ID, or CurePSP.org.