Gary Dennis Lukehart

Gary Lukehart, age 87, of Naches, passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2023, in Yakima, Washington. He was born on January 21, 1936, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Donald and Florence Lukehart, and his siblings, Gloria, Don, Roger, and Vivianne.

Gary grew up in Central California. He was raised in a loving family, by hard working parents. He found himself surrounded by good friends throughout school. He thoroughly enjoyed football from a young age.

He graduated from Campbell High School, class of 1955. He went on to study at Oregon State University. Gary played division one college football, as a running back and quarterback. He loved the game as much as he loved life. He earned many recognitions during this time with OSU. He went with his team to the Rose Bowl in 1957, in Pasadena, California, against University of Iowa. He earned a bachelors degree in Business, in 1959.

On July 7, 1956, in San Jose, California, he married Mary Lukehart. Mary and Gary were married for 67 great years.

Gary and Mary moved to Naches, Washington, with their three children, in 1969. They discovered the Running Springs Ranch, and once they laid eyes on the beauty of the acreage, they decided overnight that it was home. The ranch became the homestead for the family, and it developed into a way of life. The animals have been constant on the ranch, from cattle, to horses, goats, pigs, always a loyal dog, and several cats. Working on the ranch was constant and it shows, as it remains in mint condition to this day. The barn is one of many historic buildings that is on the Running Springs Ranch. The big red barn has hosted celebration after celebration for family, community, and friends. Magical memories remain framed throughout the inside of the barn. Mary resides on the Ranch until this day.

Gary was driven, a visionary, and a hard worker continuously. When he was a young man, he started work right away, selling soda to construction workers, while riding his scooter around town. There was not a hands-on-job that Gary didnt do as a teen, from roofing, to selling paper, cutting hair, to building furniture. His solid work ethic continued throughout his life. Trail Wagons Chinook started in 1968 and was a highly successful company through 2006. The company was an innovative motorhome manufacturing business. The company won awards throughout its tenure. In 1980, Trail Wagons was awarded the top RV camper van in the business. The build of Chinooks started with Garys creative innovation and desire to produce a camper that was comfortable for families to travel all over the world. The initial start of the innovation came in California, with family wagons, where Gary partnered with extended family to create camper vans.

He continued to be involved in creating a healthy and successful community in Naches and Yakima. He was a part of building infrastructure with water, buildings such as the Gateway Shopping Center, Marriott Hotels, and other businesses. When you drive on Interstate 82, in the spring, look over to notice the daffodils in full bloom. The Lukehart family planted those with the intention to beautify the area. Now, and for many seasons to come, they are a reminder of Gary and how much he has done for the Yakima Valley.

Gary was one of the initial creators of the Yakima Sundome. He had a great hand in building this unique structure in Yakima. The Sundome became a landmark for Yakima, full of hosting a variety of events.

Gary enjoyed camping, boating, hunting, and fishing. The family made memories together on many of these spontaneous adventures. Have we mentioned Gary loved football? He found himself watching football at every opportunity. His shop was a place where he created with wood. He could make something beautiful from nothing, when working with wood. Through the years, he enjoyed collecting things. Especially, collecting motorized scooters that resembled the one he rode as a child. His collection of the scooters can often be found on display at the Ranch or in the local Sportsmans Day parade. The popcorn truck was bought for Mary, at the Portland Swap meet many years ago. The popcorn truck represents the work ethic that Gary and Mary share. Making and selling popcorn was not just a hobby, but also an experience. Many life lessons were taught through four generations of family in the popcorn truck.

Gary and Mary have donated money to various foundations throughout their lives, to help people in need. Gary served on the Sundusters Club for many years. He held many roles throughout local organizations in Yakima, like the Chamber of Commerce. Garys vision for the Yakima Valley was noteworthy. The famous sign off I-80 "Palm Springs of Washington" is well known. This sign was the beginning of putting Yakima on the map. Gary knew then what we all know and experience now, that this valley is special. With the sunshine, the apples, hops, vineyards, there are plenty of opportunities for families to work and grow.

Gary is survived by his wife, Mary Lukehart, children, Roz (Joe) Holman, Dan (Teri) Lukehart, and Dain (Linda) Lukehart, grandchildren, Lacey Sheppard, Austin Holman, and Mary-Clara Holman, Taylor Murphy, Dustin Lukehart, and Dillon Lukehart, Nicholas Lukehart and Blake Lukehart, great-grandchildren, Hudson, and Sawyer Sheppard, Eben, Agnes, and Lewis Holman, Myla Lukehart, and Brock Lukehart. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Eva Lukehart, and Sharon Lukehart, and so many dear relatives spread across Idaho, Washington, and California. Gary is preceded in death by Donald Sr., Florence, Vivianne, Gloria, Roger, and Don.

The family would like to thank the Naches Fire Department, Hope Bridge Medical Team, and all of the clinicians that took care of Gary along the way.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023, from 1:00-4:00pm, at the Running Springs Ranch (271 Running Springs Lane, Naches, WA 98937).

Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.

Celebration of Life
Lukehart Ranch
Saturday, May 27, 2023
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
271 Running Springs Lane
Naches, WA 98937