“Old guys rule” was Gary Brigham’s motto. Unfortunately, even old guys must eventually say goodbye.
Gary Michael Brigham was born December 9, 1944, in Vancouver, Washington, to Dan and Thelma (Duncan) Brigham. He grew up in Vancouver, graduating from Fort Vancouver High School in 1963.
Gary spent much of his childhood with his beloved grandmother Gladys Lippert, whom he always said raised him, on her berry farm. He carried his love of farming throughout his life, raising Shorthorn cattle and growing vegetables on his Hockinson farm.
Gary began his diesel mechanic apprenticeship with SP&S Railway in 1964, later working for Burlington Northern and retiring from BNSF in 2000. Never one to sit still, he pursued numerous side businesses and continued working well into his 70s.
In 1964, Gary married Juanita (Nita) Kangas. They welcomed daughters Carol and Chris and raised their family on the berry farm before moving to their Hockinson farm in 1970. Gary was proud of his daughters and always supported their love of Arabian horses plus other activities and interests.
His four grandchildren—Cara, Pari, Calli, and Colin—brought him tremendous joy, as did his great-granddaughters Maya, Cora, and Margo. He loved attending their activities, sharing his humor, and enchanting them with his playful antics.
After separating from Nita in 2005, Gary met Virginia Cobb. They shared many wonderful years traveling, playing games, and enjoying life together.
Though quiet and somewhat shy at first, Gary had a wonderful, often mischievous sense of humor. He loved traveling, cruising, woodworking, working on cars (especially VW bugs and trucks), golf, and collecting railroad memorabilia and model trains. A lifelong music lover, he enjoyed playing his electric guitar, listening to rock music, and attending movies, especially westerns and musicals. He also loved dogs and never met one he didn't like!
Gary is survived by his daughters, Carol Taylor (George) and Chris Wagner (Terry); grandchildren Cara Atwell (Jeremy), Pari Treptow, Calli Stenersen (Will), and Colin Taylor (Maddie); great-granddaughters Maya, Cora, and Margo; special friend Virginia Cobb; mother of his daughters, Nita; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Cathy Presler, Janice Sellers, and Joan Goodrich, nephew Scott Sellers, and many other cherished family members and friends.
A celebration of Gary's life will be held Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Covington House, 4201 Main Street, Vancouver, Washington.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary's memory to:
Clark County Historical Museum, 1500 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660
or
I Paw'd It Forward, 15640 NE Fourth Plain Road, #106-PMB501, Vancouver, WA 98682
Gary will be remembered for his hard work, love of family, quick wit, and the many laughs he shared with those fortunate enough to know him. Old guys rule!
His funeral will be handled by Northwood Park Funeral Home & Cemetery at 16407 NE 15th Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642.
