Gary Lee Bishop

Bush pilot, Gary Lee Bishop, 71, took his last flight on Feb. 4, 2018, after complications from an automobile accident on Sept. 17, 2017. A friend wrote that he is sure Gary had a safe landing and a prime place in God's hangar. A celebration of his life will be held on June 9, 2018, at 12 p.m.

Gary was born on Sept. 2, 1946, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Eldridge and Jeweldean Bishop. He attended Oklahoma State University where he was a flying Aggie. He married Janis Soeten on Aug. 20, 1973, in Claremore, Oklahoma. In 1981, Gary drove the Alcan with his wife and young son to live the Alaskan adventure. He had many Alaskan opportunities; owning and operating Bishop Construction, Palmer Construction, Whittier Harbor Store, and Palmer Air - a 135 air taxi service. He enjoyed the Alaskan scenery and marveled at the beauty of the land from his super cub. He had numerous Alaskan adventures flying for AAA Guide and Outfitters, and developed lifelong friendships with the owners, guides, cooks, and clients. He was avid outdoorsman and enjoyed pheasant hunting in South Dakota, and duck hunting, and fishing in Alaska. He is survived by his wife, Janis Bishop, son and daughter-in-law, Garon and Amber Bishop, daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Wyatt Schmiege, daughter Shannon Bishop and grandsons, Beckett and Jackson of Houston, Texas, brother and sister-in-law, Barry and Kim Bishop of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, nephews Barrett Bishop, Fairfax Station, Virginia, Kevin Bishop, Mounds, Oklahoma, Scott Malek, Corey, Pennsylvania, and Trey Soeten, Owasso, Oklahoma and Mother-in-law, Jane Soeten. The joy of his life, was his 3-year-old granddaughter, Lea Elizabeth Schmiege. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Eldridge Bishop, mother, Jeweldean Andrews, and beloved grandmother Elizabeth Basinger.

Since Gary’s passing, many flying, hunting, and fishing stories have been shared with his family. If you have a story to share for his celebration of life, please send it to PO Box 3409, Palmer, AK 99645, or email bishoppilot@gmail.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla, Alaska.