Gary K. Jasper

Gary K. Jasper passed away the morning of June 12, 2014, at his Wasilla residence with his wife by his side. Gary had been ill since February with respiratory problems.

Gary was born Sept. 28, 1944, to Terrell T. and Alice E. (Scrivner) Jasper.

He attended school in Wilder and Greenleaf, Idaho, in his grade school years. In 1962 he graduated from Greenleaf Friend’s Academy in Greenleaf, Idaho. After high school he attended Boise Jr. College, Northwest Nazarene College, and the University of Oregon. He earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in administration/elementary education.

Gary’s teaching career lasted for 32 years. He taught in Nyssa, Oregon, for 15 years and 17 years in Palmer. His teaching experience covered grades 3-6, Title 7 Programs, and some administrative duties.

Gary retired in 1999 from the Mat-Su Borough School District.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Patricia, of 31 years; daughters Nikki Jasper, Kimberly (Bryan) Sundquist; sons, Tracy (Keri) Rieless, and Stephen Rieless; six grandchildren, Courtney Jasper, Tory Rieless, Matthew Esplin, Dalton Conant, Brandon Sunquist and Lindsey Rieless of Oregon, Idaho and Alaska; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Terrell and Alice (Scrivner) Jasper; and step-father, Simon Hoadley; all of Idaho.

Gary was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying all types of activities, hunting and riding his six-wheeler in the backcountry, fishing, and snowmobiling in the cold wilds of Alaska. He spent many hours with a fly rod in hand, looking for a monster trout in the Kenai River.

Also, many hours were spent at a friend’s cabin, during the winter, stoking the fire, watching the Iditarod, or just being outside on a long winter’s weekend.

Gary and Patte enjoyed going to Las Vegas every fall to the Professional Bull Riders finals at the Thomas and Mac Arena.

Many trips were made to Oregon and Idaho to visit family and friends. One family trip to Hawaii was especially memorable.

A memorial service was June 23 in Caldwell, Idaho, at Flahiff Funeral Chapel. He will be interred in the family’s plot in Canyon Hill Cemetery, 2024 Illinois Ave., Caldwell.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held in Alaska at a date to be announced later.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, 950 E. Bogard, Wasilla, Alaska 99654, or, The Salvation Army Church and Food Bank, 209 West Evergreen Ave, Palmer, Alaska 99645.