Gary Matthew Kurtz

From his early days in Kittitas County to a life filled with adventure and deep devotion, Gary Matthew Kurtz lived a life as rich as the Washington landscape he called home. Born in Ellensburg and raised in Cle Elum, Gary was a natural leader from the start—earning the rank of Eagle Scout at just 13, excelling as a multi-sport athlete, and serving in student government.

Of all his early milestones, nothing shaped Gary's world more than meeting Caroline in high school. Though college took them to CWU and WSU respectively, distance couldn’t dim their connection. They married on Labor Day weekend in 1967 and soon welcomed their two sons, Noel and Ben, who became the center of their world.

Gary’s dynamic career began in engineering at Boeing, followed by 14 years as a heavy-duty truck salesman in Spokane, and 16 dedicated years at SeaTac Ford while living in Bellevue.

In 2000, life came full circle. Gary and Caroline returned to her family home in Cle Elum, transitioning from corporate careers to a shared passion for real estate with Windermere. This chapter brought the immense joy of becoming grandparents to Maddox and Cruz. It also gave them the freedom to enjoy life on The Ranch in Cle Elum, with regular trips to the shores of Alki Beach in West Seattle, alongside Caroline's sister, Mary Anne, and her husband, Hans.

Gary’s legacy lives on in the community he served, the family he built, and the enduring love story he shared with Caroline. He will be deeply missed and beautifully remembered.