Gary Douglas Eakin

Gary Douglas Eakin, 74, of Medford, OR, passed away peacefully at home on April 9, 2024. Gary was born on May 31, 1949, in Vancouver, Washington to Elbert and Mary Eakin and was raised in Grandview, Washington. 

Known for his independent spirit and unconventional ways, Gary's life was a vibrant tapestry of showmanship, performance, and entertainment, aimed at creating unforgettable experiences and spreading joy with all those he knew. 

He was the second child of Elbert and Mary Eakin, survived by his siblings: Patricia Smith (husband Bill deceased), Pamela Miller (husband John), Carole (husband Tim McKittrick), and brother John (wife Angie). He had numerous nieces and nephews that he loved deeply.

Gary had five children Brenna Mahler (husband Nathan and children Emma and Thomas), Clifton Eakin (son Ezra Petri), Rachel Bagwell (children Madison, Westley, Grace, Koa & Bodhi. Great grandson Romeo). Elizabeth Bogren (husband Brian and daughter Lauren Ronne), and Michael Eakin. And of course, his beloved Golden Doodle Daisey. 

Gary was never one to follow the rules or the straight and narrow. Always embracing his inner trickster, Gary playfully identified with the fox as his spirit animal. He was a wild child who bypassed the traditional path to college and was instead drawn to the California dream which led him to becoming a professional car salesman, which he excelled at. He boasted selling an impressive 49 cars in a single month! This success led him to managing car lots and even owning his own car lots. Later on in life he established a thriving business in the auto industry, granting him the freedom to live life on his own terms.

His talents transcended business, spanning acting, singing, and parenthood. As a single father, he and his son Michael bonded over karate, with Gary achieving a fourth-degree black belt under Hanshi Jerry Piddington. In his 40s, he also delved into dancing, from the lively west coast swing to the passionate tango, even embracing competitive ballroom dancing. He was an very avid fisherman and hunter all around the Pacific Northwest. He loved to cook and touted himself as a home chef and he loved to host dinner parties with all his friends.

Gary spent his last days surrounded by his family and friends, partying and telling stories, playing the harmonica and singing songs together. He even got his first tattoo days before his death, just to say he did! He went out the same way he came in, with a bang!

While Gary's earthly journey comes to an end, his adventurous spirit and mischievous grin will sing on in all who knew and loved him.                   

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 27th from 5-7pm at the Eagles Lodge in Medford, Oregon. All are welcome!

The family would like to thank Riverside Home Health for their wonderful help in caring for Gary during his last days. We would also like to thank the Eagles Lodge of Medford for hosting his celebration for us!